Once upon a time, Twisted Metal was among Sony's most exciting properties. The demolition-fueled, metal-infused vehicular combat franchise was overflowing with angry, bombastic energy, boasting a no-holds-barred attitude that made it exciting to behold. Alas, while Twisted Metal sits on the Mount Rushmore of destructive racing games, it is mostly dormant these days.
The most relevant current-day manifestation of the series is Peacock's Twisted Metal television show which, despite earning mixed reviews, will continue with a second season, possibly renewing interest in the IP. Naturally, the TV show is more focused on the rather sparse narrative content of the games, without as much of an emphasis on the colorful and absurd demolition derby nature of the gameplay, but it nevertheless demonstrates a reluctance to let the franchise fade into obscurity. With the show moving forward, the 30th anniversary of the original 1995 game on the horizon, and rumors swirling about a reprisal, Twisted Metal could be ripe for a comeback in 2025.
2025 Should See the Triumphant Return of Twisted Metal
A New Twisted Metal Project Could Be In Development
Reportedly, a new entry in the Twisted Metal series was canceled earlier this year in the wake of mass layoffs at Sony, specifically at Firesprite, which may have been tasked with developing a live-service spin-off in the TM universe. Apparently, the project was in the early stages of development, making it unlikely for another studio to come in and wrap it up. The reported cancelation could have also been an early example of Sony walking back its once-ambitious live-service endeavors, as the company was at one point funding a whopping 12 live-service games before reining in those aims considerably.
But there might be other Twisted Metal projects in the works, as teased by J.S. Gilbert, the voice of the iconic Sweet Tooth from the classic games (a role now filled by Will Arnette on the TV show). According to Gilbert, Twisted Metal Head On, Twisted Metal 2, and Twisted Metal: Black are being "refreshed" for some sort of bundled release in 2025, suggesting a remastered collection akin to Mass Effect Legendary Edition. This would come as a welcome surprise for fans of the series, especially since Head On is not currently available in any form on PS4 or PS5. Perhaps it could even pave the way for another proper release.
2025 Will Mark the 30th Anniversary of the Original Twisted Metal Game
With modern audiences of both gamers and non-gamers becoming familiar with Twisted Metal through the TV show, it would make sense for Sony to use it as a springboard for a revival of the series. There's a solid chance that Season 2 of the show will come out next year, which would perfectly coincide with the 30-year anniversary of the original 1995 Twisted Metal game. This could create a double-incentive for Sony to either re-release older Twisted Metal titles in 2025, or announce a new entry in the series, with the latter prospect being more exciting for obvious reasons.
A new Twisted Metal game would be a great way for Sony to redeem itself in the demolition derby space after Destruction AllStars underperformed in 2021.
Whether Sony wants to continue the remake and remaster trend with some kind of Twisted Metal "Legacy Collection" or get more ambitious with an actual sequel, the franchise's return to gaming seems long overdue. There's plenty of potential for future games, especially considering the advancements in gaming technology that could make for better destruction physics, visual effects, and more densely populated multiplayer matches. And although not everyone loves the Twisted Metal TV show, it definitely fleshes out the lore of the series, which could be leveraged for more interesting single-player campaigns in the future.
- Released
- November 5, 1995
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Animated Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sony Interactive Studios America, SingleTrac
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Engine
- unreal engine
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Twisted Metal
WHERE TO PLAY
They say the mind bends and twists in order to deal with the horrors of life… …sometimes the mind bends so much it snaps in two.
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