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Criterion puts the brakes on hopes for more Burnout Paradise DLC
You probably got that idea already, considering nothing but the sound of crickets and tumbleweeds have emerged from Criterion HQ since the release of the last bit of Burnout Paradise DLC, Big Surf Island. A tweet from the company account confirms our fears, stating there will be "no more" DLC and that the company "did WAY more than everyone else." That's all well and good, but it doesn't slake our need for more amazing DLC! So there you have it. The world is a colder and darker place today. If you need us, we'll be Freeburning our troubles away online, pining for what could have been.
Criterion details Burnout Paradise DLC that never was
You gotta give it up to Criterion Games. Throughout the lifespan of Burnout Paradise, the developers at Criterion worked their buns off to give us all kinds of juicy DLC, from a new island to explore, a new game mode, right down to motorcycles and many, many car packs. Now, the company has prepared a lengthy diatribe documenting some of the updates that never got off the ground. For one, did you know that Criterion initially planned to have motorcycles vs cars? Yep, sure was planned -- and did you know that Criterion wanted to create a whole series of islands, not just the one? The devs even wanted to give players the ability to go to the moon, complete with lunar challenges for Freeburn addicts. Also: the planes thing wasn't an April Fool's joke -- the dev actually wanted to add them (and other vehicles) into the game. Overall, it's a pretty great read, if only to show you just how committed the studio was to the game and raising the bar for DLC in general.
Criterion-developed Need for Speed coming 'next year'
"In recent years, we failed to put adequate resources behind the franchise and, as a result, quality suffered," EA Games label president Frank Gibeau said of the Need for Speed franchise, currently in the midst of a reboot with the well received Need for Speed: Shift, the recently released Need for Speed: Nitro, and the we're-not-sure-that's-going-to-work Need for Speed: World Online. But there's a fourth post-reboot Need for Speed title in development at Criterion Games, the devs behind the excellent Burnout series. Removing any doubt that the series will miss an opportunity for annual exploitation (again, the massively multilpayer online racing of World Online doesn't count!) Gibeau said "Next year's Need for Speed has been under development now for some time at our award-winning Criterion Studio." We're not sure what type of Need for Speed Criterion is creating, but we wouldn't be surprised if it was heavy on the crashing.
Burnout Paradise experts awarded with free Diamond P12
In our excitement to introduce you to the latest DLC content for Burnout Paradise, we completely overlooked one of the key rewards added to the game. Yes, we've already mentioned how gamers can get their hands on free toy versions of the Legendary Cars on Big Surf, but did you know an elusive ninth free car is available for online experts only?Completing all of Burnout Paradise's 500 online freeburn challenges -- including everything from the original game and all new timed and freeburn challenges in the Cagney update, Bikes Pack and challenges on Big Surf Island -- nets players a diamond-branded P12. Finish it all and nab the exclusive ride, free. What better way to show off your Burnout Paradise superiority than driving around in a diamond-studded speed demon?! The race is on for our community's first official Diamond P12 owner. It shouldn't take you long, you're part of the gaming elite.
Criterion thinks if you've maxed out the 360, you're not trying hard enough
Apparently the company that owns Criterion (EA -- duh!) and the company itself don't agree on whether or not the Xbox 360 has been "maxed out." Speaking to Eurogamer, Criterion's technical director Richard Parr said, "That's proof that you're not the best ... it means you're out of ideas." Dedicated Joystiq Biomass™ members will remember when, just three days ago, vice president of EA Europe Patrick Soderlund said, "I think that we've maxed out the 360 but we haven't maxed out the PS3." So, what is it, folks? Is the 360 already meeting its limits? Will the rumored new Xbox console of Fall 2010 help to assuage Mr. Soderlund's claims? Will Criterion get in a slapfight with EA Europe? We'll just have to wait and see.
Big Surf Island will wash $12.99 out of your wallet
How much will you pay for 15 new events in Burnout Paradise? Criterion is hoping the answer is $12.99 (£9.99), because that's what it's charging for the upcoming Big Surf Island DLC pack, available this Thursday. Interestingly, those who use Microsoft Magic Money™ get a slightly cheaper option at 1000.It's certainly not as costly as some on the Joystiq team feared, but it's also far from an immediate impulse buy. While we understand Criterion wants to "make money" and "feed the family," we lament the long-gone days of free Burnout DLC.%Gallery-38136%
Criterion Games takes us on a tour of Burnout Paradise's Big Surf Island
Criterion Games has released the latest Crash TV episode looking at Burnout Paradise's upcoming DLC, Big Surf Island. In their classic style, the guys and gals at Criterion have given us a very in-depth look at the new content, showing off the new Criterion Dust Storm car, and even a building that one of the game's fans won the chance to name (he named it after his son, Taylor). Head past the break to check out Big Surf Island.
Joystiq Review: Burnout Paradise Cops & Robbers
Gamers are in the middle of a love/hate relationship with Criterion. Costly and often-underwhelming "premium" DLC has tarnished the goodwill earned by Burnout Paradise's free Cagney and Bikes updates. The $10 Party pack was a misstep for the series, but does Cops & Robbers steer the game back in the right direction? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding "yes."At its core, Cops & Robbers is a simple retooling of the game's already-existing online Marked Man mode. However, some key tweaks make it a much more focused and entertaining experience. While the $10 price point will give some sticker shock, the addition of more than 30 repainted vehicles makes it an easier buy than Criterion's "Toys" and "Legendary Cars" packs.%Gallery-44220%
Burnout Paradise: Cops and Robbers is a steal at $10
It looks like Criterion has finally figured out how much to charge for its upcoming Cops and Robbers DLC. The multiplayer-only premium DLC for Burnout Paradise will release this Thursday and will cost $9.99 / €9.99 / £7.99 / 800. The expansion not only adds the CTF-inspired online mode, but will also add 33 new international police cars to your Junkyard.At $10, Cops and Robbers looks to be a much better value than all of Criterion's previously released DLC. The price is (finally) right -- let's hope the trend continues for the upcoming Big Surf Island.%Gallery-44220%
Criterion has too much fun playing Burnout Paradise: Cops and Robbers
A lot of Burnout Paradise's "premium DLC" packs have left gamers out in the cold. The "Party" DLC didn't add much to the Burnout experience. The movie-inspired DLC cars were fun, but a bit pricey. However, Criterion may have crafted a truly worthwhile add-on with its upcoming "Cops and Robbers" pack, available next week.The latest episode of CrashTV (after the break) shows the Burnout team enjoying three rounds of their upcoming multiplayer expansion. Essentially, "Cops and Robbers" is the Paradise version of Capture the Flag, with cars trying to capture a floating collection of gold. The gold will spawn at random points on the map, and teams will have to reclaim the treasure and drive back to their designated checkpoint. Expect tons of Takedowns.The team at Criterion looks to be having a lot of fun with this new expansion -- maybe too much fun. As generally grumpy people, we always keep a suspicious eye on people that appear to be happy. We're watching you, Criterion ...
Cops and Robbers coming to Burnout Paradise April 30 [update]
Update: We've heard back from EA, and a company spokesperson said no details on pricing are available right now. EA will reveal those details "soon." We admire Criterion Games' dedication to its racer, Burnout Paradise. Countless updates have added tremendous value to the game, and on April 30, the next update will be rolled out for one and all to enjoy: Cops and Robbers.There's no word on a price as of yet, but we've put in word to Criterion Games for clarification on that. We'll be sure to update you as soon as we hear back.%Gallery-44220%
Crash TV provides early glimpse of Burnout Paradise's cop cars
The folks at Criterion Games don't just sit around crashing virtual cars all day, you know. Well, okay, maybe they do a little, but they also produce a video show called Crash TV, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at everything the company is doing with its game, Burnout Paradise. In the latest episode, Criterion previews some of the cop cars coming in the Cops and Robbers DLC pack. We've embedded the latest episode of Crash TV after the break, which shows off around 15 new cop cars in total, so click through and get your 7-minute dose of cop car goodness.%Gallery-44220%
Burnout Paradise teases 'Cops and Robbers'
We're not exactly sure what they stole, but judging by the teaser trailer for Burnout Paradise's looming Cops and Robbers mode, criminals will have their jobs cut out for them outrunning the Paradise City fuzz. As a latest move to "change the way people think about and experience" the chaotic racer, much of Cops and Robbers' details remain behind bars, including the premium DLC's as-yet-unannounced release date. Still, if nothing else, this early look shows that Paradise City's police force is more than equipped to keep pace with lead foots on the wrong side of the law.
Burnout Paradise planes could be an April Fool's joke
Back in July of last year, Criterion Games mentioned that it had been experimenting with airplanes as a potential Burnout Paradise add-on; however, with new info claiming that an announcement regarding this is due on April 1st, there's suspicion that such an update could be nothing more than a really long-running April Fool's joke. This information comes from the FAQ section on Criterion's website, where it was specifically stated to "check for an exciting announcement on April 1" for more on the inclusion of planes. Now, there are a number of ways we can read this quoted sentence. We can take it for face value and what it says directly, or we can assume that there's sarcasm and allusion in the type. Preferably, we'd like to think Criterion is serious about making plane crashes in Paradise City a reality, but the proposition of planes in Burnout is hard to believe. Associate that with April Fool's and, well, it's really hard to believe. It seems the real joke is on us trying to figure out which is which. We've contacted Criterion and EA to see if we can get a straight answer.[Thanks, Joey B.!]
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box speeds onto Steam
As foretold by the all-knowing prophet Criterion, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box is now available for purchase on Steam for $39.99. The Ultimate Box includes the full version of Burnout Paradise and all of its free updates, including the Cagney and Bike content, plus the premium Party Pack (sadly, Legendary Cars and newer DLC are not included). As a special bonus, only applicable to this downloadable version, none of the excessive packaging or nasty shrink wrap is included. We can already feel the environment's warming approval.
Criterion reveals Boost Specials Collection for this Thursday
Criterion Games, the nutty folks who just can't stop tinkering with Burnout Paradise, are preparing to unload yet another pile of DLC goodness onto the game in the form of The Boost Specials Collection. If you're finding a lapse in your memory regarding the Boost DLC, then read up on it here.If you're too lazy to click (it's Monday, we totally understand), then here's a quick rundown: The Boost Specials Collection DLC features two cars -- the Hawker Mech and the Carson Extreme Hotrod -- priced at 240 ($3) each. You can buy both in a single download for 400 ($5). Look for these new cars on PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace this Thursday.Essential reading: Joystiq interview: Downloading Criterion's thoughts on DLC
Toy Cars DLC rolling into Burnout Paradise this Thursday
Following a somewhat embarassing premature release of Burnout Paradise's "Toy Cars" DLC a couple of weeks back on Xbox Live, Criterion has finally set a legitimate release date for the nine-car pack. Keep an eye on your respective system's digital shopping center this coming Thursday morning -- that's when Criterion anticipates the miniature vehicles will be released upon the inhabitants of Paradise City.Surprisingly, with two days between us and shrunken vehicular carnage, Criterion hasn't announced the price of the DLC bundle -- though if it matches the costs displayed during February's accidental launch, we can expect to drop 1,000 ($12.50) for the whole kit 'n kaboodle, or 160 ($2) per car, with the exception of the Toy Nakamura Firehawk motorcycle, which went for 240 ($3) during the early release.
360 owners granted access to Criterion Games Network
The once PC / PS3 exclusive Criterion Games Network is now accessible to Burnout Paradise owners through the Xbox 360 version of the game.We've come up with two possible scenarios for the new 360 access: A) It's the result of Criterion giving in to the mob of hunger strikers outside it offices; or B) Someone at Criterion finally bothered to flip on the third and final switch (geez, was it that hard, guys?). Whatever the reason, Xbox players now possess a valid ID to gain entry into the Games Network, which includes such perks as the discovery of new DLC before it's "officially" announced.
Burnout Paradise Toy Cars and Boost DLC detailed [update]
Burnout Paradise's upcoming Toy Cars, Boost Specials, and Big Surf Island DLC packs can all be seen in the in-game "Burnout Store" (featured in the PC and PS3 versions), revealing previously unknown details. Although all the vehicles can be browsed, the content is currently inaccessible.The Toy Cars Pack will feature nine rides (listed after the break, along with the Boost Specials), including an adorable miniature motorcycle. The Boost Specials DLC will pack two cars, featuring the previously unannounced Hawker Mech, which is allegedly customizable.While the Burnout Store doesn't currently reveal pricing for these vehicles, an accidental release on Xbox Live Marketplace did (the content has since been removed). The Toy Car Pack was apparently offered this morning as a single download for 1,000 ($12.50). Each toy car was also available individually for 160 ($2), with the exception of the motorcycle, the Toy Nakamura Firehawk, offered for 240 ($3) -- the cars, minus the motorcycle, where also combined and offered in two separate packs for 480 ($6) each. The Boost Specials Pack was available as a single download for 400 ($5), or both cars could be purchased individually for 240 ($3). Obviously, the final pricing is subject to change.Big Surf Island, a new island being added to the Burnout Paradise universe, is still without a date. Promising the "biggest jumps in Paradise City" the upcoming DLC will also include a new vehicle: the Dust Storm. Undoubtedly, additional details will be unveiled in the coming weeks.Also released (and still available) on XBLM and PlayStation Store, is the new Time Savers Pack for 400 ($5), which grants purchasers "the keys" to the the standard retail edition's unlockable cars. Apparently, you can put a price on impatience.Update: Criterion has confirmed these details through the in-game Burnout Store -- the original post has been altered to reflect the information found therein.
Burnout Paradise 'Legendary Cars' priced
Criterion Games has officially announced the price for the upcoming Legendary Cars DLC for Burnout Paradise. Gamers who hunger for choice can download each vehicle separately or together in a discounted package when they release on February 19. The Jansen 88 Special (you know, the not-so-subtle nod to the DeLorean) is priced at $3.99 / 320, while each of the other three vehicles clock in at $1.99 / 160 a piece. The Legendary bundle will also be available for a discounted price of $7.99 / 640. We know your first reaction would be to get upset that the obvious favorite in the package is priced slightly higher. Think of it as a glimpse into the future. Flying cars are going to be hella expensive. Don't even get get us started on the time traveling or air conditioning options -- we still don't know how those packages aren't on the base models.[Update: Originally we listed the Legendary Cars pack at 600; however, the price is $7.99 / 640]
