In concept, Twisted Metal 4 is a demolition derby which permits the usage of ballistic projectiles. Players choose a vehicle and an arena or a series of arenas in the story mode - to engage in battle with opposing drivers. A variety of weapons are obtainable by pick-ups scattered throughout the stage. The objective of the game is to be the last one standing. The game's plot takes a different turn of events compared to its predecessors. Its intro video details the tournament's story, starting around the 1900s as a circus-type caravan that traveled across the country spreading destruction everywhere. A young Sweet Tooth finds himself amazed by the contest and runs off in its pursuit, entering and eventually winning. As his wish, he desires to become the star of Twisted Metal, which Calypso gladly grants. At first he enjoyed the carnage and destruction he would create, but as time went on Sweet Tooth became jealous of Calypso and decides to hire a gang of midget clowns to take control of Twisted Metal. It is also discovered that Calypso's source of powers comes from a mysterious ring that consumes the souls of those who die, increasing his strength and youth, and Sweet Tooth having taken it, finds that he possess the same abilities as Calypso to grant wishes. He tends to cheat people with their wishes like Calypso does as well. Twisted Metal 4 also comes with the ability to create your own character which you could make and name however you like by choosing varies customization to certain chassis given. Via the character creator it can be said that characters not in the game but appeared in others in the series can be made. Examples of those characters are Crimson Fury, Hammerhead, Spectre and the original Thumper. Another special feature of the game is the player being able to play with a computer controlled "Ally" in the story mode of the game. When playing with a computer controlled ally, the lives of both the player and ally are shared as if it was a two-player game. The player's ally becomes much stronger and more aggressive with each level won and eventually starts to be smart enough to even kill opponents on its own.