Genre: Vehicular combat
Developer: Eat Sleep Play
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Year: 2012
Platform: PlayStation 3
Twisted Metal (2012) is a vehicular combat game developed by Eat Sleep Play and published by Sony Computer Entertainment exclusively for the PlayStation 3. The game revives the classic demolition derby style gameplay of the series, pitting weapon‑equipped vehicles against one another in chaotic arenas.
In the single‑player campaign, players choose from a roster of iconic characters (such as Sweet Tooth, Dollface, and Mr. Grimm), each participating in their own narrative path in Calypso’s deadly tournament to win a single wish. The gameplay emphasizes destruction and strategy—players must eliminate opponents, avoid hazards, and make use of powerful weapon pickups.
Multiplayer is a core component, with options for split‑screen and online matches. The game supports local play for 2–4 players and online matches supporting up to 16 participants. Modes include classic deathmatch, team-based objectives, and the unique “Nuke Mode,” where factions battle to detonate enemies’ strongholds using nuclear weapons.
The PlayStation 3 version contains the same story, modes, and vehicle roster as intended across all editions, tailored to PS3 hardware with manageable performance for the period. Though optimized for the console, the game was praised for successfully combining visual flair and solid controls in a genre revival.
Upon release, Twisted Metal (2012) received generally positive reviews, often scoring around 76/100 on aggregator sites. Reviewers commended the return to form for the franchise, particularly the multiplayer design and combat mechanics, though some criticized occasional balance issues and matchmaking stability.
