Twisted Metal: Head On Review

Twisted Metal: Head On is a demolition derby on a global scale, and is SCEA's first portable installment of the Twisted Metal series. Players choose from a cast of characters to try and win the Twisted Metal tournament. The game features more than 14 different characters, each with a different vehicle, fighting in 12 different arenas. The game also features adhoc and infrastructure wireless multiplayer modes, as well as three single player modes: Story, Challenge, and Endurance.

Our Impressions:

Twisted Metal 2 holds a special place in our hearts here at PSPworld, as it stole many of our youthful ours when it was first released. Up until playing Twisted Metal: Head On, I still considered TM2 the best game in the series. While TM: HO doesn't exactly overtake it, it is a very solid title, and is in many ways more fun than the classic. Featuring plenty of arenas and classic characters, the game has more depth than at first glance. It's ability to save after every level no matter what the game mode makes the game very well suited to portable play.

Progression in the game's Story mode is very similar to past games in the franchise. Destroying a certain number of cars advances you to the next level. As the levels progress, the number of enemies increases as does the quality of your foes. One of our favorite features of the game are the Bonus Mini-games found in each board. These games reminded us of the mini-games found in the last two Mario installments, in that each offered a slightly different game-play dynamic than what was being offered out in the normal level. Another big plus for us was the infrastructure multiplayer mode. We had a lot of fun playing it, but we've heard reports that some players are having problems with it. Online multiplayer worked fine for us, and for those out there that are having trouble Sony is currently working on making the game more stable.

Controls on the game are tight, and most of the old button combos from previous TMs still work. This is one game where we were thrilled with the PSP's lack of a right analog stick. The right analog stick in Twisted Metal: Black was a sore spot with us, so the fact that Twisted Metal: Head On returns to a control scheme closer to that of the first few games in the series is welcome news.

Graphically the game looks great, keeping the series' look of well worn arenas intact. Most of the car models are instantly familiar, with several looking better than ever. The sound on the game is solid, in fact it was actually refreshing to hear the persistent engine rumble associated with the series, although it has been toned down.

Games that let you blow up everything in sight are always welcome, and TM: HO is no exception. Twisted Metal: Head On's mix of solid single player fun and multiplayer mayhem makes for a fun game. Since every character's ending is different, there is reason for hardcore fans of the series to replay the game, but for most the popularity of the online multiplayer will be the determining factor as to whether the game holds real replay value. Overall this game is a lot of fun, and for those that are fans of TM it's not to be missed.

Review Round-Up:

GameSpot Review: 8.5 (of 10)
"Chances are, if you like the premise of a bunch of crazy vehicles trying to blast each other to kingdom come, you'll be more than satisfied with the execution. Better yet, Twisted Metal: Head-On makes for some great gaming on the go, and its multiplayer features should give it a great deal of longevity."

IGN Review: 8.0 (of 10)
"It's great to see Twisted Metal back in classic form. While the game doesn't match the artistic achievement of Twisted Metal: Black, Head-On does succeed in reviving an almost forgotten nostalgia, bringing back the light-hearted, morbid humor of Twisted Metal 2."

GamePro Review: 4.0 (of 5)
"Vehicular combat is a form of raw, aggressive power to which gamers have always succumbed. In short, Head-On is yet another reason why you should pick up the PSP."

GameZone
Review: 9.0 (of 10)
"Wipeout Pure is the number-one reason to buy a PSP. On March 24th, Twisted Metal: Head-On will be number two."

Aggregate Rating: 8.5 (out of 10)

Find tips for Twisted Metal: Head On on our cheats page.