Burnout Paradise Review (Xbox 360)

There's no doubt that the Burnout fan world has been buzzing about all the new features present in Burnout Paradise. The open-world environments, new cars, Show Time mode, and other neat things all are new to the Burnout world. The real question is, can you change the Burnout formula that has worked so well as a linear game, to open world? Burnout Paradise proves that you most certainly can, and still make the game as fun as before if not better at times. For some, the change will make the game even better, for others it may feel strange.

Ok, let's get the big question out of the way. Does the open world transfer work well? The answer is definitely yes. I'll be honest, I didn't believe the transfer would go well. I still believe Burnout is meant to be a linear game, but the open world environment actually works perfectly. You now have a little more choice in what you do in the game. If you want to explore, why not go smash fences and slam you car through Burnout signs throughout the city to earn achievements? If you want some real action, just stop at any of the games intersections and start up a mission. Among the good old race, road rage, and burning lap game modes a new mode arises. Marked Man is our fine addition and is actually pretty suspenseful to play. You get a point you must reach, all the while evading the insane cars trying to smash you off the road.

So having choice and all is good, so what if you want to really change things up? Go ahead and just pull the right and left button to initiate Showtime mode. At any time you are driving, you can start this up. Once you do your car simply flips and begins crashing it's way through the streets. You have complete control where your wreck goes and the objective is to destroy as many traffic cars as possible. This is a really fun game mode and provided me many memorable times in the game.

The graphics in the game are pretty decent too. The world is filled with interesting detail, and the cars are very reflection covered and colorful. It's too bad the same can't be said about the soundtrack. I think the songs are better than other game critics say, but it is kind of lame at times. The DJ in the game is rather irritating though. Everytime you have a crushing defeat, he chimes in to tell you how bad you are. Not good.

All in all, Burnout Paradise is well worth your money, and will entertain for many hours. It may bug some fans, but for the most part, all it does is please with the most insane car wrecking pleasure you will ever experience.

My Score: 9/10