The Many Twisted Faces of Twisted Metal

Few games have as many memorable characters (or in this case even vehicles) as Sony’s signature vehicular combat series, Twisted Metal. Ever since the original PlayStation, gamers have been shooting missiles and watching cars explode into flames.

While most video game enthusiasts know about the series’ iconic drivers, such as Needles Kane and Axel, Twisted Metal fanatics know that there are many more awesome characters. It should come as no surprise that Twisted Metal has a special place in the hearts of PlayStation gamers since the series has appeared on every PlayStation console aside from the PlayStation 4 and Vita.

So, with Twisted Metal‘s 20th anniversary coming up later this year, we here at PlayStation LifeStyle thought it would be fun to highlight 15 of the most memorable drivers as part of our Inventing an Icon theme. Mind you, with the series featuring over 40 characters, this wasn’t an easy task! Take a trip down a very violent memory lane with our list below.

While, these may have been our 15 choices for the most iconic Twisted Metal characters, there are plenty more to still choose from. This means that some beloved characters have been left off the list, so voice your opinions in the comment section! We would also like to hear how you would like to see Sony celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary! Could another entry be possible after 2012’s reboot that failed to light the sales charts on fire?

Twisted Metal

The Many Faces of Twisted Metal
Amanda Watts

Amanda Watts is an IndyCar driver who appears in Twisted Metal 2. Her wish is to drive beyond the speed of light. She ends up achieving her goal, but there is the classic Twisted Metal twist that makes it a non-happy ending. Her twin sister Miranda appears as a driver in Twisted Metal: Head-On.
Axel

Axel has had a rough life. His father strapped two giant tires to his arms because he was "too slow". After finally removing the device, Axel (now permanently disfigured) managed to settle down and marry his true love. Unfortunately, his wife was murdered soon after, leaving Axel no choice, but to don the wheels once again. Axel just can't seem to catch a break in life.
Bloody Mary

Despite only appearing in Twisted Metal: Black, Bloody Mary might be the scariest driver of the Spectre yet. Her past involves constant rejection from boys in school. This all culminates when she finally snaps at her friend's wedding where she stabs the bride to death. She enters the contest looking for true love.
Bruce Cochrane

Bruce is a Twisted Metal original. Appearing in the first three games, Bruce drives a sweet Chevrolet Impala. His upbringing took place in Los Angeles, and he just wants to make his hometown a better place.
Calypso

Calypso is the creator of the Twisted Metal contest. He is only playable in one game, Twisted Metal 4, but has been a constant source of entertainment since the first game. He is one of a select few that have appeared in every Twisted Metal.
Captain Rogers

Captain Rogers is an experienced war veteran who clocks in at 107 years old. Obviously his days are numbered, so he is competing to win his youth back. Rogers appears in Twisted Metal II and III.
Carl Roberts

Carl "Buzz" Roberts is a cop that is looking to take down Calypso. Alongside his sister Jaime, Carl has been trying to end the Twisted Metal tournament for years. Carl is playable in Twisted Metal, III, Small Brawl, and Head-On.
Cousin Eddy

Cousin Eddy may only appear in Twisted Metal: Head-On, but he makes an impression. Driving a pretty wicked custom RV, Eddy is both a boss and a playable character. He has a gang of hillbillies that will fight alongside Eddy until death.
Dollface

Dollface might be the creepiest character in the entire series. In the 2012 reboot, Dollface is a superficial supermodel who ends up damaging her face in a car accident. Striving for perfection, she can't accept the damage. Ultimately, she ends up wearing a magical mask that hides her face.
Minion

Appearing in the first four Twisted Metal games and Black, Minion is a veteran of many contests, even winning the tournament that takes place before the first game. Minion finally makes his first playable appearance in III and stays that way in the future installments that he is in.
Mr. Grimm

Mr. Grimm, as his name would indicate, is the Grim Reaper. He also rides a pretty baller motorcycle. In the reboot, he appears not as the Grim Reaper, but a criminal by the name of Daniel Grimm. Mr. Grimm appears (in some variation) in each game in the series.
Needles Kane

Needles Kane, also known as Sweet Tooth, is the mascot of Twisted Metal. Needles is the split-personality of an escaped mental patient, Marcus Kane. Needles has appeared on the cover of every single Twisted Metal game and his vehicle is just as iconic as his flaming hair.
Preacher

Preacher is a relatively new character in the series as he only appears in Twisted Metal: Black and in 2012's reboot. The good preacher was performing an exorcism until everything went wrong. The demon was too powerful, and ended up taking over his body. The demon then forced Preacher to murder everyone in the room. In the reboot, Preacher has no storyline, but he is playable.
Rob Zombie

Yes, that Rob Zombie. When, the rocker isn't performing hits such as "Living Dead Girl", or directing horror film, he can apparently be found competing in Twisted Metal contests. Due to his busy schedule, he has only appeared in Twisted Metal 4.
Simon Whittlebone

Simon Whittlebone is a recently fired architect that wants the power to build anything he pleases. After Twisted Metal II, Simon ends up falling to his death. This doesn't stop him, as he returns in Head-On as a ghost. Simon is very serious about finishing his architecture!