Twisted Metal 2 vs. Vigilante 8
Looks like we've got ourselves a classic battle of vehicular combat legends.
The 90's were an amazing time in the world, especially for video games. 1996 unleashed what would become an all-time great in the vehicular combat genre. Twisted Metal 2 (Sony Interactive, SingleTrac) had various drivers in modded vehicles battling it out in a winner-take-all tournament. The winner would see a single wish granted by returning heel 'Calypso', regardless of price, size, or reality.
Unlike the first instalment in the series where contestants battled throughout L.A., this destruction derby is being fought all around the World. Not only do you get to fight Minion again, but a new boss 'Dark Tooth' has entered as the new end game.
This release built on the success of the original with more intricate maps, better gameplay, and obvious graphical improvements.
This series has some iconic characters that have stood the test of time. I was usually 'Thumper' or 'Road Kill' but some of the best fun I can remember was playing as 'Sweet Tooth'. It's hard to argue against 'Axel' being one of, if not the best characters this time around. He was just so satisfying to move around with. 'Outlaw 2' was also fun almost feeling like you were T-1000 chasing people down.
In my opinion the best maps for Twisted Metal 2 are 'Paris' and 'New York'. In 1997 EGM ranked it 64th on their "100 Best Games of All Time" list, commenting that "The sheer amount of different vehicles, levels and weapons available at your disposal makes for awesome multiplayer matches."
On to the great Vigilante 8 (Luxoflux).
Released in 1998, the game is set in an alternate 1975. Australian terrorist Sid Burn is hired by OMAR (Oil Monopoly Alliance Regime) to dispose of all competing oil companies in the U.S. so that OMAR can establish an oil monopoly in the country. After hearing of reports of destruction by Sid's gang, the Coyotes, a kind-hearted trucker name 'Convoy' decides to take matters into his own hands, forming a group of his own, the Vigilantes, to combat and stop the tyranny of OMAR.
Similar to TM2, there are various characters in modded vehicles with machine guns and other weapons that are found around the maps. Rockets, mines, mortars and more!
Unlike the Twisted Metal series, Vigilante 8 didn't have characters that stuck around in the mainstream. 'Y' the Alien and 'Torque' might be some of the most popular, although I was always a 'Chassey Blue' or 'Slick Clyde' main. Playing against 'Beezwax' drove me insane. The bees ruined my damn life even if the damage wasn't terrible in-game.
Where Vigilante 8 really excelled was in the maps. Valley Farms, Hoover Dam, Ski Resort... ah man they were great. I actually think Casino City was the worst map in the game and even it was better than the top tier maps in Twisted Metal 2. The game was nominated for Best Playstation game at the 1998 CNET Gamecenter Awards, but lost out to Gran Turismo.
Conclusion-burger
Twisted Metal
WINS = characters, plot, boss fights
Vigilante 8
WINS = maps, multiplayer, weapons
Both games have excellent story modes so I'd chop that up into a tie. As much as I love the story and characters for Twisted Metal 2, the map design, especially paired with multiplayer, is just too good in Vigilante 8. There was more intensity and crazier battles in my time playing Vigilante 8 compared to TM2, and the game just felt smoother and more complete.
We declare the winner to be: Vigilante 8
