Guide Note

Burnout Paradise is the latest installment in the classic car-crashing Burnout series. The game is one of the first to be available for only next-generation consoles. Much like its predecessors, Burnout Paradise is mostly about driving vehicles at high speeds while creating havoc on tracks and roadways. The game is set in the fictional city, "Paradise City," and the theme song "Paradise City" is performed by Guns N' Roses. The game features no loading times and no game menus. It received above-average ratings from video game critics.

Fast Facts

1. Developer: Criterion Games
2. Publisher: Electronic Arts
3. Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
4. Genre: Racing
5. ESRB Rating: Everyone (E10+)
6. Release Date: January 22, 2008

Gameplay

Developers with Criterion Games said they wanted Burnout Paradise to be much different than the previous Burnout titles. After a crash, players can remain with their current vehicle as long as all four tires remain intact and the chassis is not broken. If the chassis is broken or if a tire is missing, the player loses the vehicle. Vehicles are now named by manufacturers, although the names are a knock-off of an actual brand. Players can also earn licenses by completing races; a player starts off with a Learners Permit and can move all the way up to a Criterion Elite License (SSS-Class)

Game Modes

• Race Mode: Player take part in a one-on-one race. Players must pass through checkpoints before reaching the finish line. This is the only mode available online so far.
• Road Rage: A player must accomplish a certain amount of takedowns before the timer runs out. A player can go over the requirement.
• Marked Man: One player is trying to reach the finish line somewhere. Another player is trying to prevent it from happening. The goal of the first driver is to reach the finish line without having his or her car totaled. The goal of the chasing driver is to score as many takedowns as possible and prevent the other player from reaching the finish.
• Stunt Run: Players must accomplish a certain score by performing boosts, jumps, aerial moves and drifts.
• Burning Route: Players must use a specific car and race against a timer to a certain location. If he or she completes the goal, he or she receives an upgraded version of the car used in the race.