Twisted Metal Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

Twisted Metal Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition box art

System: PS2	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Eat Sleep Play	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SONY	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Feb. 5, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

One other downfall is the lack of an online component that was in fact part of the PSP version. Online battles via the handheld are epic, and this new version misses that element. All in all I would say that the Extra Twisted Edition still gets the nod, however, because the controls are so vastly improved over the PSP version. Moreover, the Lost levels of Harbor City are every bit as good as those of Head-On and the evolved character models are interesting and even edgier. The sheer amount of unlockables and previously unexplored content in both titles is phenomenal. You're really getting two games for the price of a used one with Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition.

Twisted Metal Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition screenshot

Moreover, the game modes of Story, Challenge, and Endurance are available to play on both games. For those of you unfamiliar with the franchise, Story mode takes you through arena battles that culminate in awesome boss battles. They are also full of side mission content like a no-weapon destruction derby against taxi cabs. Challenge mode is a battle royal that allows you to set the combat parameters such as the location and the opponents, and then has you battle it out in a free-for-all. The Endurance mode pits you against a never-ending stream of enemies until you finally succumb to the barrage. There is also multiplayer gameplay, but sadly only two can participate at a time. The two player support is a relic that will be shed should the series move forward, but I wish the multi-tap could be utilized with this awesome installment of the series. In the multiplayer mode, you can sign up for a one-on-one Death Match or you can opt for Split Screen Co-Op to take on opponents together.

Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition brings all the best bits of the Twisted Metal series and loads it all into a memorable bargain title. This is a must buy chapter in the series for Metal-heads and those few unfortunates that have yet to experience the power and fun of the series. For everyone else, you could probably hold-off because gameplay hasn't substantially changed. However, the game will only set you back $20 and it is more than worth the price of admission. The Extra Twisted Edition is chocked full of new content and extras, but it still feels like a nostalgic stroll down a very fun memory lane.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Lead Contributor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
Clean for a PS2 title, but there will be the occasional lagging shutter.

4.5

Control
For those of you that suffered through hand cramps on the PSP version: you're all suckers!

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Nothing outstanding, but the weapons and explosions sound fine.

4.3

Play Value
This game is tons of fun, but the lack of online and multi-tap support is disappointing.

4.0

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Modes of Play: Story Mode - Drivers choose their vehicle and progress through a series of arenas; Challenge - Drivers choose their vehicle, arena, A.I. controlled enemies, then go off to battle; Endurance - Drivers take on an endless onslaught of A.I. controlled opponents until the end

Vehicles: Choose from different destructive vehicles. Each vehicle is armed with serious firepower, turbo boost and each with a unique devastating specialty attack. Standard Vehicles: Roadkill, Shadow, Mr. Grimm, Sweet Tooth, Thumper, Spectre, Twister, Outlaw, Grasshopper, WartHog, and Axel. Unlockable Vehicles: Mr. Slam, Crimson Fury, Hammerhead, Cousin Eddy, ATV, Dark Tooth, and Tower Tooth.

Environments / Battlegrounds: Unleash mayhem in a variety of different levels, including: Paris, Egypt, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, plus a bonus level, exclusive to the PS2 version.

Weapons: Players can collect an arsenal of weaponry to deliver explosive attacks on opponent vehicles, including: homing, fire and power missiles, machine gun, ricochet disc, napalm, remote bomb, and swarm missiles.

Upgrade Power-Ups: Players can finish off opponents and collect Upgrade Power-Ups to enhance vehicle and weapon performance.