From the original Twisted Metal on the Playstation back in 1995 to more recent iterations in the genre such as Vigilante 8, it would appear that the popularity of vehicular combat games has waned in recent years. While Twisted Metal and Twisted Metal 2 were classics developed by then Singletrac, TM 3 and TM 4 developed by 989 ended up killing the series and leading to other games from competitors in the genre. Gamers quickly tired of the same old routine and gaming mechanics were still unimproved from the earlier Twisted Metal games. Fortunately, Incog Inc. made up of the former Twisted Metal team proposed to completely overhaul the series and take vehicular combat and games in general to a new level on the superior Playstation 2. Trading its former cartoonish forbears for a more distinctly violent experience, the result is a darkly atmospheric, profound and strategic game, which is a blast to play. Built upon a world laced with madness and destruction, Twisted Metal: Black sets the stage for a gruesome yet electrifying battle. Calypso, the mastermind behind the Twisted Metal battles, returns once more to host the ultimate contest of wreckage and devastation. He has chosen some contestants straight out of an asylum and has promised them with a single wish should they defeat their opponents in a battle of twisted metal. As the carnage unfolds, learn how and why these mad psychopaths were locked up behind the walls of insanity.

Graphics
The visual tour in Twisted Metal: Black is simply breathtaking. There are so many things going on one time it is difficult to pick out one single thing. Once you get used to the game, you start to realize how much is going on around you. Everything moves at a blazing 60 frames per second refresh rate despite the fact that the level is blowing apart around your car, missiles are streaking through the air, and 7 A.I. cars are gunning to take you out. The multiplayer modes incredibly still maintain the framerate, something the development team did not originally think they or the PS2 could pull off. The explosions are incredible and highly detailed. Lens flares and particle effects are just a couple of visual wonders you are treated to in this game. Not as if there was enough going on in each of the levels, but the team at Incog Inc. have managed to add in extreme weather effects with absolutely no effect on frame rate. Pop up is non-existent here. Each of the 18 plus environments in Twisted Metal: Black, ranging from downtown Suburbia to a tanker, possess a suitably dark appearance and feel. The wacky over-the-top locations of Twisted Metal and Twisted Metal 2 have been thrown aside in favor of real locations that are very sad, depressing and threatening. The areas are also massive in nature. The suburbia area is a definite favorite as you can rip through residential houses, demolish a shopping mall, or obliterate a carnival. Take out the Ferris wheel and it will roll towards the town destroying everything in its path. Accidentally, or purposely, knock into the water tower and it comes crashing down with a huge splash. The attention to detail and realism is overwhelming. It must be said that the psychopaths assembled for this game are guaranteed to induce nightmares in some people. The movies Seven, Silence Of The Lambs, Hellraiser, Tales From The Crypt and Creepshow surely had influences on the developers. Using extremely dark and demented characters who have sick yet unique personalities is the best implentation ever to grace any game. Acclaim attempted it with Shadow Man, but the demented bunch in Twisted Metal: Black would eat him for breakfast. The character detail both in their visual appearance and their respective vehicle is top notch. Even the front end of the game is tight, dark and wonderful to gander at. The game boots up with the begnning of Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones. It then quickly moves into a Matrix style camera movement that passes by a number of the characters in destructive frozen scenes. Once you get into the game, each character has their own unique storyline that will pull you into the game. As the game progresses, each story unravels in brilliant CG sequences.

Sound
As mentioned earlier, Incog Inc. had a good sense to get the rights to Paint It Black. It briefly appears at the beginning of the game and serves as the soundtrack for the disturbing credits role. The in game soundtrack is extremely effective in portraying dark, demented and destructive environments. My favorite piece is when you are on the tanker approaching the asylum. The track is downright scary yet appropriate as a number of inmates have been gathered into a trio of electric chairs, ready to be fried. In the meantime large waves are crashing over the front of the ship. Top the aural experience off with extremely loud sound effects from canons to huge explosions. If you have a 5.1 set up, you will truly appreciate the experience thanks to the addition of Dolby Surround to the game.

Gameplay
Beyond the look and feel of the game, Incog Inc. spent a lot of time over the past 2 years to ensure that the gameplay matches every other aspect. They were aware of the issues pending in the genre and worked from the ground up to overcome the problems. The focus on realism in terms of control have been discarded. Instead, cars are responsive and eminently approachable, allowing players to go head to head with their opponents rather than struggling with control issues. As a result, Incog Inc. has created a handling system for vehicles that compliments TM Black's combat. Not only has Incog Inc. nailed down the control mechanics but they have also redefined and reconnected players to the basic concept of vehicle combat games. The various weapons and special attacks inflict different degrees of damage depending on when and how players use them, rather than the usual hit/no hit model used in most car combat games. In addition, many weapons have multiple functions, with players awarded with special moves like freeze rays and invisibility. An energy bar limits the efficiency of certain weapons. This all bodes well, as a lot more control is in the player's hands. Master strategic kills and then rejoice in victory. My only complaint with gameplay lies within the A.I. Picking up and playing Black can be quite frustrating. The pace of the game is neck breaking and the A.I. is extremely vicious. If you are not careful, you will find yourself in flames very quickly. Starting off on the easy setting is highly recommended and even though there are a number of present cheats, you will only be cheating yourself if you utilize them to complete the game.

Value
Twisted Metal: Black literally screams value. There are 11 vicious battlegrounds for the single-player to tear up and more than 18 death-match battlegrounds for players to torture and humiliate their friends. The 14 diabolically vehicles are inventive and serve to represent their twisted driver counterparts. There are a number of secrets that are unlockable via exploration throughout the levels. From new playable characters to new unlocked arenas for multiplayer battles, there is a lot to offer in the single player mode on its own. Add to the one-player story mode a challenge and endurance mode. The multiplayer modes are a plenty as well. You can choose from 2-4 player death matches, 2 player cooperative story or 2 player last man standing. The single player story mode should keep players busy well over the 30 hour mark while the multiplayer modes will keep guests returning night after night for some chaotic fun. Pull this game out at a party and watch the reactions to your guests, especially those who supposedly do not play games.

Final Word
This is the first Playstation 2 game to receive a score of 10 from myself. I do not impress easily, therefore Twisted Metal: Black is one of the true gems in the current PS2 line-up. I suspect there will be a few more 10s before the summer of 2001 is finished. A note of caution is in order: Black is not for the weak of heart nor for the younger gamers, under 18, in the gaming community. It is extremely dark and has some disturbing imagery. Nevertheless, both Incog Inc. and Sony should be applauded for putting together a wonderful game aimed at the older gaming audience. It is testament that Sony will continue to grow with its audience that made the Playstation brand synonymous with the likes of Nike. Do yourself a favor, run out and pick up a copy of Twisted Metal: Black and prepare to engage yourself in an intoxicating mix of visuals, sound, storytelling and gameplay.