New engine under the hood in 'Burnout Paradise'

Video Game Reviews Game: "Burnout Paradise"

Publisher: EA

System: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)

Cost: $60

ESRB rating: E

Review rating: 3 1/2 stars 


The most destructive racing series ever created returns to tear up the streets of cyberspace in the form of "Burnout Paradise." And while this version retains the same core game play as its predecessors, there's an entirely new engine under the hood.

Burnout is no longer about competing in linear, closed-off courses that offer a few shortcuts. No, this new vision of the series places competitors in an open city full of pedestrian vehicles where they are free to do what they please. If you want to compete in races or other fun competitions, simply pull up to any intersection, tap both the brake and the gas buttons, and one of 120 unique events will begin.

Standard races only provide the starting and finishing locations, and it's up to you to find the best route between the two. This offers a totally open-ended race, but it also requires drivers to constantly look between the mini-map and the road, which is very precarious at 140 mph.

If that isn't enough, Paradise City is filled with several death-defying activities, such as crashing through billboards and finding super jumps. In addition, various high-octane street racers can be located that will grudgingly hand over their vehicles if you can knock them off the road.

Taking your game online is as simple as pressing a button while at an intersection. Since there are no game lobbies or servers to find, players get right into the action without wasting any time. One of my favorite online features lets up to eight drivers create a "virtual posse" and wreck havoc on the city. Of course, standard races are also available, and there are even challenges that require teamwork.

While I'm saddened by the loss of the infamous Crash mode, "Burnout Paradise" is a welcome reinvention of a series that didn't even need to be reinvented.

RATING KEY

4 stars - Must have

3 stars - Pretty good

2 stars - So-so

1 star - Don't waste your time

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Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

T: Teen (13 and older)

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)