Twisted Metal: Head-On

I'd never played a Twisted Metal game before watching the 2023 TV series. Naturally, after enjoying the show, I figured I'd check out the games. I found the PS1 titles pretty disappointing and couldn't really figure out how a TV show was inspired by them. Then I tried the first PS2 entry, "Twisted Metal: Black", and thought it was OK-but finally, here's the one that made me a fan.

For me, this is the best TM game so far. The controls are easy to get used to, and it doesn't feel like you're barely hanging on. The levels are fleshed out, packed with chaos, and genuinely fun to tear through in total vehicular carnage.

Apparently, this is what the original developers wanted Twisted Metal 2 to be. They even had plans for some on-foot gameplay, but that never saw the light of day-supposedly because the team died in a plane crash. I don't know if that's true or just a story the game made up, but there's also "Twisted Metal: Lost" in this game, a bonus feature where you can play one of the unfinished levels the original devs were working on, plus unlock videos about it. There's also a bonus to choose to walk around as Sweet Tooth in the original devs idea of an on foot level, but youre just free roaming to find areas that have some information and concept art of the OG devs.

This game also recreates some classic levels from earlier entries and makes them better. You're not just stocking up on weapons and blowing up opponents-you can also destroy parts of the environment, like the Eiffel Tower, the Egyptian pyramids, and even mess around in an amusement park, driving through roller coasters and water slides.

This one finally held my interest and nailed the one thing most of the other games were missing: replay value. And not just in multiplayer mode.

The only thing I wish they hadn't done was switch the endings to anime-style images with a bit of motion. Aside from that, this is the first game in the series where I wasn't wishing something was changed, added, or removed-it feels perfect as-is. Well, except I'd prefer more hard rock music over some of the tracks used here. But those are minor nitpicks. The only real way this game could've been better is if it had more levels.

This is hands down the best *Twisted Metal* game I've come across so far. It's miles better than the four PS1 titles and the first PS2 entry. That just leaves checking out the PS3 version and the PSP one-which I believe is just this game scaled down.

It was also cool to have a vehicle included that is a nod to Carmeggedon.

Without a doubt, Twisted Metal: Head On is simply a blast on the PSP with great graphics, colorful characters, sense of humor, and some cool rockin' tunes. The first game was flawed, but functional. But the second one was such a hit that it became an instant classic and is the best in the series. However, with the third and fourth installments, it went downhill and received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. The series (thankfully) regained its former glory with Twisted Metal: Black; albeit a much darker and disturbing game with imagery that will shock and horrify you psychologically.

Twisted Metal: Head On returns to the roots of its predecessors in terms of art and style. The game has three modes of play, Story, Challenge, and Endurance. The controls take time to get used to, due to the lack of a second Analog Stick on the PSP, but it still rocks!!! Many old favorites like Roadkill, Sweet Tooth, Axel, Mr. Grimm and Mr. Slam, return in this new installment along with some new faces. Many of the levels from the previous games that have undergone a major overhaul are large and expansive with lots of nooks and crannies to wage and assault and secrets to discover (though I won't spoil the surprises, but you get the point).

One of the greatest aspects of Head On is the graphics. They are absolutely STUNNING!!! Never have I seen a game with such impressive graphical detail on a portable system!!! You will literally stare in awe at the stunning visuals. But that's not all. The game features some of the most visually impressive hand-drawn cinematic cut-scenes from the opening intro to the endings for each character; making you play each character to see what His/Her story is. The audio is impressive as well from the voices of the characters to the gunfire and explosions. It just sounds so good on the PSP that you'll scream in joy.

The series is known for its terrifying and powerful boss characters and Twisted Metal continues that tradition. I had a hard time beating some of the them, especially the final boss on the last level. REALLY tough.

Twisted Metal: Head On has great replay value. Beating the game unlocks secret characters, stages, and more. You can play with others using Ad-Hoc Mode ( for those who don't know, it allows you to play with other PSP owners wireless, Very cool). You can also battle other players on-line as well as modify and edit many aspects of the multi-player mode. These ingredients alone will provide hours of fun at home or on the go.

Some nitpicks: The levels could've been more interactive (Vigilante 8's levels had far more interaction) and larger. Some of the special moves are hard to perform. I would've liked to see more new characters and stages, but it's solid nonetheless. And I would like to see more revelations about the evil mastermind behind the Twisted Metal contest and what his true agenda is. Hopefully, the next installment will feature more characters and stages, more better story lines for the characters, more modes, and possibly a create-a-level/create-a-driver mode.

Bottom line: Twisted Metal: Head On is one of the best games for the PSP. If you like destruction derby-type games, than this is the game for you. It's now priced at $19.99 so don't pass it up. Get it and be blown away!!!