During a surprise unveiling during their E3 press conference, Sony announced that a new entry in the Twisted Metal franchise is coming to PlayStation 3. Since Sony’s introduction of the PlayStation in 1994, Twisted Metal has been their longest running exclusive franchise. David Jaffe, original series creator, stunned everyone during the conference by driving out in Sweet Tooth’s ice-cream truck and announcing that he is taking Twisted Metal back to its roots with his creative partner, Scott Campbell.

The new game was shown during brief videos and hands-on demos on the show floor. The action looks just as frantic as it always has for the ultimate car-combat game. Missiles streak by, cars explode in spectacular ways, and even hospital ambulances throw their patients into oncoming traffic while demolishing small-town suburbia. Yeah, it is Twisted Metal alright.

With a renewed focus on online gameplay, Twisted Metal will now include 16 players online, 2 – 4 player split-screen, and all new vehicles including helicopters (!) and motorcycles.

For those of you wondering about how the story will incorporate the new online aspects, Twisted Metal will explain itself through an all-new faction based environment. When players go online, they will have to pledge allegiance to one of four original, psychotic drivers. The two announced so far are Sweet Tooth, the ice-cream truck driving mascot of the entire series, and Dollface, who you might remember as the driver of Darkside in Twisted Metal: Black on PS2. The remaining drivers are yet to be announced and while the game is not slated for a release until 2011, there is still time for Jaffe and company to include Mr. Grimm and Shadow as the remaining drivers.

Be sure to check back with us as soon as the game gets closer. You better believe there will be extensive hands-on time when Twisted Metal ships next year.