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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
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box destined for Steam
Good news! If you have yet to pick up Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box for PC, and if you absolutely hate things like boxes and physical manuals, the game will soon arrive on Steam. The Criterion website has revealed that Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box will be available on the service, though no further details were given. Such details, according to Criterion, will be revealed "soon."The Ultimate Box, which contains oodles of updates and previously released DLC for Burnout Paradise, was released to retail earlier this year.
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.
Joystiq interview: Downloading Criterion's thoughts on DLC
Over the course of the 2008, Criterion did its best to win over our hearts, though as fond as we are of Burnout Paradise it was the UK developer's knack for releasing quality DLC that kept us coming back. In a market where most games are shelved weeks -- if not days -- after first spinning up, Criterion managed to keep its open-world racer relevant all year long with a steady stream of downloads, adding night driving, motorcycles and a host of new online challenges. This tradition looks to continue well into 2009, with famous cars, inflated toys, hot rods and now the fuzz all slotted to pull out onto Paradise City streets in the coming months. Now, with a newly released Party Pack under the hood, and PC gamers racing against the flow of traffic with a keyboard and mouse, we spoke with Burnout Paradise senior producer Pete Lake to get his thoughts on why we just can't seem to let go of the steering wheel.
Criterion bringing 'Cops and Robbers' to Burnout Paradise
Yes, Criterion is making yet another add-on pack for Burnout Paradise, but we're not complaining. The developer has revealed that its next premium content release will be the "Cops and Robbers Pack," which shouldn't come as a surprise to attentive Joystiq readers, seeing as we dug up evidence of its existence late last month.According to Burnout Paradise's in-game "Criterion Games Network," the DLC is "slotting in soon after the Party Pack, Legendary Cars, Toy Cars and Boost Specials," and is "dedicated to bringing the thrills and spills of cops and robbers car chases in Paradise City." Police pursuits haven't been a part of the series since Burnout 2: Point of Impact, or three games and about a thousand Burnout Paradise updates ago.Owners of the PS3 and PC versions of Burnout Paradise can check out screens of the DLC via the in-game browser. Sorry, 360 fans -- you'll have to wait until Monday, February 9 when Criterion has promised to post them in "stunning high resolution" on its site.
Rumor: Police cars, pursuits returning to Burnout Paradise via DLC
Click image for more evidence It seems the lazy and inattentive police officers of Paradise City have begun to frown upon the frantic racing and wreckage filling their city, with rumor indicating the return of police cars or possibly pursuits to Criterion's racer. Some scenes depicting the blues in red-hot chase have already spilled onto the internet, as you can see in our gallery below.You can see the potential pursuit mode that showed up in the new Burnout Store right here, as well as images for a new cop car in the game. Will these become available as DLC in the future? We've asked for comment and we'll get back to you as soon as we get word.%Gallery-43378%[Thanks, Eric]
Report: EA's Criterion, Bright Light studios safe from layoffs
At least two studios appear to have sidestepped the torrent of layoffs that have loomed over the game industry in recent months. Develop reports that UK-based Burnout dev Criterion and Bright Light, Electronic Arts' casual game studio in Guildford, have been given immunity from EA's recent round of layoffs. That sound you hear is a collective sigh of relief.Staff cuts at EA have been particularly deep, with numerous employees at its Mythic, Black Box and Tiburon branches given their walking papers in just the last week. With news of Bright Light's amnesty, it seems certain that EA is looking to casually dig itself out of its financial hole. Then again, maybe once Criterion gets its time circuits working we can all go back to a time when money was easier to come by.
Super-sized Burnout Paradise update detailed, coming Feb. 6
Burnout Paradise's first-ever premium content pack is coming February 6, and even if you aren't willing to dole out the dead presidents, Criterion's giving you another reason to mark that date. Coming alongside the Party Pack DLC is a rather hefty title update ... and it's free!Highlights include an in-game store, in-game access to the Criterion Games Network website (details to come; PC and PS3-only), enhanced visuals, a restart event option (yay!), easier barrel rolls and some vehicle and game mode tweaking. Hit up the developer's site for full details, and check out PS3 Fanboy for a full list of the new Trophies. Gallery: Burnout Paradise - Feb 2009 update
Burnout: Ultimate Box dated, exclusive to PC in North America
Click to embiggen. Players who missed the offramp to Paradise City can take the next exit early next month. Electronic Arts announced that the "Ultimate Box" edition of Burnout Paradise will ship in North America on February 5 as a PC exclusive, while players in Europe will be able to pick up the compilation on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC on February 6. As previously revealed, the box will bundle together all of the game's previously released DLC, from patches to two-wheeled mayhem, in one easy-to-crash package. Also included will be a pass-the-pad multiplayer mode, promising dozens of "quick-fire, turn-based challenges" for up to eight players. This mode will also be released to console drivers as a premium (read: not free) "Party" pack, adding new Achievements and Trophies to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions when the DLC rolls out in both North America and Europe on February 5.Both Amazon and GameStop list the PC bundle for $40, though no official pricing for the DLC nor "Ultimate Box" edition have yet been announced. Gallery: Burnout Paradise Party
'Ultimate' Burnout Paradise cruises to European retail Feb. 6th [update]
EA just announced that they'll be releasing the ultimo supremo edition of Burnout Paradise, The Ultimate Box, to retail on February 6th -- in Europe. While North America will get the PC version via retail on November 5th, the 360 and PS3 versions will only make it to European stores. Sad emoticon! Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box includes the full retail edition of Burnout Paradise, both Cagney and the bike DLC updates PLUS the upcoming Party Pack DLC that adds new party game modes, a restart option, easier controls for earlier vehicles and more. The Party Pack DLC will also be available via the XBLM alongside the Ultimate Pack's release, both in Europe and North America (happy emoticon!). Oh, and those who just want the plain edition of Burnout Paradise will be pleased to know that its retail price has dropped to a wallet-friendly $19.99.[Update: The Ultimate Box is exclusive to PC in North America.]
Burnout Paradise Party Pack coming 2/5, Europe to get Ultimate Box
Click for high-resolution image. We have a lot of fans of Burnout Paradise here at PS3 Fanboy. In fact, it won PS3 Fanboy's award for Best Racing Game and Best DLC. Those that have experienced everything Burnout Paradise has to offer can look to more fun in the upcoming multiplayer-focused Party Pack. This premium DLC will be available on the PlayStation Store on February 5th. Not only does it add new modes to your game, it will also give you access to a new batch of Trophies.If you don't have Burnout Paradise yet, there's never been a better time to pick it up. In the US, the game has officially dropped in price to $20. Europeans will be able to purchase Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, which includes the game and every add-on released so far. Expect that in retail stores on February 6th.Update: In addition to the premium DLC, Burnout Paradise fans can also expect a FREE patch which, according to the Criterion blog, "includes the introduction of our all-new in-game website and awesome in-game store. We've also worked on changes to game modes, visuals, the entire vehicle dynamics system. Oh, and we've added a restart !"%Gallery-35782%
Burnout Paradise: Say hello to the ECTO-1, General Lee and KITT 'parodies'
As you're aware, the upcoming premium DLC for Burnout Paradise will throw four new cars into the mix on Paradise Island. While we've only really spotted the Jansen-88 Special in action, three of the wholly original creations have been kept under wraps ... until now. On the latest episode of CrashTV, Criterion Games have revealed the final three vehicles. Say hello to the Manhattan Spirit, above. You may recognize it ... but trust us it isn't what you think it is. Check out the latest episode of CrashTV after the jump as well as another video of semi-related interest (if you grew up in the 80s). Gallery: Burnout Paradise: Legendary Cars [via Joystiq]
Burnout DLC adds Ecto-1, KITT & The General Lee ... 'parodies'
Just click: Hop inside our gallery tour of Legendary Cars! You've seen Criterion's hovering DeLorean 88 Special in action. Now meet the rest of the Burnout Paradise "Legendary Cars." They're, like, totally original, we swear: %Gallery-41360%Update: Gallery now features Burnout vs. "real" cars comparison pics -- plus video reveal after the break![Thanks Travis!]
See Burnout's Jansen 88 Special fly into action
What it lacks in a Flux Capacitor and time circuits, Burnout Paradise's hover-enabled "Jansen 88 Special" more than makes up for in its ability to make us drool, as evidenced in new footage released by Criterion Games. View it after the break!The car, which certainly meets with Doc Brown's seal of approval, is one quarter of the upcoming Legendary Cars Pack, which will also include the Cavalry Bootlegger, Manhattan Spirit and GT Nighthawk. Now, if only our Flux Capacitor would start fluxing so we could leap ahead a few months and try this DLC out for ourselves.
Blu-ray releases on December 16th 2008
With about a week to go until Christmas and a week after The Dark Knight, it's no wonder this week's lineup is way less than exceptional. So because there really isn't anything to get too excited about we're going to prop up a title that we'd bet will be a classic one day, Old School. If you haven't seen this one and you enjoy a good laugh, what are you waiting for? If you have, and can't wait to enjoy it all over again for the first time in HD, then say it with us, "You're my boy blue!" Also this week, Criterion's long awaited titles finally hit the street along with plenty of catalog titles form Paramount and Universal. Universal has what is arguably the biggest day-and-date title with The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, but it's IMDB score of 5.2 has us unimpressed. Next week slate isn't much better, but it does have one we're looking for with Burn After Reading. Bottle Rocket (Criterion) The Cheetah Girls: One World (Disney) Chungking Express (Criterion) Coach Carter (Paramount) Death Proof (Weinstein) The Heartbreak Kid (Paramount) Hot Rod (Paramount) In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (Fox) Into the Wild (Paramount) Mamma Mia! (Universal) The Man Who Fell to Earth (Criterion) The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Universal) Old School (Paramount) Planet Terror (Weinstein) The Third Man (Criterion)
Criterion Collection Blu-ray Disc review roundup
Sometime between the third crescent moon and a witch's equinox (or early last week, to be specific), Criterion began shipping out its long-awaited Blu-ray Disc collection. The question remains, though: are these much ballyhooed discs worth their weight in gold, or what? We've rounded up a number of reviews from around the web covering a wide range of the first wave titles, and generally speaking, critics were floored. Almost every single reviewer had a difficult time hitting the "stop" button on their praises of the visual / auditory qualities, and while the plots of each film are completely subjective, it's safe to say that these are quite the must-haves for strict audio- / videophiles. The only title that didn't receive an inordinate amount of laud was Chungking Express, with the reviewer noting that it had "a somewhat erratic look on Blu-ray, alternately semi-soft and sharp." Outside of that, however, it's all glowing.Read - The Third Man reviewRead - Bottle Rocket reviewRead - The Man Who Feel To Earth reviewRead - Chungking Express reviewRead - Overview of Blu-ray transfer process
Criterion Blu-ray Discs begin to ship out
For movie buffs who've been waiting on pins and needles to see their Criterion Blu-ray Disc order status switch from "wait longer, fool" to "shipped," we've got some excellent news. We're beginning to hear individual reports that BDs from Criterion (at least ones that were pre-ordered a few months back) are beginning to ship, and while the company has yet to replace the "Pre-order" badges with "Buy" labels on its website, we suspect that will take place in the near future. Have any of you readers received your discs yet? If not, keep a close eye on that mailbox.[Thanks, Christopher and Harold]
Burnout Paradise's Big Surf Island now premium DLC
Criterion has announced that its upcoming Burnout Paradise downloadable content Big Surf Island, contrary to previous statements in the developer's podcast, will no longer be offered gratis. Said the developer, "Big Surf is the culmination of everything we learned creating Paradise City, and we want it to bring you a truly spectacular new experience – the highlight of a year of incredible premium content."Surf Island will focus heavily on stunts -- in Criterion's words, the mantra is, "If you can see it, you can drive it." What we don't know at the moment is how much it will cost, or when it will be made available. The car shown in the images, the Dust Storm, will also be available the same time as Surf Island, although there is no indication if it will be free or premium DLC. If you haven't jumped on the Burnout Paradise bandwagon (and subsequently rammed it into a busy intersection, sending the bandwagon flying into a nearby construction site), the Ultimate Box edition is coming in February 2009. Gallery: Burnout Paradise: Big Surf Island
