What’s better than cars, guns, and explosions? That’s likely what David Jaffe was thinking when he came up with Twisted Metal nearly two decades ago. What once would be considered a demented idea has spawned a series of vehicular combat video games that have lasted over 16 years, entertaining millions in the process. To show our respect for the longest-running PlayStation exclusive, we’ve decided to take a trip back down memory lane just in-time for the the next release coming this month, recalling some of the series’ most explosive moments while we’re at it.

So what is Twisted Metal? While on one hand you could just label it a “vehicular combat” series, that wouldn’t do it justice. Beneath all of the explosions and squealing tires is a game with a lot of heart. Fundamentally, the game is about risking your soul to be granted any wish you desire while blowing up anyone who gets in your way. There’s a simple story delivered, but a diverse cast of creepy characters that make the journey from start to finish unforgettable. Whatever Twisted Metal is, I like it, and judging by its sales of over six-million across seven games, a lot of other people do too.