Twisted Metal 2

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 1996
• Genre: Shooter
• Style: Vehicle Shooter
• Similar Games: Carmageddon (IBM PC Compatible), Twisted Metal (PlayStation), Interstate '76 (IBM PC Compatible), Twisted Metal (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

What happens when you put fourteen (2 of which are hidden) of the world's most ruthlessly demented and psychotic driving maniacs in a tournement to compete for their wildest fantasy to be granted? What happens when you take them on a world tour of destruction and

mayhem in such places as Hong Kong or Paris? Furthermore, what happens when this tournament is being run by a death monger with a love of deceipt and sarcasm?

Well, my friends, you get Twisted Metal 2: World Tour. The popular Playstation game of the same name has finally hit the PC. Charcoal faced Calypso is back and is taking his destructive show on a world tour. This time the action is greater, the explosions are bigger, the stakes are higher, and death is more final. Watch out, the world is about to be reduced to a pile of rubble.

Review: Overall

Originally released on the Sony Playstation, SingleTrac is back with the revamped Twisted Metal 2: World Tour. The Windows 95 port is very much like the Playstation version, only having a few differences.

Any one who has played the original Twisted Metal knows that the concept is a competition in which homicidal maniacs compete, quite literally to kill each other, and have their wishes granted by the notorious Calypso, the founder of the Twisted Metal tournament. To do this, you basically chose a driver, each with their own...uh...vehicle. You progress through each area by killing your opponents with special weapons you can pick up (e.g. missiles, napalm) or your vehicle's special weapon. The ultimate goal is to reach Calypso to have your wishes granted. SingleTrac has not changed the idea or format one iota in the sequel Twisted Metal 2: World Tour.

In Twisted Metal 2: World Tour, you get to choose from a pool of twelve drivers, each with their own mission and goal. Some of the original characters from the previous game have made a grand return and there are some new faces as well. Among the new drivers are Axel, a poor man attached to two gigantic wheels; Roadkill, a homicidal man out to prove he's not insane; Twister, a speed freak who only wants to go faster; and a few others. There are also two secret drivers waiting to be found.

The graphics for the Windows 95 version seem to have been enhanced slightly. Everything seems to be running in a higher resolution rather than the grungy Playstation version. And the graphical improvements are especially evident if you are running a 3DFX card. If you are, the graphics are actually very good looking with realistic flame and smoke effects. Everything is much smoother as well. The control, unfortunately, isn't as defined or tight as the Playstation counterpart. It feels a little more sluggish in some areas, but isn't too overly evident. The PC version does, however, feature a nice multiplayer support, allowing 8 friends to go at it in a chaotic free-for-all to the finish. The Playstation only allowed for a two player split screen deathmatch. Ahh, the wonders of the Internet. Other than that, everything is basically the same. You've got your special weapons and items, such as homing missiles, napalm blasts and bombs, insane endings (that really, really make this game what it is) and a good variety of arena based levels.

The Windows 95 version of Twisted Metal 2: World Tour is a very decent game and has everything an action gamer should want: cars, firepower, explosions, and carnage. There are probably better PC games currently on the market, but anyone who missed this wonderful game on the Playstation would probably enjoy this faithful port. But it is starting to show its age...

Review: Enjoyment

The sheer delight in blowing up your opponents with a homing napalm blast is immeasurable, especially with 8 people playing. The control can be a bit sluggish at times and can hamper with gameplay.

Review: Graphics

The graphics are a tad cleaner than the Playstation version, especially with a 3DFX card. Some of the textures could have been better, but it doesn't hamper with the game. 3DFX users will be greeted with nice flame and smoke effects and a smoother look.

Review: Sound

The sound effects are quite good and often humorous. The voice acting is especially well done. Hearing Calypso speak is alone worth the price of admission.

Review: Replay Value

With fourteen possible endings, and a killer 8 person battle mode, this game keeps you coming back for more and more.

Review: Documentation

The instruction manual covers all facits of gameplay such as special moves and the various items and weapons to be used.