A Burnout Paradise

Paradise City is a karaoke favourite of mine, I’m always screaming at people to take me there whether they like it or not. I guess EA must’ve heard me too because the newest Burnout is an AceyBongos dream come true.

Of course when old Axl crooned about Paradise City he was thinking about LA. Well, the original tinsel town seems to have inspired Criterion along the way too because there’s a definite wink in the direction of Hollywood Hills in the latest Burnout. Just like LA you’re never far from a piece of the action in Burnout Paradise with its open-world approach to street racing. No menus this time, just the sun-baked streets and avenues for you to cruise in search of challenges.

In addition to the trademark racing and crashing of the series what’s especially smart about the fifth Burnout is that you’ll need to know where all the repair shops and refuel spots are around the city. Junk yards too play an important role, allowing you to exchange parts or entire vehicles for something meaner. When you’re being pounded by unforgiving rivals in modes such as Marked Man, you’ll want to reach the nearest gas station or garage double-quick to avoid time wasting.

I’m at the stage now where knowing Paradise City like the back of my hand is imperative to victory, whatever the event. Shortcuts make all the difference in flat out races, there are dead ends too (curse them) so be warned!

With my Burnout meter maxed out I’m also in the mood for some retro street racing in Burnout 3: Takedown, now on Xbox Originals that I downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The way I see it Burnout 3 has never been less than astonishing; the first in the series that rewarded you for ‘taking down’ rivals as creatively as possible. It’s perfect for LIVE contests too, so what are you waiting for?

Graeme Boyd, Xbox.com Community Manager, Gamertag: AceyBongos

Out This Week

Burnout Paradise