Revenge Online

No doubt racing games rise to their greatest heights in multiplayer matches, where wits are pitted against real-life human opponents with all their skill and unpredictability. Because of this human component, the skills required for success differ slightly from the computer-controlled offline experience. With that in mind, here's a slate of tips specific to racing online with Burnout Revenge™ on Xbox 360™.

Bodywork alteration courtesy of a rival.

Safety First
Spectacular metal-crunching crashes may be Burnout's forte, but online, the room for error is slim. Want to win? Take less radical chances. Drive "with traffic" initially and avoid the tangled mess of competitors that bump, shunt, and slam while looking for that first Takedown. Getting a clean and quick start is vital. After you're clear of the initial stretch, you can start to worry about scoring Takedowns on anyone around you.

Stay First
The ability to check traffic left, right, and center—provided they're not trucks, buses, or oncoming vehicles—gives the leader a potent weapon. Before, you could only drive clean and fast and hope no one caught you. Now, you can cause pileups by checking cars into each other, creating an obstacle for those behind you. This is especially useful if you check a car into oncoming traffic, as those trying to catch up are more likely to be driving on the wrong side of the road to establish more Boost.

Hope that's not you.

Rival Awareness
Rivalries in online races are the x-factor, and you have to be aware of them. Though tempting, make sure you don't go after a rival willy-nilly, focusing on little besides their destruction. That activity just gets you planted into a wall or cement divider. However, tagging rivals can net you gamerscore points, so take the opportunity if it's there. More importantly, though, be aware of rivals that are coming after you.

While you can't ignore the other competitors, you have to pay closest attention to your own rivals. It may cost you a couple seconds, but if you've got a rival slamming into you, hit the brakes for a moment, let them shoot past, and then put some lateral distance between you or take the opportunity to punt them into the wall and rid yourself of their attention for a bit.

Gamertag Status
You'll notice that the gamertags of your fellow competitors are highlighted in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Nice as it is to know who you're competing against, the true benefit is the distance shown between the drivers ahead and behind you. Constantly be aware of enemies coming up fast from behind or those you're about to spot ahead of you. Used properly, this info can help give you that extra second of preparation you need.

Leaving wrecks in your wake.

Notifications
You'll also see that notices pop up in the middle of the screen, letting you know which players have crashed, which have taken the lead, which are on the final lap, etc. It's difficult to tear your eyes away from the road, but try to glance up and take in the info. Much like noticing the distance between you and the other racers, this info can prepare you for events you haven't seen yet. For example, if you see that Racer X has crashed, and you know he's only .2 miles ahead of you, you can get ready to avoid the pileup and spare yourself a crash.

Always a Chance
It's easy to get discouraged if you fall behind in racing games, but don't forget that, unlike most games, Burnout Revenge is filled with crashes and Takedowns, and offers more than ample opportunity to get back into the thick of things. Don't give up and you might be surprised what place you find yourself in when all is said and done.

Article by Alex McLain