The events of Twisted Metal – Head On revolve around the same concept that has defined the previous installments of the series. A mysterious man named Calypso announces the start of a new tournament of Twisted Metal, the annual event that gathers the most skilled and insane drivers to fight until the last breath for a single chance to have an impossible wish granted without any restrictions.
If you think this is just a racing game, then you have not understood the rules yet. The roads here are not meant for finishing in first place but for surviving amidst a storm of missiles, explosions, and relentless chaos. The game delivers a vehicle combat experience like never before, allowing players to choose from 14 different vehicles, each with unique abilities and deadly weapons such as homing missiles, explosive mines, flamethrowers, and even special attacks exclusive to each vehicle. Every encounter becomes a tactical battle where survival depends on intelligence, not just speed.
The single-player modes in Head On are similar to those in previous titles, with the story mode focusing on a series of battles across various combat arenas in open confrontations where everyone fights against each other. The game also features a unique upgrade system that rewards aggressive gameplay with collectible bonuses that enhance special attacks, increase vehicle jumping capabilities, and improve armor levels. These upgrades remain active until the moment of your death, ensuring long-term engagement thanks to the unlockable secrets and hidden content.
Each character has a unique cinematic ending, along with secret characters that can be unlocked by completing the story or discovering hidden secrets within the levels. There are also secret teleportation gates leading to mini-challenges, completing which grants additional rewards for both single-player and multiplayer modes. As with previous installments, Head On is filled with the signature dark humor that has become a staple of the series. The battle arenas vary from open environments to tight corridors, forcing players to adopt different strategies. Sometimes, escaping might be a viable option, but in the end, confrontation is inevitable, and hesitation for even a second can turn you into burning wreckage.
The stages range from ruined city streets to underground arenas and vast areas that allow players to explore hidden paths and unexpected surprises. The multiplayer mode offers a whole new experience, where players can face each other online, making every battle more intense and unpredictable. You never know when death will come or from which angle the final blow will strike.
Since its first release, the Twisted Metal series has been known for absolute chaos, but Head On takes this chaos to a whole new level. Unlike previous installments, this version introduces impressive graphical enhancements for the PSP, making explosions and details more precise than ever. The gameplay has also seen major improvements, with more responsive vehicles, a greater variety of weapons, and new game modes packed with more secrets than ever before. Even the artificial intelligence has become more ruthless, making battles more challenging and forcing players to adopt new survival strategies.