Twisted Metal - Why it's going to be Awesome

Probably the biggest announcement at Sony's E3 Press Conference yesterday, the announcement of a Twisted Metal title on the Playstation 3 sent shockwaves through the gaming press, for a good reason. Twisted Metal is not only the rebirth of a franchise, but it stands a rebirth of a genre as well.

Two generations ago, Car Combat games were everywhere, you couldn't shake a stick at a console without there being a whole assload of Car Combat titles. It was ridiculous. Twisted Metal was the king of this genre. But when that generation ended and a new one began, Car Combat quickly died away. Twisted Metal and a couple other franchises thrived at the beginning of that generation, but were quickly pushed to the bottom. When the PSP was released, Twisted Metal found it's place as a launch title. The franchise and the genre reduced to nothing.

But that all changed just two days ago. With a rather ridiculous trailer that showcased the series ice-cream-truck-driving-flaming-head-serial-killing-clown-mascot, Sweet tooth. Needless to say, it was pretty badass. And symbolic. Unlike music and film, gaming is a medium where genres do not truly "die." And even after several years of hibernation, they can easily come back with the strength they had so many years ago. The reception that the new Twisted Metal has received is proof of this. Whether you like it or not, Twisted Metal is back full force and it looks like it's here to stay.

Yeah... It's back!

- Kyle K.