Twisted Metal: Redefining Playstation Adaptations with Unprecedented Thrills
Twisted Metal's disappointing reception sets a cautionary example for future PlayStation adaptations, leaving fans questioning its potential Discover what other exciting PlayStation projects await their big-screen debuts!
The release of Peacock's version of the popular demolition derby game Twisted Metal went unnoticed after a few days. Video game adaptations often face high expectations and the recent examples have deviated from the norm. Sony's strong push to conquer the video game movie market is at risk due to their mistakes.
The impact of the Super Mario Bros. Movie on video game adaptations should not be ignored. It currently ranks as the third highest-grossing animated film ever released. Despite debates on its quality, Hollywood should take note and follow suit. It is clear that audiences enjoy seeing their favorite games come to life with a big budget and humorous references. However, this formula may not work for everyone.
Why was Twisted Metal so poorly received?
The Rotten Tomatoes score for Twisted Metal may initially appear favorable, with critics giving it a 69% positive rating, and 98% of audiences enjoying it. However, Metacritic was less generous, awarding it a score of 53 out of 100. The general consensus is that the show is mindless entertainment, characterized by its brutal violence, dark humor, and lackluster sidequests. The soundtrack consists of early-2000s nu-metal, and the writing feels more suited for an outdated Newgrounds animation. The large-scale action scenes, although filled with meaningless car crashes, fail to leave a lasting impact. In summary, Twisted Metal is a streaming television series that fails to live up to its potential.
What's intriguing about this show is its lack of attention. Despite being released on Peacock, it has received only 42 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes a week after its debut. In comparison, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which has been out for less than 24 hours at the time of writing, has garnered over 130 reviews. Twisted Metal failed to create any significant buzz. While search terms related to the series briefly trended on Google for about 24 hours, it never went viral on social media, and there is little to no discussion surrounding it. Even the Wikipedia article on the series only provides summaries for the first four episodes. The most attention it seems to have received was when the first trailer was released, leading to some Twitter users mocking the dialogue. With a show that promised much but failed to captivate its audience, Sony is faced with the question of where to go next.
What other PlayStation projects are coming to the screen?
PlayStation Productions, launched in 2019, aims to fulfill Sony's vision of bringing big-budget video game adaptations to both the big and small screens. Despite facing criticism, their first project, Uncharted, was a financial success. The studio then ventured into television with The Last of Us, which achieved unparalleled praise as one of the best video game adaptations ever made. Although Twisted Metal did not perform as well, PlayStation Productions seemed aware of its shortcomings. Gran Turismo, originally scheduled for release two weeks after Twisted Metal, was delayed by an additional two weeks. This deliberate scheduling may have been a strategic move in case the first project failed. Nevertheless, the studio has much more in store for the future.
One of PlayStation Productions' latest announcements is a cinematic adaptation of the open-world zombie game, Days Gone. However, there has been no update on this project for nearly a year. The studio's next exciting venture is a film based on the samurai epic Ghost of Tsushima, directed by Chad Stahelski, known for his work on John Wick. Rumors of an all-Japanese cast have also been circulating. Additionally, last August, it was reported that music video director Anna Mastro would be helming a Gravity Rush adaptation. On the television front, PlayStation Productions has plans for a series based on God of War and Horizon. These projects, however, remain in a state of uncertainty, with no public previews or teasers available. Twisted Metal, while currently featured in their lineup, will likely fade into obscurity once the next project is released. Nonetheless, it is a valuable lesson for the studio to learn from.
The issue with Twisted Metal as a show is that its valuable components can only be experienced through a controller. It is easy to gather unlikeable characters, incorporate tasteless jokes, and create numerous car crashes. Adding the name of an inactive IP does not enhance the show's appeal. Perhaps, the show could have performed better without the burden of expectations. It is crucial for future PlayStation Productions films to comprehend what makes a video game adaptation truly valuable. Not every project is equipped to sustain a series. Not every concept translates effectively across different mediums. If a game series solely relies on a playable version of popular films, then the resulting movie will be dull. Requesting Sony to recognize the issues with merely attaching marketable brand names to every project is akin to expecting the impossible, thus these lessons will likely remain unheeded.
