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First trailer for Twisted Metal: Head On port emerges
We've just got to say it: Watching a trailer for a new Twisted Metal game makes us feel downright nostalgic. It doesn't hurt that this trailer for the upcoming PSP-to-PS2 port of Twisted Metal: Head On (now subtitled the Extra Twisted Edition) makes no efforts to seem hip or modern, sticking to the edgy, dark, metal-inspired pastiche that's been a series hallmark since its inception more than a decade ago. If you're old enough to remember Sweet Tooth and the rest of the upwardly mobile monsters he associated with (or just like making cars explode) this new offering seems to be a pretty solid deal, jam-packed with new levels, updated graphics and a bevy of bonus features. As a coming-out party for David Jaffe's Eat Sleep Play, this "everything old is new again" approach seems like a good choice. It's one he explained further today on Sony's official blog where he wrote that working on a new Twisted Metal game was "like coming home." We know exactly what you mean, Dave. We know exactly what you mean.
Retro Reviews round-up: Spyro & Twisted Metal
PSP Fanboy has been reviewing all of the PS1 re-releases from the PS Store. They recently added three more games, all of which are playable (upscaled!) on the PS3. Here are a few excerpts, but to check them all out, visit PSP Fanboy.Wipeout - Ultimately, the game's true shortcoming is well ... how short it is. With so few tracks and ships to choose from, one can't help but think that $6 is the absolute most you should pay for this trip down memory lane. A solid game -- but there's far better options. 6.5Spyro the Dragon - With frequent save points, fast load times, and generally solid gameplay, Insomniac's early platformer still manages to impress. The gameplay is admittedly on the simplistic side, but there is no doubt that nearly a decade ago, Insomniac was pushing some truly impressive tech. The graphics are silky smooth, and the Sypro character lives with animation akin to that of the Ratchet series. The game looks as good as an average PSP game (albeit running in 4:3). 7.5Twisted Metal 2 - There's a reason why Twisted Metal was so beloved: it had a lot of personality, with its apocalyptic levels and crazed vehicle designs. The relentless difficulty of the game and simplistic presentation take a lot away from this re-release, but at $6, it's still a fairly solid retread to invest in, especially for portable gamers. 6.0
Retro Review: Twisted Metal 2
Twisted Metal 2Price: $5.99Original Release Date: October 31, 1996Recommended. Once again, another stellar retro classic hits the PS Store, for play on both PSP and PS3. Twisted Metal 2 is an improved sequel of the most definitive car combat game of all time. There's a reason why Twisted Metal was so beloved: it had a lot of personality, with its apocalyptic levels and crazed vehicle designs. The relentless difficulty of the game and simplistic presentation take a lot away from this re-release, but at $6, it's still a fairly solid retread to invest in, especially for portable gamers.Once again, the simple controls work well on the PSP (using control type 2). The cars are incredibly responsive, and can make unrealistically sharp turns at a moment's notice. It felt weird using Square to accelerate (instead of X), but there are very few surprises in the controls. Weapons are easy to switch between, and they're easy to use as well. It can become problematic to find enemies in the game's relatively large levels, but when competition is near, it's fast and furious.Overall, what hurts this retro game is how difficult it is. There's multiple choices, but it's not easy to take down a racer, and health upgrades are few and far apart. It'll take a lot of luck and skill to survive the game's championship mode. Thankfully, the ability to play individual tracks will help you discover the locations of secrets, giving you a much-needed edge in a rather unfair fight.Retro Review: 6.0
Rumor: Twisted Metal PS3 hinted at in clownsplosion?
We say "clownsplosion" because at first, the image of an atomic explosion seemed innocent enough (relatively speaking) and we didn't see the hidden image inside the puffs of PlayStation 3 exclusive smoke. We'd outline it, but we're too lazy. There's a madly laughing clown. A lot of debate has been floating around the PS3 Forums about this picture, but most seem to agree -- Twisted Metal. It's been a long time, what with the last TM game coming around the PS2's launch.Why do we think it's Twisted Metal? What other game has a clown that would be so delighted to have an atomic explosion bearing a laughing clown hidden therein? Only Sweet Tooth will suffice. Yeah, the face doesn't look as dark and sadistic as Sweet Tooth, but the fact remains: there is an explosion and it is a clown. We welcome Twisted Metal coming on the PS3, even if it's a collection of the old games. Though we'd love a new entry with some badass online modes and "Create Your Own" car of sometimes-humorous death.
Rumor: Sony and Incog Inc. splittville?
The coveted developer that created the Twisted Metal and Warhawk franchises may soon be parting ways with the Sony empire. Rumor has it Sony has been none too pleased with Incog's performances as of late. Sony will sever ties once Warhawk is completed for the PS3, and even scoop up a few of their talented developers in their wake. Those remaining on-board with Incog would likely have to form new financial relationships with publishers and such. If you were waiting for some Twisted Metal love on the PS3, you might just have to wait indefinitely. No word on exactly who will retain the rights to either Warhawk or Twisted Metal after the deal is done. More to come on this as it develops. [Via PSXExtreme]
PS1 catalogue on PS3 not yet playable
Speaking with 1UP, Sony's Phil Harrison detailed plans to make most of the PlayStation (PS1) catalogue available for download on PlayStation 3 -- in addition to PSP. Harrison confirmed that a few titles will be available at launch, including Twisted Metal and Syphon Filter. The catch is you'll have to play them on your PSP, since PS3 currently lacks PS1 emulation software.Once the patch is distributed though -- Harrison hopes by year's end -- each PS1 download will be playable on both PS3 and PSP, allowing us to enjoy treasured classics and rarities on-the-go and on the big screen. Just be warned, PS1 games will not be enhanced for your 1080p display.Note: Actual PS1 discs will be playable at launch.
Famitsu releases details on new aerial-combat game
Our close friends at Famitsu (Actually, I don't think have any idea who we are) have just released some screens and info about M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes). The game, which will be published by Vivendi Games, combines aerial racing and combat that may be somewhat similar to Twisted Metal in the sky."M.A.C.H. is set in the year 2049, when manned jet fighters are no longer used. The main character of the game, a member of the final graduating class of the Air Force Academy, obtains the military's remaining stock of jet fighters. For one reason or another, he then decides to hold races with the fighters," according to PSP-Vault's translation.While there doesn't seem to be any additional information available for the game, IGN has the game scheduled to be released in the U.S. Dec. 19. [Via PSP-Vault]
New Need for Speed Carbon video released
I gotta admit the Need for Speed franchise has come a long, long way since I first played it on the Playstation. I can still remember its god-forsaken turning sensitivity that just about drove me crazy. Thankfully, those days are long gone, and the series is still going strong, which is proven by the upcoming release of Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City. While the video is light on gameplay, it does show what appears to be the game's cutscenes that may have been stolen borrowed from the Twisted Metal series. It also sheds some light on the story line. In the game, players must take control of their rivals' territories by outracing them. But watch out because you'll also have to keep an eye out for the "fuzz" who are always looking to spoil the fun. Carbon ships Nov. 1.
Jaffe abandons PSP, releasing quick-turnaround PS3 title
David Jaffe didn't have to make a game to "make you cry," he just had to cancel it. After boisterous claims that he was working on a game that would bring tears to our eyes, Jaffe blogs -- yep, back from his hiatus -- that this mysterious Project HL is now "on the shelf." For you optimists, the foul-mouthed designer adds, "fuck it. We'll do HL later ... maybe."As it turns out, Jaffe has focused his spastic energy on an unannounced PlayStation 3 project, which apparently shares characteristics with Twisted Metal and Bomberman and, well, Jaffe's not ready to say much else ... Interestingly, the game has only been in development for 6–7 months, but being on the verge of goin' Alpha, Jaffe expects the final version to hit retail between November and January. A surprise launch title? Perhaps.In typical Jaffe fashion, the post explodes, in ALL CAPS, into an excited ramble, envisioning the future of games as "SHORTER, LESS EXPENSIVE" projects, akin to the churn'em-out-style of old Warner Bros. cartoons. "...just knocking them out," blogs Jaffe, "and some are -- worst case -- just average, while some are amazing ... but it adds up to a hell of a batting average over time and lots of fun games." You have our attention. Now please deliver.[Via PSP Fanboy]
