The Rise And Fall Of Twisted Metal

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So Twisted Metal, eh? What a series. Well, what a handful of games. Well, what a couple of games. Well, what a one game and a half decent other game. Look, it’s complicated.
Twisted Metal was an underdog, almost became a star, fizzled out, and came back strong… but nothing could ever really fix it again. Twisted Metal isn’t dead, but as a game series it’s been left on the scrapheap.
Maybe that PlayStation Productions TV show will rescue it and we’ll see another game, who knows.
Check out the rest of the channel: / @bransfiiiield
Twisted Metal: Lost footage from here: / @viktorfredov4934
• Twisted Metal: Head-On...
Twisted Metal 2012 footage from here: / nextgenwalkthroughs
I looked back at Far Cry too, have a shufty: • Far Cry - Looking Back...
Please do like, share and subscribe if you enjoy. Don’t if you don’t, it’s all good.
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Music: Assorted tracks from Twisted Metal through Twisted Metal 4, as you’d expect.

[@Larry]

I bloody loved Twisted Metal, the first two were the PS1 for me, shame the sequels were a bit arse. Also the goth vibe of black put me off, I loved the whole Americana the original two had. It is a shame that Sony haven't made a PS4 one yet, Twisted Metal would make for a great Battle Royale game.

[@iannations2543]

Perhaps as anniversary project. Just imagine the amount of vehicles! Sweet tooth, darkside, Mr. Grimm, brimstone, talon, the small brawlers in a weaponized school bus, sledgehammer (or better yet the killdozer because it turned 15), outlaw, a monster truck, juggernaut, minion, quatro, Mr. zombie, Axel, crazy 8, and last but _never_ least, *CALYPSO!*

[@Larry]

@@iannations2543 I'd imagine you'd be able to create and customize your own vehicles. that or it would be a hero type game ALA Apex Legends, the same main characters, but with individual skins and special powers.

[@countessgardevoir2425]

I was just about to bring up the Battle Royale bit, you put it better than I could

[@jeremyriley1238]

True, that. The only thing I heard about Twisted Metal's future is that there is a TV show in the works.

[@captainbuzzkill4658]

3 was the best one

[@bromodz2309]

A game like Twisted Metal Black could not be released in today’s times, it’s way too gruesome, I’m so happy to have had the privilege of growing up with such a gem

[@Joseph-f3c]

Love twisted metal black but 2 is the best for me

[@cms1138]

My memories of this game are much better than the game itself.

[@portalsofmadnes]

I can kinda agree, but also not. For its time TM1 and 2 were amazing games. Coming from 16 bit SNES/Genesis to TM1 and 2 was a huge leap. Even now TM Black still posses fast and responsive control and gameplay.

[@ced214]

cms1138 you probably just suck at it🤷🏽‍♂️

[@richardgombert2752]

Someone finally said it. Twisted Metal 2 is fuckin awesome, but sometimes unfair ._. like Suicide Slide is the second level, yet where you lose a life or two because of the fact that the respawn time for items takes forever, and it seems no matter where you are youre constantly being hit by everything. However if you shoot a homing missile while flying around like the AI and shooting at a time where it should hit, 9/10 youre missing that shot because "fuck you youre not good enough". I don't maybe its just me, but playing them again I question how I was able to beat these games as a child and can barely survive nowadays.

[@SuperCuttyBlackSow]

@@richardgombert2752 how about being frozen over and over till your dead lol

[@wiplash518]

They need to continue Twisted Metal Black!

[@l30S3UX]

I disagree on the graphics, it looked cool and it still looks acceptable... The best was the open city enviroment... Os the closest consoles got to PC Carmageddon... But Faster!!

[@CassandraPantaristi]

With Black taking place in Needles Kane's head while he sleeps, I guess you can can say that Twisted Metal: Lost is the result of Needles Kane waking up from his insomnia. 😛🤣

[@maxiloveyourvideos.steadma4663]

It was the expectation. My dad was one of the first people to get the game and he had such high expectations of what the third one would be like because he clearly loved the series, as he still has the second one on the compact disc and has me play it on his PS3, so with the second one being a improvement, my dad expected an even better game and he now says that twisted metal 3 as the worst game ever because of the letdown, so... Yeah

[@chesspunk489]

Just like your dad I also remember being let down when tm 3 came out. 2 was such an incredible game even with it's flaws but 3 was lame in every way.

[@pottedplant7460]

What do you think of Cel Damage? Personally, I really like its focus on whacky, toon-based physics and relatively more casual play. It's like the developers new that it was going to be compared to Twisted Metal and Vigilante 8, so they went in the complete polar opposite direction to help stand out.

[@KevinJamesVideo]

I think the numbers thrown around ~24:30 are low-balling Black & 2012's sold-through figures. 2012 hit 2 million within it's first year, I want to say.

[@rockyroad90]

I have to say I think you nailed! I will say that TWM Black wood have been better receive if it was less difficult AND the AI would have been similar to TWM 2 ( the cars actually fighting each other and not all just ganging up on you would have given the game the TWM 2 feel, realism (storyline) and decreased the difficulty)

[@MusicWizard85]

1, 2, Head On, and Black are the only ones worth playing. 2 is still the best. A modern remake/remaster of 2 with extra back story and more in depth levels would be fun.

[@stresslee]

I'm really surprised this game isn't a battle Royale style type of game nowadays, this game was always so much fun back in the day I always wanted more, it was just so unique

[@jonbourgoin182]

Maybe it’s just me but I feel like the volume of your narration is a bit too low. Aside from that your videos are top notch.

[@terranceyoung1994]

Why can't people just accept that Twisted Metal 3 wasn't a bad game it was actually pretty good for what the developers have to work with plus it sold very well

[@duncanrathband5492]

Another ace video Bransfield. We love you 👍👍👍

[@grandimations7309]

I promised my uncle (who's a huge TM fan) if I became prominent enough in the industry, I'd do my best to push for a new Twisted Metal game. I'm just now entering the scene and getting myself familiar with the franchise, why it was so popular, and where it went wrong, and what I could do to make a FUN and Faithful Twisted Metal game. (Fan made or not.) Though it seems my Ultimate goal will be to surpass TM2 somehow.

[@chesspunk489]

Just remake 2 with some fixes. Make it so spectre no longer spams his special, take away infinite freezes from enemies, and make it so your missiles can actually do damage from long distances. You would have a perfect game if those things were fixed.

[@CassandraPantaristi]

I would love a remaster of Black and Small Brawl. Small Brawl got me into the series, and Black is in my opinion the best one in the series. A remastered version of both would look really cool on PS4/PS5. But I need Twisted Metal 2, I never played that one.

[@itzalion]

I know it is not a car combat game, but Critical Depth on PSX felt a lot like TM2 with great atmosphere, music and story beats. And of course gameplay. More enjoyable for me than TM 3 and 4.

[@KvltKommando]

My favorites are Twisted Metal 2 and Black. Frankly the Twisted Metal 2 car handling is horrendous and borderline ruins the game for me now (I think I just assumed I sucked at driving when i played it as a kid) but it has so much personality that you can overlook it. It was always one of the games I lusted over in the 90's in my playstationless existence. I have vivid memories of hearing kids talk about the the different twisted metal characters at lunch during school in the 2nd or 3rd grade, being captivated by the character design of Axel and Sweet Tooth, and desperately wanting to know their stories. I didn't think 3 was bad for a ps1 game, just lacking the personality of 2, it has some really good looking stages/lighting at times and better handling than 2 at least. Frankly, I preferred Vigilante 8 when it came to the gameplay, but the universe of Vigilante 8 never spoke to me on same level as Twisted Metal. Edit: and I really hope that some of this current crop of guys my age who develop games now will reboot vehicular combat games.

[@mantovannni]

I've only played the first few and I used to play Spectre as he had lots of speed but next to no armour. The only reason I ever bought PlayStation was because of this game lol.

[@Peffse]

count me under one of the people who enjoyed 3 & 4. It was the co-op. But I agree they weren't very good Twisted Metal games. I also never understood the love for TM Black, but loved how campy Head-On was.

[@ronin_4075]

Black had the best gameplay and was a cool new direction for the series which is why i loved it, but yea Head On was almost the perfect Twisted Metal, and is my favorite

[@Aeon2Flux]

@@ronin_4075 The only thing i had a problem with black was the ramming. Every time you collided with a car you kinda thud and spin in place around them and not much if any damage was done or felt. Other than that it is a timeless classic and one out 5 amazing games releasing in 2001.. The others being Star Wars:Rouge Leader on GC, Metal Gear Solid 2 and GTA 3 on PS2 and HALO on XBOX..Man i miss those times.

[@ricmamaddafakka7248]

Case with twisted metal is like with Terminator or Konan or Rambo or i dont know. With Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator as a franchise is over, just as Rambo without Sly, and like no one will never be the next Konan. Twisted Metal is reached its peak with TM2.

[@mantovannni]

I don't know anything about selfie taking as I have never taken one. I've seen plenty so I have got tips for you. The camera must be around forehead height, you have to raise your eyebrows in surprise while pouting your lips as far out as they will go as if your life depended on it.

[@jordanmurrah9757]

Twisted Metal needs to go realistic car dynamics to make it more competitive and more gorilla i think. Imagin the feel of need for speen in TM and maybe even an in car view to make it feel like you really need to be looking threw any window crack or crevice you can. Also to change stop and go with your car as speed realistic radar and armor. If need for speed had a baby with TM that would be the all out, hasent quite been done yet new and improved move and it would take people by storm i think \m/

[@Joseph-f3c]

That's why I never bought 4. 3 was a huge letdown. I just bought tm2 on the ps store today

[@chumpyman]

I loved the video. Great channel

[@jakeryan2805]

I played TM ps3 online right until they shut off the servers! Absolute blast with the multiplayer. They changed too much in single player. Should have been like TM2m or Black. Individual drivers for every car ect. I hope we get another maybe for ps5/end of life ps4. The industry really need a car combat game right now. There is nothing like Twisted Metal out right now. Only thing I have played that give me a similar feeling is Onrush, but that's a racing/car combat game. Not a straight up battle royal like Tm is.

[@LGamerr]

Mmm I love Onrush, it's definitely been keeping me busy since the shutdown.

[@felman87]

I think it's a shame that the PS2 port of Head On didn't have online. I know "who was playing online on the PS2?" but the PS3s, at least a good chunk of them, were backwards compatible and the online functionality for those PS2 titles did work on the system. I mean, there were some people who would've loved to play Twisted Metal online on a big ass newly purchase HDTV screen. And since the the 2012 PS3 Twisted Metal title was still 4 years off (not that we knew it at the time) this would've been the only way to play Twisted Metal, short of those copies of Black that had online included (The copy I borrowed from my friend didn't).

[@Bransfiiiield]

Huh, I genuinely did not know PS2 games on PS3 could do online. The HDD/online stuff in Europe was a bit weird - while online worked fine, games in Europe didn't support the hard drive, meaning it was only like a 50% functional add-on. It never really caught any steam as a result and online over here was largely ignored. See also: TM: Black Online not being free in Europe as it was in the States, which can't have helped. I'm still bitter about PS2 online being something Sony seemed not to care about in Europe.

[@andwithbigr]

miss this game ;( would be cool to have a remake of twisted metal 2.

[@ninezat]

have you ever played TM Head-On? its twisted metal 2 but for the ps2. you can search it on youtube if ye want

[@LaceyFilm]

The shitty graphics still looked better than almost anything on the Saturn.

[@boxdesu]

the wonderful weekends of renting twisted metal 2 :)

[@saintakins187]

Question, why don't the civilians in Twisted Metal on the PS3 just evacuate the city? Oh wait nevermind Calypso has umbrella corporation status of power.

[@ninezat]

honestly i think the reason behind why theres no twisted metals on ps4 is because of this game's obscurity. only a few youtubers know about this game. the rest are talking about god of war which was made by the same person who made twisted metal

[@Bransfiiiield]

You not knowing about something doesn't mean nobody knows about it. It's fallen out of the public eye, sure, but this is a multimillion-selling franchise - people remember it. The main reason it's died a death is Sony doesn't want to take a risk on it, as the PS3 version tanked. That's about it.

[@keness4768]

Yes. You need a new mic. Louder volume please. Great presentation mate. As a gamer from the U.S. as American as apple pie and such, I think the twisted game we all came to hold dear to our thoughts is largely based on nostalgia. 2 was great but I recall thinking head on was the deepest.

[@lootattic4530]

Thanks for this video

[@FatherTime89]

I honestly think Black is about as good as 2. Yeah it's difficult (so was 2 for me at the time) and drab but I don't see how it's any more uncreative than 2, yeah the gameplay didn't make a big leap like it did from 1 to 2, but the stories were great and it was fun.

[@chesspunk489]

The specials were not as cool or unique as twisted metal 2. It's still a good game though.

[@KvltKommando]

I wish Twisted Metal controlled like Driver 1

[@ToolBama33]

The PSP wasn't a dud though. It sold extremely well. The Vita (although my favorite handheld ever) was absolutely a dud. But the PSP was absolutely not

[@Bransfiiiield]

It sold extremely well and I love the PSP - as I said in the video. But selling 80 mil next to your direct competitor's 154 million puts it into perspective. Then factor in how little the PSP has *mattered* in the overall, wider world of gaming - again compared to the DS - and you've got to admit it didn't have the impact it should have. 'A dud' maybe is a bit harsh, but a damp squib is definitely apt - there was a pop and people paid attention, but ultimately nothing came of it. I'd argue differently of the Vita, which led the way for the Switch years before that was even a twinkle in Nintendo's eye. You could argue the PSP actually laid that groundwork, but things like remote play were way too patchy on Sony's original handheld for it to really catch on and be seen as viable - the Vita made it a real, genuine thing you could use well and with ease. At some point I want to do videos on both PSP and Vita, such overlooked greats.

[@berserk-_-majay4104]

I feel like black put life back into the series. Loved all of them even the dumpster fires known as 3 an 4 (cant really blame the developers when you know the story of the development history) never did not enjoy a twisted metal I mean shit my favorite game ever is a twisted metal clone, Rogue trip vacation 2012

[@robrobson5035]

TM2 FOREVER!!! Best game ever made

[@chesspunk489]

It's my 3rd favorite game of all time only underneath final fantasy 7 and zelda ocarina of time.

[@shanecordova6970]

Your not alone TM2 was the GREATEST GAME EVER!!!

[@chesspunk489]

It's my 3rd fav game of all time. I am a diehard fan. I am still trying to beat it with everyone on hard to this day without cheats including the sell soul cheat.

[@possiblycrazy442]

I must say, I absolutely loved Twisted Metal 3 as a kid. Seriously. But I must also say it was my first Twisted Metal experience. Twisted Metal 4, although more complex with many levels, just seemed wrong. Too stiff, too glossy, just didn't feel or sound right. Loved getting the chance to rent Twisted Metal 1 every once in a while.

[@possiblycrazy442]

Also, glad to hear one of my favorite songs from Jet Moto 2 in the video.

[@shanecordova6970]

Can u only imagine what the single trac tm3 could have been!?!?!?

[@stephensharp2393]

I've never played any of them. Now at least I know which ones..... one to.

[@keness4768]

Don't leave out head on for ps2 bro. It's the shizznitt. Don't take my word for it..

[@stephensharp2393]

@@keness4768 Is Shizznitt higher or lower than "It's the tits" and "It's the dog's bollocks"?

[@boromir0062]

Kinda crazy twisted metal 3 was my favorite as a kid. It was my the first one I played. Loved them all execpt I didnt like head on. Idk why.

[@iannations2543]

Perhaps 989's twisted metal installments are a separate timeline?

[@CassandraPantaristi]

I think all of the games are. Twisted Metal is to me basically an anthology series, yet connected. Black takes place in Needles Kane's head, so none of the events in Black are "real" in the any of the storylines of Twisted Metal. I would interpret Black and Lost as taking place inside the mind of Needles Kane in Twisted Metal 2012. Raven's voodoo dolls can be seen in Calypso's trophy room. Needles in the 2012 game is not that different from his Black counterpart. Small Brawl I would interpret as a separate timeline to the rest of the series in it's own universe, as Billy Calypso is most likely a middle school kid (probably 14-15). Minion is not in Small Brawl because he doesn't exist in this universe, and that this contest is not connected to Calypso getting his wish-granting power from Satan. As for his granting wishes in Small Brawl, I think that I would leave that up for interpretation. Twisted Metal III and 4 are separate timelines from the rest of the series as well. Pretty much the only ones connected to each other are: Twisted Metal 1, 2, and Head-On in one universe. Twisted Metal Black/Lost, and Twisted Metal 2012 in a another universe. Small Brawl in a parallel universe to the Twisted Metal Black/Lost/2012 universe. Twisted Metal III and 4 are in separate universes of the entire series and of each other. I was reading a DeviantART fan-fiction of Small Brawl in which Small Brawl takes place inside the mind of the driver of Piecemeal. The driver of Piecemeal is in a coma after jumping from his tree house onto the ground. In his coma, he goes to Calypso and asks him to wake up from his coma. Calypso grants his wish before telling him he can come back whenever he wants. So Piecemeal's driver wakes up, later he realized why he put himself into a coma. Sophie hates him and their parents are divorced. So he goes back to the tree house to go back into a coma. He then sees Calypso and Calypso says, "Welcome back, Marcus."

[@Oscar145able]

Bruh I was born in a March 13 and it was a Friday 13. I’m not joking.

[@KainRefusedTheSacrifice]

Probably the weirdest video for me on youtube. I have a similar relationship to Twisted Metal. Was my first game I picked up with the original PlayStation and played the shit out of TM2 with my best friend back then. Tried to rekindle the fires with an NTSC PS2 and TM Black (I actually bought a US-console just for this game) and while I played it a lot, it never catched up to the TM2 times. Plus, I always used Deadly Force and TMB didn't have that. Played it on PSP, felt like the only person happy about the E3-announcement, but when that game finally came out, I stopped playing it after the second or so race level. It just was bad in so many ways. Overcomplicated, trying too hard with annoying level designs. But it wasn't just the game, I'll admit. The perfect TM-game could come out right now, but I would probably not play it very long. Maybe when the kids are old enough, I'll be able to re-kindle that fire, but for now... anyhow, it's just weird to see a video with such a niche story, that is almost beat by beat my own. I now feel very connected to you, sir. :D

[@tmack729]

I only had a PC growing up, so Carmageddon was my Twisted Metal. I think I got the better deal...

[@Larry]

I had both, I vastly preferred TM.

[@chesspunk489]

You missed out brah.

[@LGamerr]

2012 shut down on the 31st of January 2019. Played the thing to the end, no regrets.

[@Tsinij]

Twisted Metal : Black is drab, but is far from ugly for a Ps2 game.

[@CassandraPantaristi]

I have great memories of Twisted Metal Small Brawl, and it's what got me into the series. Black is my second favorite, because of the dark nature. Black and Small Brawl are polar opposites, but I love them both. I wish that they would be remastered for PS4/PS5.

[@andrewpytko4773]

Twisted Metal 2 had three female characters.

[@jonnymaldonado5974]

I kinda disagree with your view of Twisted Metal 3. I found it a load of fun and more relieving to control than Twisted Metal 2. Yes it does have insulting joke endings. Yes the toy car weight physics removed the thrill of ramming opponents, and tumbling over left you wide open, but at least i can properly chase my opponent when making tight turns. I get that everyone has a nostalgia boner for TM2 and even i loved some things about it like the really cool map ideas and memorable characters, i DETESTED those goddamn ice physics having your car slide and launch you all over the place. It looked cool but played like garbage tbh. TM4 handled better than 3 and got much more creative, but it's ideas were cheesy and the characters felt like we were being insulted for playing the game.

[@Kevin_M312]

Awh man I liked 3 a lot :(

[@larncieldarknciel440]

Dave killed twisted metal He tried yo make it god of wars with this huge bosses. It didn't have the fear element that the first one and the second one have. It feels like a dangerous world. The last twisted metal felt like a teen trying to be cool. One of the interesting things about twisted metal was the vehicles, when you play driver do you actually drive those lamborghinis or do you actually drive old beat up trucks and interesting vehicles. The last twisted everything is new looking. I hate that game. I would rather play 3 to be honest.

[@NastalgicCLOWN80687]

Tm 2-3 are the best

[@Hesykast]

There are 3 female characters in Twisted Metal 2. Don't forget Outlaw.

[@Bransfiiiield]

I forgot Outlaw.

[@OscarHernandez-bb6zp]

Thank u bro twisted metal 3 was shit happy the game is died and forgotten

[@jonv9954]

I’d love to see Gearbox do a new twisted metal. The color palette and love of explosions would suit a new age TM really well imo. They make really interesting zones and characters too.

[@jonv9954]

@Sir Galahad explains why it's dead

[@simonbelmont65]

Twisted Metal 1 & Twisted Metal 2 we’re both Amazing games, after that, Twisted Metal fell downhill. They really need to re-make Twisted Metal 1 & Twisted Metal 2 on the PS4 & Nintendo Switch. I really want to play as Hammerhead from the original Twisted Metal again!!

[@captainbuzzkill4658]

3 was the best one. Black wasn’t even that bad but 2012 was shit

[@chesspunk489]

Twisted metal 2 had 3 female characters not 2.

[@GaryTurbo]

Actually, it's three female characters

[@PhillyCYOSports]

3 and 4 were not bad games. Period.

[@Bransfiiiield]

Yes they were, full stop.

[@eliasnicolasmiranda4940]

3 was 4 was good if the story wasn't shitty like 3

[@terranceyoung1994]

@@Bransfiiiield if Twisted Metal 3 was so bad how come and have better graphics better controls and it actually sold well people love the harp on the cutscenes but if you play multiplayer throughout the experience like I did you would never get to see the cutscenes so it really doesn't matter it was a good game for what they have to work with

[@Sinn0100]

989 Studios happened. What in Gods name does a characters gender have anything to do with anything? You drive around in cars 100% of the time. Twisted Metal 2 was a good game because it was a good game not because of what gender a character is. Im done...unsub.

[@Bransfiiiield]

oh no pls come back im soooo sorry

[@Sinn0100]

@@Bransfiiiield I mean I would but then I would have to open the video, click subscribe, and that's just entirely too much effort. I simply cannot be moved enough to care...yawn. I did give your retort a like. Have a wonderful day...;)

[@chesspunk489]

@@Sinn0100 you seem like a crappy human being.

[@evandaymon8303]

It’s not dead. Sony wants to make it TV show as they are getting involved with tv business

[@Bransfiiiield]

Hands up who didn't watch the video