Twisted Metal 2 is a must have for any serious collector

User Rating: 9 | Twisted Metal World Tour PS
Twisted Metal 2 improves upon the original by taking the battles out of the suburbs and onto the world stage with battlegrounds in Paris, Moscow, Amazonia, Antarctica, Holland, Hong Kong, New York City, and Los Angeles. The addition of Axel, Grasshopper, Mr Slam, Twister, and Shadow to the franchise is definitely a plus though it is disappointing to see Darkside, Yellow Jacket, Crimson Fury, and Pit Viper depart. Gone as well are health recharge stations. They are now replaced by health symbols that generate periodically. The weapons list has also changed as tire spikes, rear flame, and oil slicks have been replaced by remote bombs, ricochet bombs, napalm and lightning (though the latter can only be used in certain environments). Freeze missiles, rear missiles, drop mines, and catapults are now used via advance attacks requiring certain button sequences. In addition, machine guns no longer overheat, allowing the gamer to fire at will without reprisal. For those that don't care for the refs in the original game, you will be pleased to know that they have been eliminated in TM2.

As for control, the vehicles seem to react exactly as you would expect. Mr.Slam is more sluggish while Twister is quite loose. There is a balance though....Vehicles that have poor maneuverability (like Mr. Slam) have increased armor while some with poor armor have devastating weapons (like Mr. Grimm). Each character is capable of winning the tournament and claiming a prize from Calypso (now with ending movies!).

Graphics for the game are not top notch by today's standards but do not detract from the experience in my honest opinion.

This game is what compelled me to buy the PlayStation in the first place. Far from being your ordinary, run-of-the-mill shooter, this game features characters that have there own unique personalities. For instance, Roadkill will stay away from you until your health is low and go after you mercilessly to finish you off. Other drivers (like Axel and Outlaw 2) prefer hit-and-run tactics. One of the more annoying vehicles in the game is Spectre, whose ghost missiles go through walls and always seem to target you. Thumper likes to sneak up behind you while you are battling another vehicle and activate his powerful flamethrower to eliminate your health bar. Each driver has his own effective methods to take you out. The major dilemma is choosing who you want take out first!

With a descent array of weapons and advanced attacks at your disposal, the methods of enemy annihilation seem to be endless! The question is: Will you be dishing out the punishment or will you be on the receiving end? With strategy, timing, and driving skill, you can overcome the odds and watch as your opponents become a pile of twisted metal!