When the trailers for the Twisted Metal show first released, it seemed that the Peacock adaptation of the PlayStation franchise would be another in a long line of poor video game adaptations. But we are happy to report that Twisted Metal is actually a great example of how video game adaptations can succeed if they embrace the source material. Starring Anthony Mackie as John Doe and Stephanie Beatriz as Quiet, the show manages to be as bonkers as the games, with a surprising amount of heart. But what exactly makes it a good adaptation of the games? And will long-time fans of the Twisted Metal franchise love it?
Is Peacock’s Twisted Metal a Good Adaptation of the Games?
It would be impossible for Twisted Metal to be a one-for-one adaptation of the video games because there’s been a handful of them, each with different stories. So, unless they stuck to one game, it would never have been accurate. The show doesn’t focus on Calypso’s tournament like the games do. Instead, it follows a group of characters who are trying to get by in the apocalypse. If you are going into Twisted Metal expecting to see the characters, locations, and vehicles you love, you will not be disappointed. The most iconic character of the game, Sweet Tooth, is played by Samoa Joe and voiced by Will Arnett. He appears as psychotic as he is in the games, complete with his paper bag friend Harold, and his ice-cream truck. He isn’t the only one to appear either, with Agent Stone, Raven, and many other drivers making appearances as well.
Where the show shines is how it manages to capture the unhinged vibe of the Twisted Metal franchise. It’s excessively violent, in just the way you’d want an adaptation of Twisted Metal to be. It also manages to have some disturbing jokes – ones that absolutely would have fit in the games. This definitely isn’t a show for kids, but that’s a good thing. The show is at its best when it’s funny, and when it’s full of heart. Ultimately, there’s no guarantee that if you like the games, you will like the show. A large part of why you might love the Twisted Metal games is because of the gameplay, a feeling that the show clearly can’t replicate. But Peacock’s Twisted Metal does a great job of emulating the storied PlayStation franchise, from the violence to the vibes.
