Sacred Symbols+, Episode 319 | The Making of Twisted Metal (1995) with David Jaffe (Patreon)

Please welcome legendary designer David Jaffe back to Sacred+. Today, Jaffe returns with intent so that we might focus-in on what is perhaps his most iconic game: Twisted Metal, the 1995 western PSone launch title, a car combat extravaganza that spawned a popular and lucrative three generation-long PlayStation franchise. While Peacock's new Twisted Metal live action series is getting attention and acclaim -- rightfully so -- Sony more quietly launched the original game onto PSN in recent weeks for both PS4 and PS5. I (Colin) sat down to play it, frankly not having much experience with it outside of friends' houses and rentals in days past. And I was surprised. I was kinda smitten with it by the end of my Platinum run (#145!), actually, mega-nostalgic for the earliest era of 3D gaming. I simply knew I had to pick Jaffe's brain about every facet of the game, and I knew I wanted The Washington Post's Gene Park along with me. After all, he's a Twisted Metal fan going back to the beginning; I am a mere neophyte in comparison. If you're a PlayStation nerd, a fan of gaming history, or simply love the nuts and bolts of game dev, you are absolutely going to love this episode. Enjoy. (Please note: We spoil the first game in its entirety.)