Twisted Metal pre-order to include Axel 'early access'

If you just can't wait to cram your Twisted Metal guy between two gigantic tires and send him barreling into the streets like it was 1996, well, you've probably already pre-ordered the upcoming sequel. Good news, then, as producer Chad Cox has announced on PlayStation Blog that pre-orders for the new Twisted Metal -- from "any participating retailer" -- will include "early access" to the iconic Axel character and, more specifically, his two-wheeled contraption, which are ordinarily locked at the start of the game.

During a recent preview event for the game, we learned that characters and vehicles will be interchangeable (as seen in the screenshot above, featuring Sweet Tooth in place of Axel). It's a brave new Twisted Metal, people! Don't be shy, now -- check it out in the extended cut of the new trailer after the break.