I never forgot this game, it’s literally my favorite in the series, right along side two. I just loved the cheesy, slightly dark humor in it and always found the characters in this one to be particularly fun.
As far as I've seen, there are some major differences between the original head-on and extra twisted, and they aren't the extra content or the cars having more weapon animations on the ps2. A lot of comparisons between the two versions cite that the balancing in extra twisted edition was thrown way out of wack, with that version being far easier than the original in terms of how much health you have and weapon damage. The psp still would fall into being the easiest one in the series, if the ps2 version didn't exist, but at least more engaging than that. Some of the music was also changed around in the ps2 version, I'm not sure which song was the final boss theme (i think it was vampire's teeth, which became the transylvania theme in the ps2) but it surely wasn't the odd groovy bongo music.
I played the psp version a lot and I think the controls on it are why they had to make the game easier. Maybe that could add to the fact that the ps2 version feels even easier
Honestly, I never forgot about this title. In fact me and a best friend grew up Playing this and 5 other TMs in this series! Though by far this is my second favorite one.
I feel like small brawl is more forgetable than head on. It was a ps1 game that released after the ps2 launched and even twisted metal black released. So it was overshadowed and mostly not nocticed
True. Small Brawl should've been what he talked about instead of Head-On, even though, I grew up playing Small Brawl and loved it. Now that is more underappreciated.
Wasn’t my first twisted metal I played The original TM is my first but i played small brawl a lot when i was 11 because i didn’t have a ps2 for a while when it came out but enjoyed playing it 😅
The PS2 version is VERY different from the original PSP version. The feel, pace, and difficulty of the game is much more balanced on the PSP version. The lives system in the PS2 version is broken. Its supposed to work like it does it Twisted Metal: Black, but it has a bug where it doesn’t reset lives between level. Exiting and reloading a save will give you your lives back.
Once you have a character's supposed alter-ego driving a separate car in the same contest, continuity is pretty much out the window anyway. Plus, Axel's story assumes he won the TM2 contest, while Mr. Slam's story assumes he won, Twister's story assumes her sister won, etc. The Twisted Metal canon is kind of a quantum superposition of all possibilities that collapses when you pick a character, and even then not everything adds up. (Like the fact that even after years of Twisted Metal, nobody has figured out that a tank is the best vehicle for car combat, for example.) It's not about airtight logic, though; it's about fun. And Twisted Metal never fails to deliver.
Twisted Metal cannon actually assumes multiple characters have won the contest dating back to the 1st TM. I will include the original (lost) endings as cannon over the text screens as well. TM1 Outlaw wins but Calypso sends him into space. TM1 Charlie Kane wins but Calypso has him become driver of Dark Tooth. TM1 Needles Kane wins and gets Harold back. (drivers who die/unknown). Angela Fortin, Cpt. Spears, Agent Stone, Scott Campbell, Mr. Ash, Hammerhead drivers. Moving on to TM2, who won? So in Head On everyone but Sweet Tooth/Needles/Marcus Kane has won the previous contest. How do we know? Well according to the character select screen, not necessarily the stories/endings. What accounts for all of the storyline/contunity being all crazy? Unreliable narrator/the entire storyline being inside Marcus Kane's mind. TM1 "Sweet Tooth" Needles Kane escaped mental patient. TM2 Marcus = Self aware that is "everything is not real". TM2 ending Marcus ending = everyone and everything seems familiar Dr. sounds like Calypso. (note the car pileup is more vehicles thanthere are playable characters in TM2) TM: Black "how Sweet Tooth see's the world" - entire game takes place in his "Needles' mind". - gloomy world. (he is narrator here) this version of Calypso is the "darker twin" Black is sent back to execute the darker twin. Black exists in TM1 besides Calypso in Mr. Ash ending. Note neither Marcus or Needles can see one another (Marcus is hiding under Bull's Head/ inside Minion Tanker.) TM Head On: Marcus/Needles/Sweet Tooth, he wakes up and becomes self aware of his split/personality decides to embrace his "true nature". Now we move on to Sweet Tooth's ending. He sees Marcus in his reflection on the side mirror (he can finally "see" Marcus in his own ending). He body/mind swaps with Calypso and then becomes in control of the contest.... So what's the theory here? Marcus has been in control of the contest the entire time, he just wasn't aware of the fact, the contest is how he keeps Sweet Tooth / Needles pacified from his "darker psychotic urges" This also explains why a lot of the vehicle names don't really change from game to game but the drivers do. Just a theory anyway.
I think Head On could be considered a similar type of game to Mario Party Superstars: taking the elements of previous games and implementing them together, but in an updated way that still results in an overall solid game itself. Like you said, Head On feels like a “Best Hits List”, which is also what MPS tries to do.
It makes sense for this game to be kind of bland if you think about it. I remember it was mostly advertised as a multiplayer game, with multiple PSPs connecting with each other via Ad-hoc. If I am not mistaken it was one of those titles that you could play versus with just one copy of the game (Gamesharing it was called I think) and it was one of the features I remember people mentioning a lot at the time. Also it had actual online multiplayer which for a portable device back in 2006 was a huge deal. So solely as a multiplayer game where the dumb AI is replaced with actual players the game is great. Single player was probably an afterthought implemented hastily because at the time a multiplayer only release was still a really rare sight.
The PSP version (aside from the extra content and frame rate) is actually superior. They messed up the music, made the napalm broken and ruined Tower Tooth. I have also heard that the PS2 version is easier. Btw if you find the game too easy I recommend trying to beat the game without upgrades.
Sweet Tooth's ending will forever be the most intriguing to me, not because the implication that Calypso doesn't control his wishes, but because of the INCREDIBLY sneaky way Needles slips the wish out of him! "YOU become ME, and I become YOU." "Are you insane? I won't grant that wish!" "I don't think YOU have a choice." "What I say goes." He fucked with Calypso's head, mixing up himself and Needles in the phrasing, so Calypso would mix up who's wishes he was abiding by! I bet if he played along, saying 'What you say goes', the wish wouldn't have gone through, but because of his exact words, he made it so that 'What I (who would become Needles) say goes'. Therefore, in a roundabout way, it's more like NEEDLES was granting the wish, because through the turn of phrase, what Needles says goes! He caught him slipping with mental gymnastics, and even if the more you think about it, the less sense it makes, it's still super interesting to me that it worked like that!
This is my second favorite game in the series behind Black and I never realized how much it retreads that game until you brought up all the similarities. A lot of people call this game the true Twisted Metal 3 but part of me wonders if maybe since Black wasn't as successful as it could have been since it alienated some of the fanbase who were turned off by the gloom and gore, maybe Head-On took the ideas that did well in Black but put the classic coat of paint so more people could enjoy it. I remember my mom being cool with me playing this one but the only time I could play Black was at a friend's house and she was hesitant to let me buy 2012 due to the rating. Unfortunately at the end of the day if a game doesn't sell well or at least show some signs of growth the publisher won't keep greenlighting entries so that may have contributed to some of the "safe" ideas this game had.
You can destroy the Hollywood sign and Big Ben in TM3. That should give it some extra credit right? I hope when you touch 2012 again you try it on original hardware, cant imagine the emulated version allows you to do the Turbo Ram every vehicle has by pushing the controller forward. Iron Maiden, while still being a pain when launching nukes, is easier when you know you can fire non homing weapon at her easier by aiming upward with the right stick.
You’re right about the Twisted Metal continuity being a travesty. But that’s what make the Twisted Metal game’s unique. The continuity’s as psychotic as the games’ insanity.
I love this game to death, it was the second Twisted Metal game I ever played after TM2, tons of content and it I just feel at home with it asthetically, however, I wish the PS2 port allowed for more opponents in every level, 5 isn't enough and TM Lost allows up to 7 opponents, so why not?
I think the reason Head-On is so much easier and feels like a retread of the best levels from the rest of the series is because it was originally just Twisted Metal for PSP, it was one of the PSP "gestalt ports" which were basically supposed to be the most definitive experience of the whole series that could be packed onto a single UMD. They weren't concerned with doing anything particularly new, but outright ports or of the original games were either not feasible, or didn't provide enough value. They weren't going to release a Twisted Metal 1 and 2 remake, and also a cut down port of Black. So they went through picking and choosing the best and adjusted the difficulty and systems to suit shorter, handheld gameplay sessions, while still adding something new for the longtime fans in the new endings following on from 2 and the Upgrade system.
You're not wrong that the final bosses' theme is strangely unfitting. For some reason the ps2 version plays that bongo track from a minigame instead of the intended theme from the psp version. here's the theme for those curious: ua-cam.com/video/65OXtHbnfdw/v-deo.html
I find this game hard to come back to despite playing the hell out of it as a kid. It just doesn't grab me like it used to. I feel like nowadays I just play Black and Small Brawl.
I genuinely enjoyed head on. The characters felt like that had personality and decent stories. They even gave Calypso some dimension with grasshopper and Mortimer which is still one of my favorite endings.
One weird thing is that all the death match levels are smaller versions of bigger levels, except Tokyo streets which is a completely unique level not based on any existing assets in Tokyo streets.
I had a Buffy-inspired idea for rewriting Grasshopper's entry here - we know based on her character select bio that Calypso brought her spirit back with the goal that she'd win and wish to be fully resurrected. I imagine her going up to him, breathing deep... and wishing to be sent back. Calypso is incredulous - why on earth would she want to return to Hell? And then she hits him with this - "I wasn't in Hell, Dad..." He assumed she'd gone with him, but why would she? She was a child, a good kid who didn't deserve any of Calypso's BS. She was in Heaven, she was with her mother, she was happy - and then he dragged her back to Earth. Before Calypso can protest, the wish is working, out of his control, and he watches as his daughter leaves him behind, leaves his side for a better place.
I didn’t forget actually. I’ve played this game at least once a year if not more since I found out it existed. That was almost 20 years ago lol. This one is my favorite and it has so much replay value for me
The one thing that i think this review is missing was actually playing this on a PSP. Having this on the go in the late 2000s was WILD. It also looks so killer on that little screen. Sure the PS2 version does have that extra content, but the base game is identical. There were so many half assed titles on the PSP as well, but this was not. It was a full Twisted Metal on the go.
Since this game takes place after Twisted Metal 2, that means that there were at least four or five canon winners. The first of course being Outlaw as they're the ones who killed the real minion, then Axel, and Marcus Kane, and then either Krystal did blow up and succeed in her mission which could explain why Calypso looks worse for wear now, or she failed and was blown up on the contest, Mr. Slam might of got his wish or he could of just built the tower himself.
Regarding the "final boss theme" youve heard, thats really the theme that plays on the PS2 port? The original final boss theme on PSP is called "Vampire's Teeth", and it is an incredible heavy metal rock theme. One of my favorite tracks in the series.
Great video as always. I had a friend asking if he needed to be into the games to enjoy the series and all I could say was "The games don't even follow the games from game to game." Also Halloween III absolutely RULES.
I owned this game on my PSP. Man, Sweet Tooth used to scare the crap out of me when I was a kid. Still, I had a lot of fun playing it. I loved seeing if I could blow up the Eiffel Tower.
I never forgot this one, it's actually one of my favorite entries. There's things it could've done better, but I think this one's a real underrated entry.
I certainly didn't forget about this title, it's actually my favorite TM game. It definitely is the easiest to a fault, but the controls and gameplay is super tight. Plus the fact it's the real TM3 is cool. I've played both the PSP and PS2 versions extensively.
I played so much Head On as a kid that I can honestly agree with your point with getting bored while playing. It's not a bad game at all but by the time you unlock everything and have played through with everyone it becomes tiring. Overall I like the game for it being the true sequel to 2 but in hindsight I would've preferred Harbour City over this game.
When it comes to cousin Eddy, I wish his armor was around mr slamm's at least because at least then it'd feel like his high armor stat would feel like it was ACTUALLY that
I respect everything you say in this video Bacon. But i cant accept you liking the OG theme for Blue Stadium more than Disasterproof by LeVel. (need to say this was my 1st TW so idk the atmosphere was epic af with that song playing, pure 2000 feeling)
Another great video as always my man. Love your Twisted Metal content. I was wondering if maybe you could do a ranking of what you think the best TM Stage OST is??
This is my second favorite game in the series, my favorite being the next game I'm sure you will talk about haha I love TM 1 and 2, but Head-On was my introduction on the series, so, kinda natural.
I think the reason why alot of the designs are similar is cause imo. Its made from the reminants of Harbor City. Seemed like Harbor city was where alot of their new creative stuff went into, but then they left it behind. Then had to make Head On for the psp and made what they could with the leftovers.
I enjoy Head-On for what it is. The only problem I have with it is that its production value feels cheap, although I can't be too hard on it since it was a PSP launch title. I also have to give Head-On credit for properly bringing me into the series, since I had only played Small Brawl and 3 prior to it, and neither of those really got me invested in the series despite really enjoying SB. Head-On's game and story feel being more in-line with the rest of the series is probably what did it for me. Head-On also has my favorite version of Calypso, but it's hard to put into words why. I think that since Head-On's endings are written as conversations between Calypso and the winner, instead of narrations like the other games, there's less restriction on what Calypso can do and say in them. So there's some extra banter and presentation involved beyond the standard "My wish is for this/your wish is granted/whoops ain't that a bitch/thank you for playing Twisted Metal"
I honestly think TM Head-On is still the 3rd fan favorite TM game and Small Brawl being the most forgettable TM of them all because it was released on the same year as TM Black and it was released during the PS2's peak (probably the biggest reason why it failed), so it's overshadowed by those reasons.. even though, I grew up playing that game and loved it.
i never forgot head on cause i still listen to disasterproof and head on is what introduced me to nine inch nails via the arena level (i think the colosseum)
Head On has been the only Twisted Metal game I've actually wanted to play for more than an hour at a time and the only one I've completed multiple times. I've beaten Black with, like, two characters and while I thought it was fun it was super stressful. I almost beat 4 but I couldn't get past Sweet Tooth. I had no chance with 1 and 2 relies too heavily on the "code" attacks, and I never remembered those.
Having both a PSP version, and the PS2 remix, I think the difficulty being so light is a hold-over from the handheld version. I actually didnt think the game was too easy on PSP, because I would just go in, do a level or two, and shut off. I think that was the point. The game was designed to be played in spurts. Perhaps the PS2 version should have been ramped up in it's difficulty, but I dont think the game was designed from jump to be a game you sit in front of and play from start to finish like the prior games.
This game was one of my favorites on the PSP, and I think they might have made it easier for a couple of reasons. First, the controls on the PSP, while good for a handheld, where far inferior to the PS2 controller, so maybe they made it easier so game was not as frustrating (could also add to the fact that the PS2 version feels even easier). Also, being a PSP focused titled, maybe they were looking to increase replayability, so you wouldn’t get bogged down as much and could try out all the different characters and endings.
This is one twisted metal game I will never forget. It's hotwired into my brain with how much fun I had playing it. True it's the easiest game in the series and not for everyone but it's still fun. Now If Sony can just emulate the PS2 version of this and release it on consoles, I really frigging want that! It shouldn't be forgotten damn it!
I was hyped for the PSP back when it released and got one at launch with this game, and really enjoyed it. I put a ton of time in this and Untold Legends.
I loved Twisted Metal III as a kid, man. It got me into the series and then I went back and played the other ones and eventually Black when it came out, and Head-On. But yeah. I'm probably the sick freak that'd say 3 is a good starting point. I mean, come on. The music? I don't care if the gameplay was good. It literally shaped what I listened to for the rest of my life. It was great for a six year old. ...Which is probably part of the problem, huh? I should go back and play it again.
I started with 2 and Black, Head On was the fourth title I played behind Small Brawl. I think Black and Head On are my favorite in the series. I never owned Head On for PS2 but that looks like my dream game considering it has Lost.
Funny enough this and Black are my two favorite twisted metal games (I've played TM2 on PC and it was messy, not bad and I am planning on getting it through the PS3 Store to fully enjoy it) basically my cousin had a modified PSP with a lot of games and Head On was one of them so whenever he came by with is PSP I'd play the shit out of it. later on I'd get Black for the PS2 and play the shit out of that too. also I have a soft spot for the 2012 reboot and enjoy playing it. and for the record I play Roadkill, I just like the held together by scraps muscle car.
The difficulty thing could possibly be down to it being a handheld title originally. The devs may have intended for you to play this like you would a mobile game, in short bursts rather than one long session, so you dont get easily frustated. Because when i played it that way the game feels more fun, because i dont feel like im doing the same thing over and over for a long period of time. Tho how or why the ps2 version seems to be easier than the psp is still an enigma
27:29 This alone is why I will only ever play the PSP original over the PS2 port, kind of silly having to go through these boss fights with the mini game music.
I never forgot this game, it’s literally my favorite in the series, right along side two. I just loved the cheesy, slightly dark humor in it and always found the characters in this one to be particularly fun.
Twisted Metal Head ON apply directly to the forehead
Bold of you to assume I forgot Head On
Same 😎
Never ever
I imagine they put blue stadium in the game as kind of a homage to the first games first level
As far as I've seen, there are some major differences between the original head-on and extra twisted, and they aren't the extra content or the cars having more weapon animations on the ps2. A lot of comparisons between the two versions cite that the balancing in extra twisted edition was thrown way out of wack, with that version being far easier than the original in terms of how much health you have and weapon damage. The psp still would fall into being the easiest one in the series, if the ps2 version didn't exist, but at least more engaging than that.
Some of the music was also changed around in the ps2 version, I'm not sure which song was the final boss theme (i think it was vampire's teeth, which became the transylvania theme in the ps2) but it surely wasn't the odd groovy bongo music.
I played the psp version a lot and I think the controls on it are why they had to make the game easier. Maybe that could add to the fact that the ps2 version feels even easier
Honestly, I never forgot about this title. In fact me and a best friend grew up Playing this and 5 other TMs in this series! Though by far this is my second favorite one.
head-on apply directly to the forehead.
anyways glad you covered this PSP game
Oh Hell yes!! Head-On is by far my favorite Twisted Metal!!
I have been waiting for this video!!
I think Head-On has my favourite Calypso. He just vibes with me. Great acting, looks cool, love him.
Head-On is and will always be my favorite of the series. Unless a new game comes out and I like it more, but that's so far yet to happen!
Head on, black and small brawl are my favorite 3 twisted metal games
You sure ya aren’t just afraid of numbers
I didn’t forget about this game. Was the main game I played on PSP. And had the PS2 edition
Head On was exactly what this series needed. Such a breath of fresh air.
I feel like small brawl is more forgetable than head on.
It was a ps1 game that released after the ps2 launched and even twisted metal black released. So it was overshadowed and mostly not nocticed
TM Small Brawl the first TM game I've played
the best TM games came out in 2001
True. Small Brawl should've been what he talked about instead of Head-On, even though, I grew up playing Small Brawl and loved it. Now that is more underappreciated.
Wasn’t my first twisted metal I played The original TM is my first but i played small brawl a lot when i was 11 because i didn’t have a ps2 for a while when it came out but enjoyed playing it 😅
The PS2 version is VERY different from the original PSP version.
The feel, pace, and difficulty of the game is much more balanced on the PSP version.
The lives system in the PS2 version is broken. Its supposed to work like it does it Twisted Metal: Black, but it has a bug where it doesn’t reset lives between level. Exiting and reloading a save will give you your lives back.
Nah bro, how could I forget the best Twisted Metal game? 💀
Once you have a character's supposed alter-ego driving a separate car in the same contest, continuity is pretty much out the window anyway. Plus, Axel's story assumes he won the TM2 contest, while Mr. Slam's story assumes he won, Twister's story assumes her sister won, etc.
The Twisted Metal canon is kind of a quantum superposition of all possibilities that collapses when you pick a character, and even then not everything adds up. (Like the fact that even after years of Twisted Metal, nobody has figured out that a tank is the best vehicle for car combat, for example.) It's not about airtight logic, though; it's about fun. And Twisted Metal never fails to deliver.
Twisted Metal cannon actually assumes multiple characters have won the contest dating back to the 1st TM. I will include the original (lost) endings as cannon over the text screens as well. TM1 Outlaw wins but Calypso sends him into space. TM1 Charlie Kane wins but Calypso has him become driver of Dark Tooth. TM1 Needles Kane wins and gets Harold back. (drivers who die/unknown). Angela Fortin, Cpt. Spears, Agent Stone, Scott Campbell, Mr. Ash, Hammerhead drivers. Moving on to TM2, who won? So in Head On everyone but Sweet Tooth/Needles/Marcus Kane has won the previous contest. How do we know? Well according to the character select screen, not necessarily the stories/endings. What accounts for all of the storyline/contunity being all crazy? Unreliable narrator/the entire storyline being inside Marcus Kane's mind. TM1 "Sweet Tooth" Needles Kane escaped mental patient. TM2 Marcus = Self aware that is "everything is not real". TM2 ending Marcus ending = everyone and everything seems familiar Dr. sounds like Calypso. (note the car pileup is more vehicles thanthere are playable characters in TM2) TM: Black "how Sweet Tooth see's the world" - entire game takes place in his "Needles' mind". - gloomy world. (he is narrator here) this version of Calypso is the "darker twin" Black is sent back to execute the darker twin. Black exists in TM1 besides Calypso in Mr. Ash ending. Note neither Marcus or Needles can see one another (Marcus is hiding under Bull's Head/ inside Minion Tanker.) TM Head On: Marcus/Needles/Sweet Tooth, he wakes up and becomes self aware of his split/personality decides to embrace his "true nature". Now we move on to Sweet Tooth's ending. He sees Marcus in his reflection on the side mirror (he can finally "see" Marcus in his own ending). He body/mind swaps with Calypso and then becomes in control of the contest.... So what's the theory here? Marcus has been in control of the contest the entire time, he just wasn't aware of the fact, the contest is how he keeps Sweet Tooth / Needles pacified from his "darker psychotic urges" This also explains why a lot of the vehicle names don't really change from game to game but the drivers do. Just a theory anyway.
I played the crap out of this game on psp. The psp blew my mind when I was a kid.
Same. It seemed impossible. It even had an internet browser 🤯
Twisted Metal 3 was my first Twisted Metal and I love this series to death
This is honestly my favorite twisted metal game specifically the extra twisted edition on PS2
I think Head On could be considered a similar type of game to Mario Party Superstars: taking the elements of previous games and implementing them together, but in an updated way that still results in an overall solid game itself. Like you said, Head On feels like a “Best Hits List”, which is also what MPS tries to do.
i didn't forgot twisted metal head on
It makes sense for this game to be kind of bland if you think about it. I remember it was mostly advertised as a multiplayer game, with multiple PSPs connecting with each other via Ad-hoc. If I am not mistaken it was one of those titles that you could play versus with just one copy of the game (Gamesharing it was called I think) and it was one of the features I remember people mentioning a lot at the time. Also it had actual online multiplayer which for a portable device back in 2006 was a huge deal.
So solely as a multiplayer game where the dumb AI is replaced with actual players the game is great. Single player was probably an afterthought implemented hastily because at the time a multiplayer only release was still a really rare sight.
The PSP version (aside from the extra content and frame rate) is actually superior.
They messed up the music, made the napalm broken and ruined Tower Tooth. I have also heard that the PS2 version is easier.
Btw if you find the game too easy I recommend trying to beat the game without upgrades.
idk the extra content kinda makes up for it for me
Sweet Tooth's ending will forever be the most intriguing to me, not because the implication that Calypso doesn't control his wishes, but because of the INCREDIBLY sneaky way Needles slips the wish out of him!
"YOU become ME, and I become YOU."
"Are you insane? I won't grant that wish!"
"I don't think YOU have a choice."
"What I say goes."
He fucked with Calypso's head, mixing up himself and Needles in the phrasing, so Calypso would mix up who's wishes he was abiding by! I bet if he played along, saying 'What you say goes', the wish wouldn't have gone through, but because of his exact words, he made it so that 'What I (who would become Needles) say goes'. Therefore, in a roundabout way, it's more like NEEDLES was granting the wish, because through the turn of phrase, what Needles says goes!
He caught him slipping with mental gymnastics, and even if the more you think about it, the less sense it makes, it's still super interesting to me that it worked like that!
One of my top 3 TM games. I can never forget such a gem.
This is my second favorite game in the series behind Black and I never realized how much it retreads that game until you brought up all the similarities. A lot of people call this game the true Twisted Metal 3 but part of me wonders if maybe since Black wasn't as successful as it could have been since it alienated some of the fanbase who were turned off by the gloom and gore, maybe Head-On took the ideas that did well in Black but put the classic coat of paint so more people could enjoy it. I remember my mom being cool with me playing this one but the only time I could play Black was at a friend's house and she was hesitant to let me buy 2012 due to the rating. Unfortunately at the end of the day if a game doesn't sell well or at least show some signs of growth the publisher won't keep greenlighting entries so that may have contributed to some of the "safe" ideas this game had.
You can destroy the Hollywood sign and Big Ben in TM3. That should give it some extra credit right?
I hope when you touch 2012 again you try it on original hardware, cant imagine the emulated version allows you to do the Turbo Ram every vehicle has by pushing the controller forward. Iron Maiden, while still being a pain when launching nukes, is easier when you know you can fire non homing weapon at her easier by aiming upward with the right stick.
27:34
That's only a problem for the ps2 version. On the OG psp version Vampire's Teeth (the Transylvania theme) is the one playing instead.
I had this game growing up on PS2. It was so fun and surprised it’s not talked ab more
You’re right about the Twisted Metal continuity being a travesty. But that’s what make the Twisted Metal game’s unique. The continuity’s as psychotic as the games’ insanity.
Ah, my first Twisted Metal game...
This was my favorite Twisted Metal and PSP game in general as a kid
Personally has my favorite artstyle for the endings since 2
Hell yeah, another Twisted Bacon video
i liked twisted metal 3 and 4..
I love this game to death, it was the second Twisted Metal game I ever played after TM2, tons of content and it I just feel at home with it asthetically, however, I wish the PS2 port allowed for more opponents in every level, 5 isn't enough and TM Lost allows up to 7 opponents, so why not?
damn i love these twisted metal videos by you so this is gonna be amazing to watch before falling asleep 5 mins into the video
Head-On was my favorite PSP game
Followed closely by Vice City Stories
I think the reason Head-On is so much easier and feels like a retread of the best levels from the rest of the series is because it was originally just Twisted Metal for PSP, it was one of the PSP "gestalt ports" which were basically supposed to be the most definitive experience of the whole series that could be packed onto a single UMD. They weren't concerned with doing anything particularly new, but outright ports or of the original games were either not feasible, or didn't provide enough value. They weren't going to release a Twisted Metal 1 and 2 remake, and also a cut down port of Black. So they went through picking and choosing the best and adjusted the difficulty and systems to suit shorter, handheld gameplay sessions, while still adding something new for the longtime fans in the new endings following on from 2 and the Upgrade system.
You're not wrong that the final bosses' theme is strangely unfitting. For some reason the ps2 version plays that bongo track from a minigame instead of the intended theme from the psp version.
here's the theme for those curious: ua-cam.com/video/65OXtHbnfdw/v-deo.html
Now we're getting to my favorite game in the series.
Hard to forget this game when its my favorite to play in the series.
The way twisted metal head on did it’s bosses feels way better, I mean you are fighting a hillbilly in a fully armed RV
I am glad someone is giving this series some recognition this series needs.
My favorite, Black was just too dark for me at the time, loved playing campaign with my brother
This was my first and favorite twisted metal.
I didn’t forget I still play this from time to time it’s the best twisted metal
I find this game hard to come back to despite playing the hell out of it as a kid. It just doesn't grab me like it used to. I feel like nowadays I just play Black and Small Brawl.
Forgot? It gravity daze, and vice city stories. Are why I still have a Vita and classic Psp.
2 and head-on are my favorites
I genuinely enjoyed head on. The characters felt like that had personality and decent stories. They even gave Calypso some dimension with grasshopper and Mortimer which is still one of my favorite endings.
One weird thing is that all the death match levels are smaller versions of bigger levels, except Tokyo streets which is a completely unique level not based on any existing assets in Tokyo streets.
1:49
You forgot the fact Rob Zombie was involved in both, one way or another
0:14 so... who are the other 3?
I prefer the PSP version over the PS2 because of the baffling music swap.
i’ve been WAITING for this one
I had a Buffy-inspired idea for rewriting Grasshopper's entry here - we know based on her character select bio that Calypso brought her spirit back with the goal that she'd win and wish to be fully resurrected. I imagine her going up to him, breathing deep... and wishing to be sent back. Calypso is incredulous - why on earth would she want to return to Hell? And then she hits him with this -
"I wasn't in Hell, Dad..."
He assumed she'd gone with him, but why would she? She was a child, a good kid who didn't deserve any of Calypso's BS. She was in Heaven, she was with her mother, she was happy - and then he dragged her back to Earth. Before Calypso can protest, the wish is working, out of his control, and he watches as his daughter leaves him behind, leaves his side for a better place.
I didn’t forget actually. I’ve played this game at least once a year if not more since I found out it existed. That was almost 20 years ago lol. This one is my favorite and it has so much replay value for me
The one thing that i think this review is missing was actually playing this on a PSP. Having this on the go in the late 2000s was WILD. It also looks so killer on that little screen. Sure the PS2 version does have that extra content, but the base game is identical. There were so many half assed titles on the PSP as well, but this was not. It was a full Twisted Metal on the go.
Since this game takes place after Twisted Metal 2, that means that there were at least four or five canon winners.
The first of course being Outlaw as they're the ones who killed the real minion, then Axel, and Marcus Kane, and then either Krystal did blow up and succeed in her mission which could explain why Calypso looks worse for wear now, or she failed and was blown up on the contest, Mr. Slam might of got his wish or he could of just built the tower himself.
Regarding the "final boss theme" youve heard, thats really the theme that plays on the PS2 port? The original final boss theme on PSP is called "Vampire's Teeth", and it is an incredible heavy metal rock theme. One of my favorite tracks in the series.
Ironically this game was my introduction to this series.
My favorite one, i got it on my PS3, its the one i play the most, i have all twisted metals on my ps3
Great video as always. I had a friend asking if he needed to be into the games to enjoy the series and all I could say was "The games don't even follow the games from game to game."
Also Halloween III absolutely RULES.
I owned this game on my PSP. Man, Sweet Tooth used to scare the crap out of me when I was a kid. Still, I had a lot of fun playing it. I loved seeing if I could blow up the Eiffel Tower.
I never forgot this one, it's actually one of my favorite entries. There's things it could've done better, but I think this one's a real underrated entry.
I certainly didn't forget about this title, it's actually my favorite TM game. It definitely is the easiest to a fault, but the controls and gameplay is super tight. Plus the fact it's the real TM3 is cool. I've played both the PSP and PS2 versions extensively.
Kratos: Zues, your son has returned. I come seeking the weed OF OLYMPUS!!!
Zues: 25:58
I played so much Head On as a kid that I can honestly agree with your point with getting bored while playing. It's not a bad game at all but by the time you unlock everything and have played through with everyone it becomes tiring. Overall I like the game for it being the true sequel to 2 but in hindsight I would've preferred Harbour City over this game.
Head on was my first game in the series! Just played through this year again
I adore Head On! It's the most chill TM game by a long shot and has a lot of goofy fun to be had.
The grasshopper ending to me always felt like it was setup to a sequel that never happend
Idk about you folks but I far from forgot this game, the extra twisted edition on PS2 is my favorite twisted metal
When it comes to cousin Eddy, I wish his armor was around mr slamm's at least because at least then it'd feel like his high armor stat would feel like it was ACTUALLY that
I respect everything you say in this video Bacon. But i cant accept you liking the OG theme for Blue Stadium more than Disasterproof by LeVel. (need to say this was my 1st TW so idk the atmosphere was epic af with that song playing, pure 2000 feeling)
Another great video as always my man. Love your Twisted Metal content. I was wondering if maybe you could do a ranking of what you think the best TM Stage OST is??
This is my second favorite game in the series, my favorite being the next game I'm sure you will talk about haha
I love TM 1 and 2, but Head-On was my introduction on the series, so, kinda natural.
No i didn't forgot
I think the reason why alot of the designs are similar is cause imo. Its made from the reminants of Harbor City. Seemed like Harbor city was where alot of their new creative stuff went into, but then they left it behind. Then had to make Head On for the psp and made what they could with the leftovers.
I enjoy Head-On for what it is. The only problem I have with it is that its production value feels cheap, although I can't be too hard on it since it was a PSP launch title.
I also have to give Head-On credit for properly bringing me into the series, since I had only played Small Brawl and 3 prior to it, and neither of those really got me invested in the series despite really enjoying SB. Head-On's game and story feel being more in-line with the rest of the series is probably what did it for me.
Head-On also has my favorite version of Calypso, but it's hard to put into words why. I think that since Head-On's endings are written as conversations between Calypso and the winner, instead of narrations like the other games, there's less restriction on what Calypso can do and say in them. So there's some extra banter and presentation involved beyond the standard "My wish is for this/your wish is granted/whoops ain't that a bitch/thank you for playing Twisted Metal"
I honestly think TM Head-On is still the 3rd fan favorite TM game and Small Brawl being the most forgettable TM of them all because it was released on the same year as TM Black and it was released during the PS2's peak (probably the biggest reason why it failed), so it's overshadowed by those reasons.. even though, I grew up playing that game and loved it.
i never forgot head on cause i still listen to disasterproof and head on is what introduced me to nine inch nails via the arena level (i think the colosseum)
1:53 ahh, a true man of culture 👏
Anyone remember stocking up on Gas Cans and Homings just so you stand a chance in Drive-In Movie? Head-On Doesn't...
Head On has been the only Twisted Metal game I've actually wanted to play for more than an hour at a time and the only one I've completed multiple times. I've beaten Black with, like, two characters and while I thought it was fun it was super stressful. I almost beat 4 but I couldn't get past Sweet Tooth. I had no chance with 1 and 2 relies too heavily on the "code" attacks, and I never remembered those.
Roman Ruins: “TBP………….ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!!!!!” 25:29
Once played this game on PSP during a car ride and got the worst motion sickness I’ve ever had in my life
Never forgot it
21:54 You can blow DADYWOOD sign in Rogue Trip
Having both a PSP version, and the PS2 remix, I think the difficulty being so light is a hold-over from the handheld version. I actually didnt think the game was too easy on PSP, because I would just go in, do a level or two, and shut off. I think that was the point. The game was designed to be played in spurts. Perhaps the PS2 version should have been ramped up in it's difficulty, but I dont think the game was designed from jump to be a game you sit in front of and play from start to finish like the prior games.
This game was one of my favorites on the PSP, and I think they might have made it easier for a couple of reasons. First, the controls on the PSP, while good for a handheld, where far inferior to the PS2 controller, so maybe they made it easier so game was not as frustrating (could also add to the fact that the PS2 version feels even easier). Also, being a PSP focused titled, maybe they were looking to increase replayability, so you wouldn’t get bogged down as much and could try out all the different characters and endings.
This is one twisted metal game I will never forget. It's hotwired into my brain with how much fun I had playing it. True it's the easiest game in the series and not for everyone but it's still fun.
Now If Sony can just emulate the PS2 version of this and release it on consoles, I really frigging want that! It shouldn't be forgotten damn it!
I was hyped for the PSP back when it released and got one at launch with this game, and really enjoyed it. I put a ton of time in this and Untold Legends.
head on was the first game i played in the series still love it to this day can’t play it anymore because the ps2 my dad gave me is done for now
I loved Twisted Metal III as a kid, man. It got me into the series and then I went back and played the other ones and eventually Black when it came out, and Head-On.
But yeah. I'm probably the sick freak that'd say 3 is a good starting point. I mean, come on. The music? I don't care if the gameplay was good. It literally shaped what I listened to for the rest of my life. It was great for a six year old. ...Which is probably part of the problem, huh? I should go back and play it again.
I started with 2 and Black, Head On was the fourth title I played behind Small Brawl. I think Black and Head On are my favorite in the series. I never owned Head On for PS2 but that looks like my dream game considering it has Lost.
Funny enough this and Black are my two favorite twisted metal games (I've played TM2 on PC and it was messy, not bad and I am planning on getting it through the PS3 Store to fully enjoy it)
basically my cousin had a modified PSP with a lot of games and Head On was one of them so whenever he came by with is PSP I'd play the shit out of it. later on I'd get Black for the PS2 and play the shit out of that too.
also I have a soft spot for the 2012 reboot and enjoy playing it.
and for the record I play Roadkill, I just like the held together by scraps muscle car.
The difficulty thing could possibly be down to it being a handheld title originally. The devs may have intended for you to play this like you would a mobile game, in short bursts rather than one long session, so you dont get easily frustated. Because when i played it that way the game feels more fun, because i dont feel like im doing the same thing over and over for a long period of time. Tho how or why the ps2 version seems to be easier than the psp is still an enigma
27:29 This alone is why I will only ever play the PSP original over the PS2 port, kind of silly having to go through these boss fights with the mini game music.