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Burnout Big Surf Island DLC detailed
click to enlarge Criterion has posted an update about the upcoming Burnout Paradise DLC, Big Surf Island. As you may have guessed, the DLC adds an entirely new island to the world of Burnout Paradise and it features lots of new locations and things to do. For example, you can drive all the way to the top of the cylindrcal tower in the image above. Big Surf Island also hosts a construction yard which is filled with scaffolds and lots of jumps. Criterion also announced that a new vehicle will be released at the same time as Big Surf Island, a dune buggy called the Dust Storm. You can see several locations from Big Surf Island as well as the Dust Storm in the gallery below.While a specific release date hasn't been announced -- sounds like early next year -- Criterion did announce that Big Surf Island will be premium content, though a specific price has not been revealed.%Gallery-38261%
Criterion launches Online Cinematheque for online movie rentals
Get down with your bad self, Criterion. First you make the totally necessary leap to Blu-ray, and now you've opened your mind to digital distribution. The recently launched Online Cinematheque gives viewers the ability to catch short clips of select films online for free, and if they're really intrigued, they can cough up $5 to watch the whole thing. Afterwards, if they've discovered one of their new favorite films, Criterion will put the $5 rental fee towards the purchase of the title on DVD / BD. Sorry for just providing you with a portal to kill hours upon hours of free time.[Via Slashfilm]
Burnout Paradise's new island detailed
Ready to check out "Big Surf Island"? Burnout Paradise is expanding quite a bit in 2009, and that includes a brand new island to drive around. The premium DLC won't be free, but considering how much Criterion has already added to the game, we don't mind the opportunity to finally give them money for something. The island is all about crazy jumps, as this new episode of the CrashTV podcast reveals. Don't want to watch the podcast? Check out the screens in our new gallery.[Thanks, Monik!]%Gallery-38136%
First wave of Criterion Blu-ray Discs to tout plain packaging, ship December 19th
The long wait for Criterion's break into the world of Blu is just about over, and we're assured that our patience will not have been in vain. According to Criterion technical director Lee Kline: "If our Blu-ray discs are going to come out, then they'd better look right." Presumably addressing the delays, he noted that "we had to make sure that the compression was right, that the audio encoding was up to par, and we had to make sure that the discs played on all players, particularly the older generation models, as well as [the] PlayStation 3." Possibly the most exciting news is that the first wave of releases will be available for purchase on December 19th. Also of note, each title will "not be housed in the traditional blue-colored Blu-ray boxes that the major studios have adopted, nor will they carry the Blu-ray Disc logo. Rather, the Criterion titles will carry a small credit on the back of the box indicating that the title is in the Blu-ray format, and there will be a blue sticker on the shrink wrap indicating the same." Way to go your own way, Criterion.
Criterion teases next Burnout Paradise DLC pack
That's right, the next one. As in the one after the flying cars, the toy cars and the not-actually-cars. Criterion just keeps on stuffing more content into its open-world racer, with the latest vehicular addition taking the form of the Carson Extreme Hotrod, a "stripped down, ultra low, overpowered straight line monster." You'll find it, along with another impossibly fast hunk of metal, in 2009's "Paradise Boost Specials Pack." According to the developers, both vrooooooms are designed to "re-imagine Burnout Boost." And we doubt they're imagining it any slower. Here we come, walls!
Criterion Blu-ray collection delayed again until at least December
We'd like to think that anything put out by Criterion would be worth the wait, but this is getting a wee bit annoying. After first announcing that a gaggle of Criterion Blu-ray Discs would be out by October, we were hit with the unfortunate news that things were being pushed back 'til November. Here we are in that very month, and now we're staring yet another month-long delay in the face. For reasons unknown, classics like Bottle Rocket, Chungking Express, The Third Man, The Man Who Fell to Earth and The Last Emperor have all been knocked back to December with the exception of the last film, which is being delayed until January of 2009. Bah, humbug![Via Sound & Vision, thanks Anthony]
Criterion driving Toy Cars into Burnout Paradise
Were it even slightly informative, we would have made the title of this post "Why You've Always Got to Close With the DeLorean." This week, Criterion revealed the next in a series of DLC that they'll be dropping into Burnout Paradise: the "Toy Car" pack. The nine cars appear to be Paradise Models that have been retooled to resemble ... well, Hot Wheels.Cool? Sure, it is. But is it cool on the level with a time-travelling relic of the 80s? Well, no. That's why (you guessed it) you've always got to close with the DeLorean.
Burnout Paradise gets monster truck and more in Toy Cars DLC
Another Friday, another Burnout Paradise DLC announcement. It looks like Criterion is expanding the game yet again in 2009, with a new series of vehicles in their planned "Toy Cars" pack. This expansion will add a number of interesting cars to the Burnout franchise, such as a monster truck. Simon Phipps from Criterion Games notes on the PlayStation.blog: "We hope you agree that we're keeping up our promise to take Burnout Paradise into places you'd never imagined."There's still more DLC to be announced in the coming weeks. By the end of 2009, we're pretty sure Burnout Paradise will be a completely different game. Wow.
Burnout Paradise's Legendary Jansen 88 Special
After numerous updates, free content and even motorbikes, Criterion will be bringing a set of paid Legendary Cars to Burnout Paradise in 2009. This week, they unveiled the first of four, the Jansen 88 Special which is based on the fan favorite Jansen P12. And the first thing you'll notice is that this Back to the Future inspired ride can hover. Yes sir, a hovering, flame trail creating Jansen 88 Special that (sadly) lacks the ability to travel back in time. Keep on the look out for more Legendary Cars reveals in the weeks to come (Cavalry Bootlegger, Manhattan Spirit and GT Nighthawk) and remember to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles.[Thanks, Cube]
Burnout Paradise goes Back to the Future
Go ahead: Blink twice. Yep, it's still here. You're not dreaming. Now, would somebody please whip up an award for Best DLC Ever? Thanks -- just hand it over to the folks at Criterion Games.It may be the first time you actually pay for Burnout Paradise DLC, but we're gonna go ahead and put in writing that the Legendary Cars Pack will be well worth your hard-earned PSN money / . Exhibit A: The DeLorean DMC-12 "Jansen 88 Special" (see above). Time traveling? No*. Hovering? Yes! And be on the lookout for Exhibits B, C & D: The Cavalry Bootlegger, Manhattan Spirit and GT Nighthawk. (One of those has to be codename for the "Tumbler," right?) *But there are burning flame trails! %Gallery-36402%[Thanks, Bob]
The free ride ends? Burnout Paradise pay DLC coming
The Criterion Games guys are still working hard on Burnout Paradise. In fact, they'll be working on their critically acclaimed racer well into 2009. Their constant updates in BP have added a slew of new features, like new races, challenges and even vehicles. The amount of content they've released for free post-release has been absolutely astounding.The free ride may be ending soon, though. The first pack of 2009 for BP will be called Burnout Paradise Party, and it will feature 8-player pass-the-controller multiplayer. Players will compete in a party-themed challenge. Interestingly, not only will Party add more gameplay, it will also revamp the visuals. "We've overhauled not just the presentation screens but also the in-game visuals, which are now brighter and more colourful in recognition of Burnout's new party theme."No word on price yet, but Party will be available as DLC next year. It will also be included in a new retail disc called Burnout Paradise The Ultimate Box, which will include all the free packs released so far and the Party pack.%Gallery-35782%
Burnout Paradise Party, Ultimate Box coming Feb. 2009
As we warned you, Criterion has released the details on the first of four planned 2009 DLC updates to its open-world driving juggernaut: Burnout Paradise "Party," coming in February 2009. The premium content (that means "not for free") will add a pass-the-pad party mode for those who've got a room full of up to eight gearheads, each taking their shot at tests of stunt abilities, speed and general skill. There's also a whole new party aesthetic if you don't want to spring for streamers.Released alongside the "Party" pack will be an "Ultimate Box" edition of the game which will include all previously released DLC, including "Party," for an undisclosed price. So if that's the next big thing for Burnout, what's the next-next big thing? You'll have to wait until Nov. 7 to find out.
Criterion prepping four more Burnout Paradise updates
Motorcycles in Burnout Paradise? Awesome. Even, er ... awesome-r is today's announcement that Criterion is planning at least four additional DLC content packs for the game. Placeholder images for the packs are already up on the developer's newly revamped site, along with word that the contents of the first pack will be laid bare on Friday, Oct. 31.The remaining three packs will be revealed each subsequent Friday (Nov. 7, Nov. 14, and Nov. 24). It's almost certain that one of the packs will introduce an entirely new island, which Criterion has been working on for some time. As for the others ... what would you like to see? (If they aren't, in fact, additional islands.)[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Burnout Paradise PS3 Trophies patch released, not retroactive
Folks, we've got good news and bad news. Okay, the good news first: Criterion Games has released a patch for Burnout Paradise that adds Trophies. The bad news is those Trophies are not going to be awarded retroactively. Despite having previously stating they were "thinking ahead" with Trophy support, the developers said today, "We had hoped to use this to retroactively award trophies, but we discovered during testing that this is not possible." A new game save will be required. Criterion notes this is the same as with all other PS3 games that patched in Trophies. Though that's true, we're admittedly a bit bummed since we had been replaying the game under the promise that we'd retroactively get some (online) street cred for our PSN ID. [Via PS3 Fanboy]
Burnout Paradise Trophy patch now live, not retroactive
Burnout Paradise Trophies are now live. Simply stick your disc in the tray and start playing and you'll be prompted to download the latest update. Check out the full list of Trophies in order to prepare yourself for what you're in for. Unfortunately, it seems that trophies will not be retroactive in Burnout Paradise. You'll have to start a fresh game in order to acquire all these shiny prizes. We imagine some of you might be quite angry about that. Feel free to let loose in the comments but, please, don't shoot the messenger![Thanks DeforMAKulizer, Snowy & Conor Buckley]
Burnout Paradise up for download on PSN Thursday, Sept. 25
As announced during last month's EA Studio Showcase event, Burnout Paradise will become the first previously retail-only PS3 game offered for download in its entirety from the PlayStation Store. Developer Criterion Games has updated its Burnout blog with news that the game will be available this Thursday, Sept. 25, as part of the store's weekly update (which usually goes live at 2 p.m. PST).The game download will cost $29.99, the same price as the disc-based retail release. If you don't already own Burnout Paradise, this is a great opportunity to get in on a superb racer ... without having to bust out the game disc every time you want to play. No stats on the download's size have been revealed, but we've contacted EA for details and will update when we get them. Criterion has announced that, upon starting the game, buyers will be prompted to download all of the (free) content that it has cooked up since launch, including last week's Bikes Pack.
Burnout in Paradise with new bike DLC
Today, September 18th, 2008 is a monumental day for Burnout Paradise fanboys, because today is the day Criterion graces us with a new set of Burnout Paradise downloadable content. New DLC that brings bikes into the mix as well as a bunch of new challenges all for (get this) FREE! The new 445MB Burnout Paradise Bike DLC is waiting to make a home on your 360's HDD so, please, make your way to the XBLM and give it a download. Won't you think of the children?
Burnout Paradise bikes patch available now
Burnout Paradise's latest patch is now available. To download your new bikes, simply load the game up and you will be prompted to update, as normal. Criterion is becoming well known for offering unparalleled free content and this latest patch is no exception. As well as the ability to ride bikes around Paradise City, this patch brings 38 timed races, day/night and weather cycles and 70 freeburn challenges. Did we mention it was all free? For full details check out the official Criterion blog. Don't forget, too, that Criterion will be making an appearance on the PlayStation Blog at some point this week to discuss trophies. Hopefully we'll be seeing that patch very soon. So dust off your copy of Burnout Paradise and off you go. On yer bike.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Davis bike pack updates Burnout Paradise on Thur. [update]
Update: New Bike Pack teaser trailer embedded after the break.This is a friendly and nagging reminder that, this Thursday, Criterion will be releasing the six hundredth title update for Burnout Paradise titled "Davis" which is better known as the Bike Pack. Among the changes included in the update are the inclusion of two new bikes, 38 additional beat-the-clock races, a day/night adjusting option, dynamic weather effects and 70 new Freeburn challenges. Wowzaz! If you're still playing Burnout Paradise, then this Thursday will be like celebrating a birthday in September. For Paradise gamers who have birthdays in September, then this will be your second birthday celebration this month.
Cycle complete: Burnout Paradise Bikes coming Sept. 18
click to enlarge The latest (free!) downloadable update to Criterion's car-crumpling crashtravaganza, Burnout Paradise, has been scheduled to arrive next week on September 18th -- sans two wheels. The Burnout Bikes pack (hands-on impressions here) adds 38 new against-the-clock race events, a customizable day/night cycle, dynamic weather effects, 70 new Freeburn challenges and ... oh yes, motorcycles.We hope other folks in the industry are learning a thing or two from Criterion's robust support of Burnout Paradise. Oh, sure, we like the freeness of it all, but what we're really saying is that we want downloadable motorcycles for everything. Yes, including Too Human.(Note: We're checking if this applies to both platforms. There's no mention of either in the announcement. Update: Burnout Bikes will hit the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 simultaneously.)%Gallery-29715%[Thanks, Stephen]
