Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Twisted Metal III delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience centered around high-octane vehicular combat. Players select from a roster of unique vehicles—ranging from a weaponized ice cream truck to a motorcycle with lethal blades—and engage in explosive arena battles. Each machine comes equipped with distinct weapons and handling characteristics, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel exactly the same.

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The core mechanic revolves around strategic use of power-ups scattered throughout the stages. Missiles, mines, and health packs often sit in precarious spots, forcing players to weigh risk against reward. Navigating tight corners in London’s narrow alleyways or avoiding trap-laden streets in Tokyo demands precise control and sharp reflexes, creating a tension that is as satisfying as it is relentless.

Multiplayer modes amplify the chaos, whether you’re duking it out with a friend in split-screen or facing off against AI opponents. The pacing remains brisk throughout, with quick respawns and short, action-packed rounds that encourage repeated sessions. While a single-player “tournament” can feel predictable after the first few cups, the unpredictable nature of human opponents keeps the gameplay loop fresh.

Graphics

Released during the late ’90s era of 3D experimentation, Twisted Metal III’s visuals reflect the ambition and limitations of the time. Character models and vehicle designs carry a distinct polygonal charm, with exaggerated contours that underline each combatant’s personality. Though textures appear blurrier than modern standards, the game’s stylized aesthetic holds up by emphasizing bold colors and dramatic contrasts.

Environmental detail varies significantly from stage to stage. London’s docks, for instance, are lined with shipping crates and dim, industrial lighting, while Tokyo’s neon-lit streets feature towering billboards and reflective puddles. Certain locales stand out thanks to creative set pieces—an erupting volcano island or a desert canyon complete with collapsing bridges—though some arenas can feel a bit sparse in comparison.

Special effects such as explosions, smoke plumes, and weapon tracers remain the highlights of each battle. Despite the limited particle counts, the ringouts and detonations feel weighty and impactful. Water surfaces shimmer under ambient light, and destructible objects like barrels and guardrails add a layer of interactivity that boosts immersion, even if draw distance occasionally causes pop-in issues.

Story

Twisted Metal III unfolds in an apocalyptic future where the enigmatic Calypso, master of the deadly tournament, promises a single wish to the last vehicle standing. This narrative framing device propels competitors—each with their own tragic backstory—into a globe-trotting war for survival. While story beats are delivered via brief text scrolls and pre-match intros, the game wisely keeps exposition lean to maintain action focus.

Competitor motivations range from redemption-seeking vigilantes to anarchic thrill-seekers, creating an eclectic cast that adds flavor to the carnage. The promise of a wish grants each contestant a personal stake: some aim to resurrect lost loved ones, others seek wealth or revenge. Although character development is limited by the game’s arcade leanings, these snippets provide enough context to root for—or against—certain rivals.

The progression through various international arenas doubles as a loose narrative arc, culminating in a final showdown with Calypso himself. Though the climax is more spectacle than storytelling tour de force, defeating Calypso and watching your wish unfold delivers a satisfying payoff. It’s a minimalist plot, but it succeeds in giving shape to the mayhem without bogging players down.

Overall Experience

Twisted Metal III thrives on its relentless pace and explosive set pieces. Controls are responsive enough to pull off tight turns and well-timed weapon locks, though newcomers may find the learning curve steep when facing veteran players. The game’s difficulty ramps up deliberately, ensuring that each successive tournament feels more punishing—and more rewarding—than the last.

The sound design deserves special mention: thunderous engine roars, clashing metal impacts, and piercing weapon blasts all contribute to a visceral audio landscape. A pulsating soundtrack meshes rock and electronic elements, reinforcing the game’s dystopian atmosphere without becoming repetitive. Voice snippets from Calypso and other characters add personality, even if they sometimes come across as campy.

Ultimately, Twisted Metal III stands as a pivotal entry in the vehicular combat genre. While its graphics and narrative may appear dated by today’s standards, the gameplay’s core fun factor remains intact. Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer intrigued by destructive driving, this installment offers a chaotic thrill ride that’s hard to find elsewhere. For fans of fast-paced multiplayer mayhem and weaponized car battles, Twisted Metal III remains a worthwhile—and wildly entertaining—adventure.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10