Value
On the surface, this game does not appear to have much value. Head-On was released on PSP nearly three years prior to its appearance on PS2, rendering the primary content outdated and even obsolete before the game ever appeared. However, the game does not claim to be original and is primarily directed at fans of the series. As such, true fans will likely be interested in the package and some may even be downright overjoyed.
In addition to providing what has come to be expected of a Twisted Metal release (some comic book-esque animation, dark humor, cars with guns and, most importantly, lots of destruction), the Extra Twisted Edition offers enough additional content to keep fans excited until the next game in the series is released. Along with the aforementioned special features, the game includes multiple battle formats to supplement the traditional story mode, and two-player battle and cooperative modes are included as well
While the series doesn’t make any progressive strides with this incarnation and I can’t imagine anyone dedicating a substantial amount of time to the game, it serves as an appropriate placeholder to keep fans satisfied, especially in light of the cancelled production of the sequel to Black.
Fun Factor
This installment of the series is no more or less fun than any other game in the series, as it provides all the features associated with the franchise. Those who have played Head-On on the PSP will know exactly what to expect from the primary content. And although Lost also only provides a standard Twisted Metal experience, users may find it more fun simply because the content is new and has a back-story. While gameplay is not affected, Lost is an unfinished product, though, and, therefore, can’t deliver a completely satisfying gaming experience.
For those who haven’t followed the series over the years, the game is disappointing. Within the first few minutes of play, I got the feeling that the game is essentially the same as all other Twisted Metal games, and, moreover, that each level of this incarnation is the same as the one preceding it. I suppose that’s the way the series has always been, but this game seems particularly unoriginal compared to other contemporary games. There is simply no differentiation within the game. Each level might as well be the same, each character/vehicle might as well be the same, and each opponent might as well be the same. Yes, there are minor variations among these aspects, but the game proceeds not so much through skill or strategy as it does simply through sheer dedication of will and time. The game is just so simple that it isn’t challenging, and, as such, it doesn’t provide an entertaining or enjoyable gaming experience. Moreover, it certainly doesn’t warrant much, if any, of the average user’s time.
Overall
Another standard installment in the Twisted Metal series, Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition delivers exactly what is expected of the franchise, namely weapon-laden vehicles and ample carnage. Essentially an expanded version of a three-year-old PSP game, though, the game is outdated and unoriginal. While the additional features may interest avid fans of the series, the game is thoroughly disappointing for the average user. It is evident that the game was only released to satisfy fans until a new game can be developed. As such, Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition lacks even a semblance of creativity and certainly cannot compete among the broad selection of contemporary action games, most of which deliver a more exciting, more entertaining, and more enjoyable experience.
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