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Metareview - Burnout Paradise (PS3, Xbox 360)
The reviews are starting to come in for Burnout Paradise, and we're beginning to notice a pattern. While most aspects of the game (controls, graphics) are getting slathered with praise, the game's open-world-as-menu system is proving to be fairly divisive. But it seems like even the biggest haters weren't put off enough by it to ignore all of Burnout Paradise's other strengths. 1UP (90/100): "As someone who's closely followed Criterion's racing series for the last seven years, it warms my heart to see it evolve into something as innovative, satisfying, and polished as Burnout: Paradise. ... while the most recent franchise offerings (Revenge and Dominator) feel like playin'-it-safe rehashes, Paradise brilliantly reimagines Burnout as a go-anywhere, do-anything open-world adventure in the vein of Grand Theft Auto." Eurogamer (80/100): "Once you (reluctantly) adapt to the demands of the game, a massive amount of fun awaits. Burnout Paradise isn't everything it could have been, but what's here is still worthy of serious consideration for anyone hell-bent on demented arcade thrills." GameTap (90/100): "And driving in Burnout--having the freedom to do nothing at all--is amazingly addictively fun. The open world is an evolution that keeps this from becoming a series that has only minor changes from year to year, and it's executed really well, with graphics that are still gorgeous and a frame rate that runs as smoothly as butter. I love this new format and can't imagine going back."
PS3 Fanboy review: Burnout Paradise
When Burnout was first released in 2001, it did the amazing feat of instantly re-defining the idea of an arcade racer. Gone were the days where adrenalin junkies looking for their fix had to play yet another Ridge Racer title or suffer through impossibly average games like the Rush series. Burnout introduced a sense of speed, control, and visceral excitement that simply had not been seen in racing games before. Crashes made you physically wince and high speed races would have you sweating like you were actually in the car itself as you hurtled down a busy downtown street going 130 mph. It was one of the most refreshing changes of pace that a stale genre has ever experienced -- and yet few people in America were even aware of this British developed title.Things would change once Burnout 2 came about though, with its larger variety of cars, tracks, and modes (including the dementedly entertaining party mode called Crash) attracting a much higher level of attention than the previous game. The series' popularity only accelerated once Burnout 3: Takedown came out, with Criterion Games experimenting with more and more ways to jack up the level of adrenalin and carnage with each game. In fact, experimenting with the Burnout franchise would become one of Criterion Games signature traits -- just because a feature was in a previous game, didn't mean it would show up in later games (as Alex Ward once famously said).%Gallery-12560%
Shipping this week: bad driving edition
You know, in most cases -- most cases, mind you -- driving around like a maniac is a bad thing. It makes people angry, which in turn makes them drive more recklessly. Most importantly, it puts the life of the driver and the lives of those around that driver in danger. Burnout, however, is not most cases. In Burnout, you'd be crazy not to drive like a maniac. It's like some kind of road rage fantasy. Do whatever the hell you feel like. Drive on the wrong side of the road. Ignore that red light. Pass on the right. Yeah, we know it's naughty, but that's what makes it feel so good.Oh, and just so you know, Burnout Paradise is the sole Xbox 360 release this week. Hope you enjoy it.[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-4775%
Burnout Paradise art style inspired by rock album?
We're not going to spring for a paternity test, but just putting these two side by side is enough to convince us that there's at least some relation between Burnout Paradise's slick cover art, and this 2000 album by rock group Karate. In fact, we're willing to go out on a limb and state that the album art for Karate's "Unsolved" is most likely the genesis of Paradise's radical aesthetic switch. Even the colors bled into the cars' shapes are identical. Now, all that's left to find out is if Paradise's mother hung out at dockside bars.[Thanks, Greg K]
Burnout Paradise demo multiplayer expanded
Were you impressed by the Burnout Paradise demo released last month? Just remember, if you weren't impressed by the demo, you're wrong. Whatever your feelings about the demo, you should be interested to know that Criterion and EA are expanding the demo to allow more players on Xbox Live and include more Freeburn challenges. Multiplayer will now allow 8 players (up from 4) and there will be 13 new challenges added. These changes will be available starting today and will continue until January 14th. Well hey, that's just a week before the retail game comes out! Boy, that's some coincidence, huh?[Via Joystiq]
Burnout demo boosted with 8-player support, new challenges
Still not convinced Burnout Paradise was "THE best demo released" last year? Criterion has rubbed some grease on frontman Alex Ward's heaping helping of self-praise by doubling the maximum number of online players (from 4 to 8) and adding 13 new Freeburn Challenges. So does this mean that Burnout is now the best demo of 2008? Quick! Somebody give these guys an award!(Note: The multiplayer boost will take effect on servers between today and Jan. 14th. The demo is available on PSN and Xbox Live.)
Criterion tells gamers why Paradise is perfect
Have complaints about Burnout Paradise after playing the demo? Well, tough! Because Criterion Games doesn't give a hoot and they'll tell you why you should feel guilty about opening your trap to talk bad about their baby.Let's break it down. If you think you can compare Burnout Paradise to other game X then Criterion would say you are WRONG! According to them, this is an all new game, all new experience and it isn't comparable to any other game. Think the "new" crash mode sucks? Noper, Criterion says you haven't played the retail version and has N'Gai Croal linkage to prove that it's the bomb. Feel that not being able to retry an event is lame? Sorry, but your opinion is wrong again. Criterion thought about that, decided it was dumb to retry and hates loading screens so you should too. Get it? Got it? Good. It's easier not to have to think for ourselves. Thanks Criterion![Via Joystiq]
Criterion (cockily) responds to Burnout Paradise criticisms
The PS3 and Xbox 360 demos for Burnout Paradise seem to have been met with largely positive reception, but Criterion is not content to let the few small criticisms fall through the cracks. They're also not content to do so without a little pomp and self-importance, either.In between references to the "experience" of Burnout Paradise, and claims that it's the "best demo released all year," Alex Ward addresses concerns regarding the lack of a "retry" option in the game's races, stating that the game is better off without one, as it would require a load screen, and the Burnout Paradise team "hates loading with a passion." In addition, Ward brings up the former Crash Mode (now called Showtime), promising that it's better than anything ever, and also makes sure to point out that feedback on the demo will in no way affect the final game, as work on Paradise has already wrapped up. Good to know Criterion's open to constructive criticism, eh?[Via GameStooge]
Entire Paradise City map revealed and it's BIG
As part of their Burnout Paradise advent calendar, Criterion just released the city map for Paradise City and trust us guys ... it's BIG! The highways, byways and roads in the city of Paradise intertwine in an expansive mass of roadage that looks to be hundreds and hundreds of miles of crashing turf. Looking over the map one can see that there will be variety of terrain and locations that should keep your interest and put a strain on your street memorization skills. Paradise City will rock kids. It will rock.[Thanks, DjDATZ]
Burnout Paradise features Guns N' Roses, go figure
As you may have guessed, the Guns N' Roses song "Paradise City" will be featured in Burnout Paradise. We suggest you take a moment to register your shock and surprise in the comments section below. It may also interest you to know that Multiplayer has the complete track list for the game, including the classical music that plays during the game's screensaver mode we touched on before. Overall, the soundtrack pulls music from all over the place, from Tchaikovsky to Soundgarden to Twisted Sister. We'll never hear it though, because we'll be too busy rocking out to The Carpenters on our custom soundtrack.[Via Joystiq]
Burnout Paradise soundtrack has old Burnout tunes
According to Nukoda, the latest edition of the Crash FM Podcast from Criterion reveals some new details on the Burnout Paradise soundtrack. Specifically, the game will feature every track from Burnout 1 and Burnout 2. Yes, all of them. Not only that, but the soundtrack will feature Burnout 3 music that never made it into the game. Furthermore, the game's screensaver, which is a flyover of Paradise City, will actually feature classical music. After playing the excellent demo, hearing news like this only furthers our belief that Burnout Paradise is really going to get things right. We're eager to try the full version when it releases next month.[Via Nukoda]
Burnout Paradise demo preview video
The Burnout Paradise demo is still several painfully long days away, but that doesn't mean we can't start having a little fun now. Enter the Burnout Paradise demo preview video. In the video, we learn many tantalizing facts about the upcoming demo. First and foremost, the demo contains three sections of Paradise City: Motor City, Big Surf Beach, and Ocean View. You're able to freely roam these areas to discover stunts and tricks and whatnot, but the best part of all is that the demo is Live enabled. Using a feature called "Easy Drive" you can invite friends to join your session without even leaving gameplay. In all honesty, the game looks hot to death, son.[Thanks, Chris]
Burnout Paradise demo coming Dec. 13
We don't know if you've done your holiday shopping yet, but take it from us: You'll want to get it out of the way before Dec. 13. Because after that day, the roads will be littered with psychopaths actively trying to get in collisions, all thanks to the new demo for Burnout Paradise. You can check out the countdown on Criterion's site, but don't expect to get any more details or even learn what systems the demo is coming to. Of course, with PSN getting updated on Thursdays (which the 13th is) we expect both 360 and PS3 owners will be making auto body shops very happy next week.[Via CVG]
New Burnout trailer welcomes us to 'Paradise'
While Burnout Paradise isn't appearing on shelves until January 22, 2008, that doesn't mean we aren't already planning on taking a "sick day" from the 'stiq (cover blown!) to enjoy this vehicular destruction porn without interruption. The "Welcome to Paradise City" trailer offers us a look at the city, which is all available right from the start (know as "Freeburn").That didn't fill up your tank? Why, then check out our hands-on impressions to satisfy your need for speed. Come on, turn those keys and drive.
Ridiculously pretty Burnout Paradise footage
The Burnout series has always had a penchant for looking good. With that in mind, it looks like Burnout Paradise is set to raise the bar again. GameTrailers has posted a handful of new videos showing off some of the cars in the game, and it is hard not to be impressed by the visual fidelity presented here. Our only gripe, the stupid cars stay in one piece. Where's the crashing, damn it?! Ah, well, for now you'll have to be satisfied with death-defying jumps and traffic evasion. Someone owes us an explosion though.
Burnout Paradise smashes into North America Jan. 22
The next installment in the Burnout franchise, Burnout Paradise, races (and crashes) its way into Xbox 360s and PS3s across North America on Jan. 22. Can't wait until the '08 for your Paradise fix? Then be happy in knowing that a demo will be available on PSN and XBLM this December.The demo will have the new "stunt" mode and also feature online support for apparently one other friend. You'll be able to play with them in three challenges or "simply smash each other up and grab your friend's Burnout Mugshot." Oh Burnout, never disappointing in vicariously allowing us to experience our real life driving fantasies. One day we'll slip up forgetting we're driving a real car and attempt some Burnout maneuvers ... one day, soon.[Via press release]%Gallery-2874%
Joystiq hands-on: Burnout Paradise
I recently got sucked into Burnout Paradise, playing about a half-hour of the racing game due for release this Winter. While a half-hour may not seem like much, at hands-on gaming events, we writers rarely have the time or interest to play more than about fifteen minutes of a title before moving to the next.Criterion creative director, Alex Ward chatted while I raced through the realistic city; he was clearly proud and excited by the game's deviation from previous Burnout franchise titles. And I was also impressed.Admittedly, a half-hour isn't enough time to make a complete assessment of a game. But I'm optimistic that the new version of the title will be a smash even if it breaks Burnout traditions.%Gallery-2874%
Eurogamer previews Burnout Paradise
The fancy lads over at Eurogamer gave a good, hard look at Burnout Paradise, and how Criterion is focusing on the "seamless" gameplay. Given the open environment of Paradise City, where we suppose the grass is indeed green and the girls above average, there are plenty of opportunities to expand on the number of things to do beyond racing and crashing. Aided by the addition of a handbrake, Burners will be able to perform Power Parking, where if you see a space between two parks vehicles that you may be able to squeeze into, and hopefully you can pull it off without hitting the curb or their parked vehicles. It's the little things like that which give us a lot of hope for this iteration of the Burnout series. Check out the full scoop by clicking the "read" link.
Videos: Burnout Paradise from GameTrailers
While we didn't get a chance to get hands on here at X3F, you're welcome to check out Joystiq's outlook on Burnout Paradise. In the meantime though, we have a bunch of video from GameTrailers. The first of which is a gameplay trailer that shows what some readers complained that the teaser lacked: crashes. The game runs silky smooth and on top of that eye candy we have a trifecta of videos for you after the break. The first is more gameplay, followed by a developer interview that covers a new feature: "Road Rules". The last one goes over the open world of Paradise City. Enjoy.
Burnout Paradise screens careen online
Electronic Arts released a slew of screenshots for Burnout Paradise after the Press Conference earlier today. Shots show off an exotic and muscle car racing through the streets of Paradise City. Joystiq has some impressions up, though the only version showing at E3 is the PS3 version. Either way, the game is looking great, and we'll try to get some time to talk with EA/Criterion about the 360 version and should the versions be identical, get some hands on impressions, blasphemous or not.
