Twisted Metal III (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Twisted Metal III: Vehicular Combat at Its Finest

Released in 1998 for the PlayStation, Twisted Metal III is a vehicular combat game that quickly became a fan favorite. With its fast-paced action, over-the-top weapons, and memorable characters, it’s a game that still holds up today.

Gameplay

Twisted Metal III is a vehicular combat game in which players control one of a variety of vehicles and battle against each other in a variety of arenas. The goal of the game is to be the last man standing, and players can use a variety of weapons and power-ups to achieve this goal.

The game features a variety of vehicles to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some vehicles are fast and maneuverable, while others are slow and heavily armored. Players can also choose from a variety of weapons, including rockets, missiles, and bombs.

In addition to the standard deathmatch mode, Twisted Metal III also features a number of other game modes, including a story mode, a time trial mode, and a survival mode. The story mode follows the adventures of a group of characters as they compete in the Twisted Metal tournament. The time trial mode challenges players to complete a series of races against the clock. And the survival mode challenges players to defeat as many enemies as possible before they are defeated themselves.

Characters

Twisted Metal III features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. Some of the most popular characters include:

  • Axel – A former street racer who is now competing in the Twisted Metal tournament to win the prize money and save his sister’s life.
  • Mr. Grimm – A mysterious figure who is the host of the Twisted Metal tournament.
  • Thumper – A giant monster truck driven by a psychopathic clown.
  • Hammerhead – A heavily armored car driven by a ruthless mercenary.
  • Outlaw – A dune buggy driven by a Native American warrior.

Weapons

Twisted Metal III features a variety of weapons that players can use to defeat their opponents. Some of the most common weapons include:

  • Rockets – A powerful explosive weapon that can be fired from a variety of vehicles.
  • Missiles – A homing weapon that can track and destroy enemy vehicles.
  • Bombs – A powerful explosive weapon that can be dropped from a variety of vehicles.
  • Machine guns – A rapid-fire weapon that can be used to damage enemy vehicles.
  • Flamethrowers – A close-range weapon that can set enemy vehicles on fire.

Power-Ups

In addition to weapons, Twisted Metal III also features a variety of power-ups that players can collect to give themselves an advantage in battle. Some of the most common power-ups include:

  • Health – A power-up that restores the player’s health.
  • Armor – A power-up that increases the player’s armor.
  • Speed – A power-up that increases the player’s speed.
  • Invisibility – A power-up that makes the player invisible to enemy vehicles.
  • Nukes – A powerful weapon that can destroy all enemy vehicles on the map.

Reception

Twisted Metal III was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced action, over-the-top weapons, and memorable characters. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Twisted Metal III is still considered to be one of the best vehicular combat games ever made. It’s a game that’s sure to please fans of the genre, and it’s a must-play for anyone who is looking for a fun and challenging experience.

Legacy

Twisted Metal III has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s fast-paced action and over-the-top weapons have been imitated by many other games, and its characters have become iconic figures in the gaming world.

Twisted Metal III is also credited with helping to popularize the vehicular combat genre. Before Twisted Metal III, there were few vehicular combat games on the market. But after the success of Twisted Metal III, many other developers began to create their own vehicular combat games.

Today, the Twisted Metal franchise is still going strong. The latest game in the series, Twisted Metal: Black, was released in 2012. And while the franchise has changed somewhat over the years, it still retains the core elements that made Twisted Metal III such a classic.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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