Although the game features a very expansive map, the graphics haven’t been compromised. Burnout Paradise is a very pretty looking game, and the game is rendered in full 720p. The shading and filters used give the game a solid next-gen look, and each of the main areas of the game have a unique design to them. On top of that, the cars look stunning, and some of the better cars you receive later in the game are a treasure to look at. The most impressive thing about the visuals is that at times you will be driving at nearly 250mph, yet the game engine is still able to keep the framerate and visuals at full-force without any sort of degradation.
The game features great sound effects, and each of the dozens of cars have their own engine sounds. The sound of a huge burnout, followed by Air Force style acceleration, is quite simply an amazing experience. The soundtrack for Burnout Paradise is quite varied and sports 90 songs, with more songs added through the free updates. The announcer is quite repetitive to listen to, but the detailed sound effects more than make up for it.
Burnout Paradise features hundreds of intersections, each with their own race events, which can take upwards of 20 hours to complete. There are also 400 yellow gates which typically lead to shortcuts, as well as 50 super jumps and 120 red billboards to collect. To top that off, the online mode is a blast to play, and allows for you to transition into online without any loading screens whatsoever. The online mode includes all of the single-player event modes, as well as many challenges to complete cooperatively in groups of between two to eight participants.
Most importantly, Burnout Paradise has without a doubt had more content added post-release than any other game on the market. Not only has it received free patches which have added motorcycles and additional content to the game’s already flourishing replay value, but there is also plenty of DLC ranging from cars to the Big Surf City Island. Couple that with the fact that the game sports more trophies than any other PS3 title, and you have a game that’ll take a very long time to complete.
This is arguably the best arcade racing game this generation. Not only is it a very well-polished game, but the constant addition of content and the already existing addictive gameplay make it well worth the low price of admission. Burnout Paradise is one of the first great tastes of what the new-generation of racers have to offer. For such a budget price, there is no reason for anybody who likes racing games to not own Burnout Paradise.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
Impressive amount of replay value. Streamlined online with both co-op and competitive features. |
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