Twisted Metal: Black

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 154 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 126 out of 154
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 154
  3. Negative: 11 out of 154
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  1. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Sep 10, 2023
    9
    A dark 'M'-rated reboot of the car combat franchise. Visually, it was a major improvement over the PS1 entries. The gameplay also was refined to perfection and the maps were much bigger and detailed than before. If you were a fan of the previous games, then this was a must have title. An early PlayStation 2 classic. I would rate it with a 9.1 out of 10.
  2. The_D4RknesS
    Mar 26, 2023
    8
    I miss my childhood when I was afraid of the game menu music and the CRAZY 8 character's face hahahahah pure nostalgia. I also love playing Coop with someone
  3. Jattaman
    Oct 8, 2022
    8
    Divertente da soli, appassionante se giocato in multiplayer con gli amici giusti.
    Si contente con Vigilante 8 la palma del migliore, nella sua generazione, nel suo particolare genere.
  4. ACer11
    Aug 14, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jogo ruim com um diretor de mente estreita que é um racista masculino branco. O diretor deste jogo deveria ter vergonha de si mesmo e excluir seu nome dos nomes da equipe.… Expand
  5. Juluz
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like the story I like how roadkill is like a cop at the end like that's my favorite part and this game is probably one of the best games on the PlayStation 2 have ever played it's also on PlayStation 4 and 5 I wish they actually release the remastered one… Expand
  6. JeanAlterCXV
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    una carta de amor al gaming, el mejor de su saga y ojalá lo porteen a pc algún día
  7. Rmiles801
    Oct 28, 2021
    9
    This was the best TM in the series, followed by TM2. Loved the faster pace and cars. this was ahead of its time IMO, one of the most fun multiplayer games I played as a kid, before online gaming was a thing.
  8. ShiruOtakuno
    Oct 23, 2020
    10
    Twisted Metal Black is far my favorite Playstation game of all time.
    The fast-paced high octane action is what makes this game better than all those that came before and after it. Many people claim the difficulty is too high, but they miss the fact that taking the time to learn the game's mechanics and oddities is extremely rewarding. It has a unique playing style that'll keep you on your    Twisted Metal Black is far my favorite Playstation game of all time.
    The fast-paced high octane action is what makes this game better than all those that came before and after it. Many people claim the difficulty is too high, but they miss the fact that taking the time to learn the game's mechanics and oddities is extremely rewarding. It has a unique playing style that'll keep you on your seat the whole time. You have to constantly keep thinking about your movement and strategy. There is no room to catch your breath. You have to keep moving and moving and moving, or you're dead. Not only is Twisted Metal Black highly replayable, (I still often come back to it after 10 years!) but it offers catharsis through chaos and destruction. The skill ceiling is extremely high for a game of its time, and it shows. Each character is fun to play and rewarding to beat the game with, and the online multiplayer is well-balanced and loads of fun, with a few interesting changes to the experience. The stories are demented and disturbing, which makes it all the more satisfying when you help them win the tournament and obtain Calypso's wish. The levels are well-designed, and fun to drive around in while destroying the various objects and uncovering certain secrets. Twisted Metal Black is ridiculously fun and engaging, which is why it's my all-time favorite

    This game isn't without flaws however, the main one being that in the development process, it feels just a tad bit rushed, leading to a lot of missed opportunities and cut content, the most famous of which being the final boss Warhawk as a playable character. A few of the characters are lacking story cutscenes, and story mode in general is limited on stage choices, which make it feel repetitive at times. The quality-of-life improvements that later games in the series added are lacking here, and the local multiplayer was not handled too well. For example, not only is there no team deathmatch options, but there is also no way to disable friendly fire in co-op mode, which can often lead to you accidentally shooting your friend, even if you were aiming at someone else. Also, the secret levels that you unlock by finding the hidden black cubes in the levels are only playable in multiplayer mode, despite the fact that you can play with bots on these stages in Twisted Metal Black: Online. It makes no sense.

    Despite its wasted potential, Twisted Metal Black continues to deliver on blood-pumping carnage, epic music, and satisfying kills. It's a shame that the franchise is dead in the water as it is, as I would love to see it make an epic return someday. Hopefully, Sony will pick up this game and remake it for the PS5 or at the very least, provide a 1st-person arcade port. This game is available for the PS2, is backwards compatible with the PS3, and has its own downloadable 2013 port on the PS4. If you are at all a fan of early 2000s, combat, cars, combat cars, or Playstation in general, Twisted Metal Black is a must-play for all gamers that want to show the industry the true meaning of road rage.

    10/10.

    Sincerely,
    Shiru Otakuno.    … Expand
  9. Untitled94
    Dec 20, 2016
    8
    To me, this is the second best Twisted Metal. The only real criticism I have is it's almost always dark in some way. Lots of dark colors. But other than that, it's a great game. It has that good old Twisted Metal feel with a lot of stuff in it. Lots of characters to use, huge levels, etc. This is a great Twisted Metal game.
  10. Amiga_boy
    Nov 12, 2015
    10
    thank you for my good childhoodz beutiful sound , amazing characters , looks sweet, gameplay -IDEAL!!! if you like good games from ps2 and original story - you must buy it!!!
  11. NewDante
    Apr 9, 2014
    10
    este juego fue genial, lo juegue como 100 horas y aun no me aburro, es un mítico juego de ps2.

    hay otros comentarios que lo critical mal solo por que si, ellos son solo troll, no dan ningún fundamento
  12. IcedCoffee
    Feb 22, 2014
    10
    Brutal, dark, gritty, satisfying and addictive. I really can't think of a better way to summarize this game.

    I absolutely adore the gritty, industrial themes of Twisted Metal Black, along with the disturbing and dark back stories of each character gives this game a real hard edge in comparison to other titles of the same genre. It all works so perfectly with the tone and flawless,    Brutal, dark, gritty, satisfying and addictive. I really can't think of a better way to summarize this game.

    I absolutely adore the gritty, industrial themes of Twisted Metal Black, along with the disturbing and dark back stories of each character gives this game a real hard edge in comparison to other titles of the same genre. It all works so perfectly with the tone and flawless, fast-paced car combat action.

    You really won't find a better car combat experience anywhere else. The only downside to this game is that it was only released on the Playstation 2!    … Expand
  13. Rox22
    Sep 15, 2013
    8
    No real plot, no real point, but a ton of fun. Normally I rarely indulge in such mindless games, but Twisted Metal Black was just non-stop fun. Graphics are great, sound & music are top notch and character design is original and twisted.

    Overall:
    A great game that reminded me greatly of the old arcade days where you just played to have fun, and blow stuff up!
  14. Whiskey-Leg
    May 28, 2013
    6
    Am I missing something? The battles are fun, but they'd do so much better if the weapons weren't even slightly more capable at destroying a vehicle than a wiffle ball bat. The characters are varied, the cutscenes are cool, but why such weak and terrible weaponry? This isn't the chaotic, over the top explosion fest everyone seems to describe it as, it's more akin to a very drawn out battleAm I missing something? The battles are fun, but they'd do so much better if the weapons weren't even slightly more capable at destroying a vehicle than a wiffle ball bat. The characters are varied, the cutscenes are cool, but why such weak and terrible weaponry? This isn't the chaotic, over the top explosion fest everyone seems to describe it as, it's more akin to a very drawn out battle of endurance.… Expand
  15. Zilcell
    Jul 21, 2012
    5
    I love Twisted Metal. Its my favorite Playstation franchise. However, this Twisted Metal is overrated. Its not that the controls are bad, but the car physics are not quite as good as the ps1 Twisted Metals. Not only that but the areas within this game are bland and boring. There are some good points. The cinematic approach is interesting and it has some of the most memorable characters inI love Twisted Metal. Its my favorite Playstation franchise. However, this Twisted Metal is overrated. Its not that the controls are bad, but the car physics are not quite as good as the ps1 Twisted Metals. Not only that but the areas within this game are bland and boring. There are some good points. The cinematic approach is interesting and it has some of the most memorable characters in the series to date but overall its far from being the best that the series has to offer. Theres are better Twisted Metal games, preferably the ps1 classics and the new Twisted Metal 2012.… Collapse
  16. JayG203
    Feb 17, 2012
    9
    Twisted Metal Black has easily been proven to be one of the best PS2 games. It's 2012, and playing most PS2 games is quite a bore. Especially a game that's 11 years old. Every year your standards rise but TM:B has remained just as fun today as it was 11 years ago. It's complex in the way that you want a shooting game complex. It's low on features but strong handed on gameplay, and it'sTwisted Metal Black has easily been proven to be one of the best PS2 games. It's 2012, and playing most PS2 games is quite a bore. Especially a game that's 11 years old. Every year your standards rise but TM:B has remained just as fun today as it was 11 years ago. It's complex in the way that you want a shooting game complex. It's low on features but strong handed on gameplay, and it's stories and atmosphere are some of the best in gaming. It's a shooter that you have to invest some time into to be good. Twisted Metal Black is the most mature TM and easily the most difficult. The gameplay is fast and tight. You will constantly be shifting your eyes from your health bar to your ammo consumption to your map etc. If you put a good amount of time into this game you'll be good enough to take on the only mentionable flaw with this game. You'll notice whence driving around a battle that none of the enemies are really fighting each other, and you're right, they're not. The game is supposed to be a contest of 9 players pitted against each other in an attempt to come out on top, but really it's just you vs 8 other contestants. This is what makes the game so difficult. You can't help but to get frustrated or angry when you get hit by a sickle, a ghost missile and a SAT at the same time. This flaw is quite annoying, and no matter how good you do, it's still a flaw, but the better you are, the less you care. Another mention is that this game is pure old school. On top of the only mode being deathmatch, you will also be spending the majority of your time driving and getting weapon and turbo pick ups. This isn't as annoying as you'd think it would be because there is no way you could survive in a stand still battle anyway. To survive you need to master driving to keep from getting shot by all the other contestants. This game is not by any means pick up and play. There is no single story in this game. Every individual character has his or her own story. There are 15 contestants in total. All the stories, characters and vehicles are equally entertaining and there are no carbon copies. The variation is stronger than any other game I've ever played. There aren't even any fighting games I've played that match the amount of variation in character design. All of the contestants are connected in the contest through Calypso, whom breaks them out of a mental asylum and promises them all (whence they win) a wish of their desire. There is no limit on price, size or even reality. This game being the most mature TM also has a worse fate it seems for those whom have better morals. I'm not going to spoil anything, but the "good" contestants don't have it so good in the end. The graphics are just as good as the other areas of the game. Slick, well textured and extremely dark. It's like a Tim Burton movie for serial killers. There will also be a great amount of time put into this game, for beating the game with every character is a good incentive and will take quite a lot of time. In the end, Twisted Metal Black is a flawless piece of gaming. It's dark, it's difficult, it's engrossing and most of all it's a blast to play. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. Though for someone looking for a shooter that's more than just a shooter, I'd pick it up on the spot.… Expand
  17. 7dogguy
    Feb 15, 2012
    9
    this is the best twisted metal next to twisted metal 2 and the new one for ps3 the game has an amazingly dark storyline with awesome characters while some characters arent that great most are awesome. this the most fluid twisted metal besides the one on ps3 the controls are responsive and the online while around was really fun if you want a classic ps2 game get this you wont regret it
  18. EmAnYyYyy
    Jan 28, 2012
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time.. Twisted Metal. I'm a huge RPG fan so this game is out of my genre but I just love the fact that it's fast paced and basically just a very addictive car combat game. No other companies can compete with Eat Sleep Play's Twisted Metal. The storyline in this game is very dark and awesome, the cars are very detailed and have cool specials and the levelOne of my favorite games of all time.. Twisted Metal. I'm a huge RPG fan so this game is out of my genre but I just love the fact that it's fast paced and basically just a very addictive car combat game. No other companies can compete with Eat Sleep Play's Twisted Metal. The storyline in this game is very dark and awesome, the cars are very detailed and have cool specials and the level design is great. The only minor problem I found was that all of the level's are "dark" which is cool and everything but I'de like to see some very opposite type maps in there for more variety.… Expand
  19. TipsyMcBee
    Nov 11, 2011
    5
    What made Twisted Metal Black memorable were the cinematic sequences from each playable character and the song "Paint in Black" played at the ending credits. Everything else in this game was slightly fun in some levels with highly frustrating controls by using the directional buttons as your vehicle's acceleration. The controls were very irritating in the gameplay that my fingers wereWhat made Twisted Metal Black memorable were the cinematic sequences from each playable character and the song "Paint in Black" played at the ending credits. Everything else in this game was slightly fun in some levels with highly frustrating controls by using the directional buttons as your vehicle's acceleration. The controls were very irritating in the gameplay that my fingers were literally hurting two hours later. It also does not help either when the gameplay's difficulty is extremely tough. Twisted Metal Black has a great presentation in visual and sound starring these pretty dark characters in a fun sudden death car match competition, but it is just those excruciating controls that loses the game's fun.… Expand
  20. fandango89
    Sep 26, 2011
    3
    I was excited for this game having played and enjoyed 1-3. I was sorely disappointed as the computer is was too good and this you with everything. I played for an hour and couldn't beat the first level. Everyone moves way too fast you can't target them and the controls are over-sensitive leading you to never be able to follow someone. I ended up getting shot every 5 seconds from every sideI was excited for this game having played and enjoyed 1-3. I was sorely disappointed as the computer is was too good and this you with everything. I played for an hour and couldn't beat the first level. Everyone moves way too fast you can't target them and the controls are over-sensitive leading you to never be able to follow someone. I ended up getting shot every 5 seconds from every side while never being able to get a bead on anyone. I have played and gotten far in all the other one but the new combat in this is terrible and a major bust. Stick with #2, the best of them all.… Expand
  21. llamayarmybar
    Jul 21, 2011
    8
    Its so fun- but its so damn hard. This game is immensely difficult. Maybe its the control scheme or maybe its just my inability to carry on against un-winnable boss fights. The levels are easy and even if you're not very good with the characters that apparently built their vehicles out of tissue paper, its still not impossible... but then you get to the first boss. Its of course aroundIts so fun- but its so damn hard. This game is immensely difficult. Maybe its the control scheme or maybe its just my inability to carry on against un-winnable boss fights. The levels are easy and even if you're not very good with the characters that apparently built their vehicles out of tissue paper, its still not impossible... but then you get to the first boss. Its of course around the second that you start to wonder why you can't seem to progress through the game very easily. These boss fights are ridiculous and unless its magically easier with 2 players instead of one- I'm still guessing they would be a bit frustrating. Also the control scheme is garbage if you're not used to it. In fact I blame a lot the inherent difficulty in just maneuvering you're vehicle on the control scheme. Its un-suited for a car combat game and I've been playing these since the original playstation. Yet, the music rocks, the characters are awesome, the cars are great, the weapons are great, the levels are varied, and it just does what it does so well. Its hart to hate what you love, but even Twisted Metal has its shortcomings. They just don't kill the games appeal though.… Expand
  22. LiamW.
    Jan 19, 2008
    8
    A very strong entry in the TM series, especially after the abysmal 3 and 4. However, there were some major disappointments. Weapons are too weak, ramming other cars is no longer a strategy, everything moves too fast and many classic cars are changed for the worst. Despite this, TMB is a superb game. TM2 is better though.
  23. TimN.
    Feb 25, 2007
    9
    Very good game, builds and improves on TM2 in every way.
  24. RussellE.
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    I love this game, I used to have it but even though ive gotten everything I occasionally rent it because its great.
  25. AnatoliI.
    Nov 24, 2005
    10
    Just the best Twisted Metal Ever !!!
  26. JimmyW.
    Aug 20, 2004
    7
    The most scary, fast, dangerous wild, suicidal and bloodthirsty game i have ever played is cool but gets quite boring but still cool.
  27. JoelR.
    Apr 17, 2004
    10
    WOW Best Driver Shooter Game I'v Played. Really Interesting stories, good graphics, levels, and charactors.
  28. KyleK.
    Nov 23, 2003
    8
    Heaps of fun in multiplayer. Really fun is all i can say.
  29. MorganN.
    Nov 8, 2003
    5
    I bought this game thinking it would be really fun but there's absolutley nothing speacial about it, there's few levels and a very small variety of weapons, do not buy or rent this game.
  30. pietadon
    Jul 4, 2003
    10
    this game is a god sent compaired to the other previos games this game is....well i cant compair it for it cant go higher. and a message to thoes who gave it a bad review and thoes reading them, they only say that becuse there perfectionistic litle shits who cant get passed the first level. not to mention they pelvis cancer, once again to thoes with bad reviwes on this godly game ..FUCK YOU!!!!!
  31. TwistedMetalfan
    Apr 6, 2003
    7
    Slightly disappointed. The insanely high level of difficulty was enough, but the fact that the series is taking on a whole new dark method is just the worst. Many of the classic Twisted Metal characters have been completly changed (since when was Minion a gas truck? I thought he was a tank) or many completely eliminated. Not only that, but some of the endings were so disturbing that you Slightly disappointed. The insanely high level of difficulty was enough, but the fact that the series is taking on a whole new dark method is just the worst. Many of the classic Twisted Metal characters have been completly changed (since when was Minion a gas truck? I thought he was a tank) or many completely eliminated. Not only that, but some of the endings were so disturbing that you may be near tears. (Espechily Outlaw's ending) What happened to the funny endings of the older games in the series? Why does Calypso look so different now? etc. After Twisted Metal 2, the developers gave the rights to the series to 989 Studios, and, needless to say, they completely screwed up Twisted Metal 3 and 4. Many developers from the first 2 games took over to make this one, and the result is: Better than Twisted Metal 1, 3, and 4, but not better than Twisted Metal 2, which was an amazing game.… Expand
  32. TommyL.
    Mar 19, 2003
    4
    Yea...the game is very well made, great graphics, sound, and awesome cutscenes. But where's the fun? It's so repetitive...i dunno...maybe its just not my kinda game.
  33. RyanM.
    Feb 13, 2003
    9
    This game is a great addition to the twisted metal series. The violence on top of the addictive gameplay makes this game a great multiplayer. The wide choices of characters and the many varied tracks makes this game a definite greatest hits. Twisted Metal Rules!!!!!!!
  34. StewartA.
    Oct 16, 2002
    10
    This is the best graphiced game!!!! And the best game to play!!!!
  35. BlaineG.
    Oct 5, 2002
    10
    The best of the Twisted series has a wicked awesome cast of characters and has a great set of levels for ultimate gameplay. Also out for internet, so you can play with people across the nation!!10/10!!!!
  36. ChrisW.
    Jun 26, 2002
    10
    Excellent! Sweet Tooth is the ultimate bad guy! This game has excellent graphics, amazing gameplay, and it keeps you coming back for more. Seconds anyone?
  37. NestorG.
    Jun 9, 2002
    0
    This is the worst game. I don't know how the people play this game. Thanks.
  38. ClintonB.
    May 25, 2002
    10
    This is one game that doesn't give up the gameplay for the graphics.
  39. GregD.
    Mar 4, 2002
    10
    This is what you look for in a game. Super-fast, violence, and missles and machine guns are all a game needs!
  40. Dr.No
    Feb 24, 2002
    10
    Car doors torn to pieces...Humans flaming like torches exploding in the air...Innocent pedestrians crushed and impaled to pieces...Heavy metal music...Helicopters and airliners exploding under a hellstorm of machine guns, rocket lauchers and flamethrowers...Psycho child abused killers driving customized vehicles that turn into robots with special weapons....My type and idea of game...A+++
  41. KristianP.
    Jan 7, 2002
    8
    Its a funny game, but I think that it goes to fast. The others simply drive a little to fast. Else it's a cool game.
  42. RJP
    Jan 4, 2002
    9
    One of the best games I have played for a while. The only problem I have with it is that the boss is a stupid police copter. But still, Sweettooth, nuff' said.
  43. BradenB.
    Dec 16, 2001
    10
    I truly love this game. Incog. really saved the Twisted Metal series from 989 (they couldn't make a worse game if they tried). I love the stories and driver profiles(especially sweet tooths) and the specials rock! The graphics are excellent. I wish they would have kept some of the old drivers from 1 and 2 though.
  44. MartinC.
    Dec 11, 2001
    9
    WOW... this game ROCKS! A clever blend of intense action wacky characters and massive levels make this game a must have for any PS2 collection!
  45. ChadS.
    Dec 2, 2001
    4
    I really did not like this game because it was much more complicated with it being dark and there were to many symbols for the weapons.
  46. TommyC.
    Nov 27, 2001
    10
    Yes baby best game on ps2.
  47. MikeN.
    Nov 23, 2001
    9
    Even after many months, and many new game releases, I still find myself truly enjoying TMB. Definitely continues the legacy of TM1 and TM2, which was sorely missing in 3-4.
  48. ChuckD.
    Nov 16, 2001
    10
    It's bomb.
  49. BarryC.
    Nov 16, 2001
    9
    Awesome game! Recommended for multiplayer as it is much more entertaining when you get to blast a buddy to kingdom come!
  50. Jojo
    Nov 11, 2001
    9
    All those who say that TMBlack is bad have no taste in game in fact their mere presance in the gaming community sickens me.
  51. ChrisX.
    Oct 29, 2001
    10
    I think this game is cool. With all the carnage and blood and pedestrian traffic being blown up and people of fire and all of the explosives and car crashes. This is the best game I ever played.
  52. PeterC.
    Oct 29, 2001
    8
    This was the second best Twisted Metal ever. The second one was better but that one ruled. But this game is very good.
  53. GirmawiJ.
    Oct 27, 2001
    9
    It has bad A. graphics. Cool levels and every thing. This is a cool game.
  54. S.Foley
    Jun 28, 2001
    10
    This game rocks. I love the dark atmosphere and storyline of this game. The graphics are great, and the speed is incredible. The levels are huge with a lot of secrets. Get this one for sure.
  55. ShaunJ.
    Jun 21, 2001
    9
    Twisted Metal: Black is a very dark (hence the name) and disturbing game with excellent graphics and great sound. Don't expect to finish in a day, this game is hard! Definitely worth the money.
  56. Zilcell
    Jul 21, 2012
    5
    I love Twisted Metal. Its my favorite Playstation franchise. However, this Twisted Metal is overrated. Its not that the controls are bad, but the car physics are not quite as good as the ps1 Twisted Metals. Not only that but the areas within this game are bland and boring. There are some good points. The cinematic approach is interesting and it has some of the most memorable characters inI love Twisted Metal. Its my favorite Playstation franchise. However, this Twisted Metal is overrated. Its not that the controls are bad, but the car physics are not quite as good as the ps1 Twisted Metals. Not only that but the areas within this game are bland and boring. There are some good points. The cinematic approach is interesting and it has some of the most memorable characters in the series to date but overall its far from being the best that the series has to offer. Theres are better Twisted Metal games, preferably the ps1 classics and the new Twisted Metal 2012.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PS2 Game of 2001
12
#12 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
17
#17 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. GameSpot
    95
    Not only the best in the series, but it also manages to be the best car combat game ever created and one of the best PlayStation 2 games currently available.
    Read full review
  2. GamePen
    100
    The sound is very disturbing in a Nine Inch Nails sort of way—very cool and very brooding, fitting in perfectly with the game.
    Read full review
  3. TotalPlayStation
    95
    The difference is that TMB just does it all better. Level design, graphics, weapons, vehicles, players… they’re all pulled off to such a perfect degree that it almost seems like the other games didn’t even exist.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »