Twisted Metal (TV Series)
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''Twisted Metal'' is a series of vehicular combat
video game A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device) to generate visual fe ...
s originally developed by
SingleTrac SingleTrac Entertainment Technologies, Inc. was an American video game developer. It was founded in 1994 by Michael Ryder, Todd Kelly, and Michael Bartholomew, who were former employees of Evans & Sutherland, bringing their 3D graphics and softw ...
and published by
Sony Interactive Entertainment Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (SIE) is an American video game and digital entertainment company that is a major subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Sony, Sony Group Corporation. It primarily operates the PlayStation brand of video game co ...
. The series has appeared on the
PlayStation is a video gaming brand owned and produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a division of Japanese conglomerate Sony. Its flagship products consists of a series of home video game consoles produced under the brand; it also consists ...
,
PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October, in Europe on 24 Novembe ...
,
PlayStation Portable The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a handheld game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on December 12, 2004, in North America on March 24, 2005, and in PA ...
and
PlayStation 3 The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). It is the successor to the PlayStation 2, and both are part of the PlayStation brand of consoles. The PS3 was first released on ...
. As of October 31, 2000, the series had sold 5 million copies. Several of the games in the series were re-released as part of the Sony Greatest Hits program. The original game and its first sequel were also released for the PC.


Overview

Each game in the series revolves around demolitions derbies where competitors use weapons including ballistic projectiles, machine guns, and explosives. Players choose a vehicle (each with a corresponding character) and an arena—or a series of arenas in the story mode—to engage in battle with opposing drivers. The last driver alive is the winner. The series's plot revolves around the eponymous Twisted Metal tournament, a yearly contest made up of a series of derbies. In almost all of the games, the host is a man called "Calypso"; in the series' fourth installment, perennial contestant Sweet Tooth briefly takes over. The winner of the contest is granted one wish. Typically, this wish has unexpected consequences for the winner, similar to
traditional stories Traditional stories, or narrative, stories about traditions, differ from both fiction and nonfiction in that the importance of transmitting the story's worldview is generally understood to transcend an immediate need to establish its categorization ...
where characters are punished for greedy wishes.


Games


Main games


''Twisted Metal'' (1995) and ''Twisted Metal 2'' (1996)

The first two ''Twisted Metal'' games were developed by
SingleTrac SingleTrac Entertainment Technologies, Inc. was an American video game developer. It was founded in 1994 by Michael Ryder, Todd Kelly, and Michael Bartholomew, who were former employees of Evans & Sutherland, bringing their 3D graphics and softw ...
. Windows versions of ''Twisted Metal'' and ''Twisted Metal 2'' exist. ''Twisted Metal 2'' on PC is built on an earlier version of the game (minor details of some levels disappeared) but it doesn't require a
3D accelerator A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a specialized electronic circuit designed for digital image processing and to accelerate computer graphics, being present either as a discrete video card or embedded on motherboards, mobile phones, personal co ...
video card and played well on computers with lower processing capabilities. It also features
multiplayer A multiplayer video game is a video game in which more than one person can play in the same game environment at the same time, either locally on the same computing system (couch co-op), on different computing systems via a local area network, or ...
over a modem line or Internet.


''Twisted Metal III'' (1998) and ''Twisted Metal 4'' (1999)

Both games were developed and published by
989 Studios 989 Studios was a division of Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) that developed games for PlayStation consoles and Windows personal computers. Their games include ''EverQuest'', '' Twisted Metal III'', '' Twisted Metal 4'', '' Syphon Fi ...
due to SingleTrac's dispute with Sony and sale to
GT Interactive Atari, Inc. is an American video gaming company based in New York City, and a subsidiary of the Atari SA holding company. It is the main entity serving the commercial Atari brand globally since 2003. The company currently publishes games based o ...
rendered them unable to develop more Twisted Metal games.
David Jaffe David Scott Jaffe (born April 13, 1971) is an American video game, video game designer best known for directing the ''Twisted Metal'' and God of War (franchise), ''God of War'' series. In 2009, he was chosen by IGN as one of the top 100 game cr ...
, in speaking about these two entries in the series, was reported to have said, ".... n and of themselvesthey're good games, they're just not good ''Twisted Metal'' games".


''Twisted Metal: Black'' (2001)

After developing several non-''Twisted Metal'' vehicular combat games for GT Interactive, a large number of SingleTrac employees left the company to form the gaming studio Incog Inc. Entertainment, and signed with Sony to develop another installment of the series on the
PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October, in Europe on 24 Novembe ...
, ''Twisted Metal: Black''. It serves as a reboot for the series, with returning characters having drastically changed appearances alongside newcomers.


''Twisted Metal: Head-On'' (2005)

Despite what was essentially a complete relaunch and rebranding of the franchise with ''Twisted Metal: Black'', Incognito decided to return to the series' roots and create a game that felt more like a true follow-up to the original ''Twisted Metal'' series, bringing back the bright colors and cartoony characters of ''Twisted Metal'' 1 and 2. Available on the PSP in time for its North American launch and utilizing the PSP's built-in online capabilities, it also marked the first time a ''Twisted Metal'' game had full online play available from the start.


''Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition'' (2008)

In February 2008, Eat Sleep Play, a new development studio formed by David Jaffe and Scott Campbell, released ''Twisted Metal: Head-On'' for the PlayStation 2. While primarily a direct port of the PSP game "Twisted Metal: Head-On", it does feature a number of extra features, most notably four complete and playable levels from the unreleased/incomplete ''Twisted Metal: Black'' sequel, called ''Twisted Metal: Harbor City''. Other bonus content includes: a code to download the soundtrack (a timed offer which has since expired); a half-hour documentary on the series with some of the original developers called "Dark Past"; a rough playable portion of an unfinished and unreleased third person action game starring Sweet Tooth (controllable for the first time ever on-foot and outside of a vehicle); and the never before seen original live-action ending videos of all the characters from the first ''Twisted Metal'', directed by Jaffe.


''Twisted Metal'' (2012)

''Twisted Metal'' (2012) is the most recent game in the ''Twisted Metal'' series. It features multiple drivers and tracks. It also features multiplayer gameplay and other game modes. The game consists of three story arcs that focus on Sweet Tooth, Mr. Grimm and Dollface.


Spin-off games


''Twisted Metal: Small Brawl'' (2001)

Instead of delivering a PlayStation 2 follow-up to ''Twisted Metal: Black'', Incognito took an unexpected turn and developed ''Twisted Metal: Small Brawl'' for the original PlayStation, a ''Twisted Metal'' aimed at a younger audience that featured radio-controlled toy cars instead of full-size vehicles.


''Twisted Metal: Black Online'' (2002)

Platform:
PlayStation 2 The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October, in Europe on 24 Novembe ...
A game featuring only the multiplayer portion of ''Twisted Metal: Black'', but playable online. A free copy could originally be obtained by mailing in a card that came packaged with the PlayStation 2 online network adapter. After Sony stopped offering the disc, it was later included as a bonus disc in subsequent reissues of the Greatest Hits version of ''Twisted Metal: Black''. The official servers to the game have since been shut down, but unofficial fan-hosted servers are available to join as of 2023.


Cancelled games


''Twisted Metal: Harbor City''

A sequel to the PlayStation 2 game ''Twisted Metal: Black'', titled ''Twisted Metal: Harbor City'', was in development but was cancelled before it was announced when the series co-creators left the development team. At the time of cancellation four levels had been completed; these levels were included in '' Twisted Metal Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition'' as part of ''Twisted Metal: Lost''.


''Twisted Metal: Apocalypse''

A ''Twisted Metal'' game set in a post-apocalyptic environment, which was originally in development in 2008 but was scrapped. Artwork of the cancelled game was released by
David Jaffe David Scott Jaffe (born April 13, 1971) is an American video game, video game designer best known for directing the ''Twisted Metal'' and God of War (franchise), ''God of War'' series. In 2009, he was chosen by IGN as one of the top 100 game cr ...
at
San Diego Comic-Con San Diego Comic-Con is a comic book convention and multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. Founded in 1970, originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fant ...
; it showcased concept arts of locations such as a destroyed
Mount Rushmore The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a National Memorial (United States), national memorial centered on a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore (, or Six Grandfathers) in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dak ...
as well as a giant crater. Eat Sleep Play team was originally rather keen on the idea, though it was hinted by Jaffe that the idea was rejected by
Sony Computer Entertainment Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (SIE) is an American video game and digital entertainment company that is a major subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Sony, Sony Group Corporation. It primarily operates the PlayStation brand of video game co ...
, speculated to be because of the release of '' MotorStorm: Apocalypse'', a racing game which also featured a post-apocalyptic environment.


''Twisted Metal: Revolution''

Apart from ''Twisted Metal: Apocalypse'', another ''Twisted Metal'' game was in development for the PlayStation 3 which utilized street culture and hip-hop influence. The game was titled ''Twisted Metal: Revolution'', but it was cancelled; it would have featured characters with a more realistic look such as a Sweet Tooth that looked more of a smooth criminal rather than a psychopathic clown. Other characters included Yakuza, FBI agents and street gang members. David Jaffe compared the game to Rockstar's ''
Midnight Club ''Midnight Club'' is a series of arcade-style racing video games developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games. ''Midnight Club'' is similar to the '' Midtown Madness'' series (previously developed by Angel Studios), with a f ...
'' series when describing the look and feel of the game. In addition, Jaffe said that it was extremely difficult to portray the environments that they had created in their concept art within the game as it resulted in an extremely bland environment.


''Twisted Metal (Live-Service)''

Unnamed live-service ''Twisted Metal'' game cancelled early on in its development. It was originally supposed to be made by the UK-based studio Lucid Games, but was later handed to Firesprite. Not much is known about it and the game was never greenlit, but it was to be released on the PS5. The reason for the cancellation was the layoff of 900 employees worldwide.


Other media


Comic book

A one-shot ''Twisted Metal 2'' comic book was published by
DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
in 1996, written by
Jamie Delano Jamie Delano ( ; born 1954) is an English comic book writer. He was part of the first post-Alan Moore "British Invasion" of writers which started to feature in American comics in the 1980s. He is best known as the first writer of the comic book ...
, pencilled by Phil Hester and inked by Peter Gross. The comic was given out as a prize in a promotional contest held in the ''
Tips & Tricks ''Tips & Tricks'' was a monthly video game magazine devoted to the subjects of video game cheat codes, strategy guides and lifestyle content. Unlike most video game magazines, it did not include critical reviews of video games and was not a pr ...
'' magazine.


Cancelled film adaptation

In February 2012,
Sony Pictures Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. is an American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment studio conglomerate that produces, acquires, and distributes filmed entertainment (theatrical motion pictures, television programs, and rec ...
was bringing ''Twisted Metal'' to theaters by hiring Brian Taylor to write and direct the film. Five years later in September, Brian Taylor confirmed that Sony had passed on the ''Twisted Metal'' film, feeling the series fanbase did not warrant the higher budget it would have cost to realize it. ''Twisted Metal'' was the inspiration for ''Slaughter Race'', a fictional video game featured in the
Disney The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment industry, entertainment conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank), Walt Di ...
animated film ''
Ralph Breaks the Internet ''Ralph Breaks the Internet'' is a 2018 American animated comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It is the sequel to the 2012 film ''Wreck-It Ralph''. The film was directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston (filmmaker), Phil Joh ...
'' (2018).


Television adaptation

In March 2019, Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO
Tony Vinciquerra Anthony Vinciquerra (born August 30, 1954) is an American film executive who is the chairman and former CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment from 2017 until 2025, until he was succeeded by Ravi Ahuja. He was previously president and CEO of Fox Netw ...
spoke about developing a television adaptation of the ''Twisted Metal'' franchise, during a presentation for investors at a special event. According to Vinciquerra, his division will be working closely with his acquaintances at the PlayStation division through a brand new production team created solely with the purpose of helping
Sony is a Japanese multinational conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at Sony City in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. The Sony Group encompasses various businesses, including Sony Corporation (electronics), Sony Semiconductor Solutions (i ...
produce filming television projects based on their gaming IPs. In February 2021, a ''Twisted Metal'' TV series was moving forward, with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick helping to develop the series, with Michael Jonathan Smith writing the series and executive producing the series alongside
Will Arnett William Emerson Arnett (; born May 4, 1970) is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his roles as Gob Bluth in the Fox/Netflix sitcom '' Arrested Development'' (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019) and the titular ch ...
, Reese, Wernick, Marc Forman, Peter Principato, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Herman Hulst. Later in September,
Anthony Mackie Anthony Dwane Mackie (born September 23, 1978) is an American actor. He gained wide recognition for portraying Sam Wilson / Falcon / Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, beginning with the film '' Captain America: The Winter Soldier ...
was announced in the role of John Doe, and later officially confirmed to be starring and executive producing the series, which had been given a series order at
Peacock Peafowl is a common name for two bird species of the genus '' Pavo'' and one species of the closely related genus '' Afropavo'' within the tribe Pavonini of the family Phasianidae (the pheasants and their allies). Male peafowl are referred t ...
. In May 2022,
Stephanie Beatriz Stephanie Beatriz Bischoff Alvizuri (born February 10, 1981) is an American actress. She is known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz in the Fox/ NBC comedy series ''Brooklyn Nine-Nine'' (2013–2021), Quiet in the Peacock action-comedy series '' ...
,
Thomas Haden Church Thomas Haden Church (born Thomas Richard McMillen; June 17, 1960) is an American actor. After starring in the 1990s sitcom '' Wings'' and playing the lead for two seasons in ''Ned & Stacey'' (1995–1997)'','' Church became known for his film work ...
and
Neve Campbell Neve Adrianne Campbell (; born October 3, 1973) is a Canadian actress. After working in Canadian and American television, Campbell emerged as a scream queen for her starring roles in horror and thriller films. She has also appeared in blockbu ...
joined the cast.
Will Arnett William Emerson Arnett (; born May 4, 1970) is a Canadian and American actor and comedian. He is widely known for his roles as Gob Bluth in the Fox/Netflix sitcom '' Arrested Development'' (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019) and the titular ch ...
was hired to voice Sweet Tooth in June, with
Samoa Joe Nuufolau Joel Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), better known by the ring name Samoa Joe, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Opps, and is one-third of the AEW Worl ...
playing the dual role. Mike Mitchell plays Stu, Mike's best friend, played by Tahj Vaughans. Lou Beatty Jr. plays a character named Tommy. The 10-episode series was released on Peacock on July 27, 2023.


See also

* '' Critical Depth'' * '' Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012'' * ''
Vigilante 8 ''Vigilante 8'' is a 1998 vehicular combat game developed by Luxoflux and published by Activision for PlayStation (console), PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Color. Although officially it has no connection to Activision's ''Interstate '76'' ...
'' * '' PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale''


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Twisted Metal (Series) Sony Interactive Entertainment franchises Video game franchises Video game franchises introduced in 1995 Video games adapted into television shows