I have owned all the Burnout games, and this version has definitely taken the game to a new level. You still have all the crash events trying to create as much carnage as possible, but they added a target vehicle to the mix for extra bonuses. There is even a start meter for takeoff added. A timing meter at the start of crash events gets you a fast start, slow start or even a blown engine if you are way out of bounds. There are a plethora of bonuses that can be gotten through driving skills alone. When there is no one to crash into, put the pedal to the metal and drive your way to stardom. Brakes aren’t for sissies either; they can help create some spectacular stunt driving. Power sliding, making that last minute corner to the shortcut (which exists on every track), and hang time (how much air can you grab without hitting something ominous).

The graphics are not sacrificed even at nitrous speeds (although a blur is still a blur). The high level of detail on the racing cars, computer droid vehicles and even the scenery (none of which can be stopped and enjoyed unless you want to lose) is done to the Nth degree. The speeds at which you can drive, the crashing, the debris flying in front of your vehicle and the total destruction of anything that is not solid can be felt and is amazingly realistic. It took a year to make this version of Burnout. I am sure most of it was researching the roads and alleys of the places around the world that are used in the racing. I have been to a few of these places, and feel that I already know the road by the realism that is conveyed in the scenery. Kudos to the people that had the power to create the level of excitement experienced in the game. Experiencing the joy of winning it all or the agony of defeat from a small misjudgment in driving is felt through every event.

The signature pictures are still earned, along with awards for no-crash racing and taking out over 100 vehicles in a single race. This in itself is quite an accomplishment. I love this type of reward system, other than winning the game and getting to watch 10 minutes worth of postscripts about producers, artists, and all that was part of the games making. Other rewards are unlocking new tracks and new cars (though they are ones I never heard of) that have tremendous eye candy appeal. The vehicle you drive is indestructible, except when you hit something solid, like a wall. A post, a tree, a building, a vehicle many times your size (a semi-truck and trailer, large vans and buses included) and any oncoming traffic. You do get extra boost for driving on against the traffic flow, but you need to avoid all oncoming objects. Boost is the key to the racing - always have boost to use, and when you run out hurry and get more. There are plenty of ways to acquire boost bonus, so you should never be without any boost in your tank.

There are eight types of events (a total of 169 events), 78 cars to earn, 64 challenges (challenge sheets) to accomplish, 24 signature Awards and statistics recording everything possible to do with game; especially takedowns while letting you travel to all corners of the globe to compete. The profile is event rated and has revenge ranking, both which earns a special award when advanced. The computer opponents are very worthy and treacherous. Once you think you are good at beating up the computer, you can take your chances playing X-Box life for the human interaction. This by far is the toughest part of the game. Beating the top X-Box racers is a prize above all other prizes. Even if you are not competitive online, there is multiplayer up to 8 players with joined X-Box units. 4 can play on a single box. Mano-a-mano is very fun against a local friend or family member.

I enjoy this entry into the demolition racing game genre the best of all that is out there or ever has been out. It’s a take out or be taken out world tour. The “revenge racing” comes in because, when you are taken out; you have a vehicle that becomes a target for revenge and higher bonuses. It is even smart play to let a couple takedowns happen, so you can enact your revenge and TAKE THEM DOWN, but don’t forget you still have to come in first place and win the race to get the perfect score. A bronze medal may get you to the next race, but will not be good enough to maintain your revenge standing. There is a penalty for only bronze, so keep trying till you get it right. It is a gold medal perfect run that nets you the highest honors.

Remember when you get taken down don’t get mad … get Revenge!