Twisted Metal™ III, originally released in 1998, continues the vehicular action legacy of the franchise with a darker, heavier tone. Developed by 989 Studios, it builds upon the established formula of chaotic car battles across destructive arenas, each filled with weapons, powerups, and hazards. Players return to Calypso and his brutal tournament for the coveted prize: one wish. 

A battle to the death in vehicular form 

Twisted Metal™ III maintains the core arena-based combat, where players select from a roster of eccentric drivers with unique vehicles and special attacks. Matches unfold in sprawling stages like Washington, D.C., Tokyo, and Egypt, each filled with interactive destructible elements that add both strategy and spectacle. However, it has clunky controls and physics, making precision driving less satisfying. 

Narrative elements lean into the series’ signature dark humor. Each driver’s story and ultimate wish are revealed through quirky endings that reflect Twisted Metal’s twisted tone, but the cutscenes lack the polish of earlier entries, relying more on simplistic presentation. Still, the character roster remains one of the highlights, with iconic vehicles like Sweet Tooth returning alongside new additions. 

A dark but uneven ride 

Twisted Metal™ III delivers the series’ trademark vehicular mayhem with larger arenas, destructive environments, and a colorful cast of eccentric drivers. While the chaotic combat and dark humor stay true to the franchise’s roots, clunky controls, dated physics, and less-polished cutscenes hold it back. Fans of the series will still find enjoyment in the carnage, but it remains one of the more uneven entries in the Twisted Metal legacy.