Super Burnout

"Fans of Super Hang On will love this"

Introduction

Super Burnout was released for the Atari Jaguar in 1995. It is a motorcycle racing game with eight different tracks and six bikes to choose from.

Gameplay - 10/10

Super Burnout is a racing game where you can race six (plus one bonus) bikes on eight courses. Each course is rated as being either Technical, Semi-Technical, or High Speed. Technical tracks have lots of sharp curves and are more about handling and driving skill than pure speed. Semi-Technical tracks aren't as difficult to maneuver, but are still more skill based. High Speed tracks have long straightaways, bikes with higher top speeds thrive on these. The game has four different modes to choose from.

Trainer Mode allows you to run a single race against six AI opponents. You can choose your bike, course, and the ability level of the AI (Weak, Average, or Strong). In Championship Mode, you race all eight tracks. You can't switch bikes once you begin, so you need to choose a good all-rounder that works well on the various course types. Versus Mode is the two player mode. You and a friend race on a single course with no AI opponents.

Record Mode is the time trial mode. You can choose any bike to race on any course without any AI opponents. Record Mode includes a very nice feature, real time info on how you are doing compared to your best time. Usually racing games till you the +- only when you cross the finish line each lap, here it shows you this through out the lap. This can be EXTREMELY helpful in pinpointing exactly where you need to improve.

Play Control - 10/10

The controls in this game are very tight and responsive, the bike always does exactly what you tell it to do. You have the option to change which buttons do what, which is always a nice feature to have.

Graphics - 8/10

My biggest complaint about the graphics is that the bikes, racers, tracks, backgrounds, etc. aren't any more detailed than in Super Hang On, which was released six years earlier! The Jaguar is supposed to be four times more powerful than a Genesis, they could have put a little more effort into the art design. One HUGE improvement over Super Hang On is the frame rate, this game runs very smoothly and the way objects fly by gives you a real sense of speed.

Sound - 8/10

For the most part, the sound in Super Burnout is quite good. I really enjoy the music, the only downside here is that you can't choose which song is playing, each track has its own default. The sound effects are fine, my biggest complaint is that the engines sound a little weak. There is an announcer who speaks with a French accent. Surprisingly, this is done quite well and isn't nearly as annoying as many other racing game announcers (e.g. Wave Race 64).

Playing Time/Replay Value - 10/10

You're going to spend a lot of time playing this one. With eight tracks and six bikes (plus a hidden one), there is plenty of variety here. The split screen two player mode is very well done. The game even saves your best times, giving you an extra incentive to finish the next race just a little bit faster.

Buy, Borrow, or Avoid? - Buy

This is an outstanding game, definitely one of the best available for the system. Super Burnout is a must own for any Jaguar fan.

Overall Score - 9/10

Super Burnout is the complete package. It has tight controls, great graphics and sound, and is a ton of fun to play. It is definitely on of my favorite games on the Atari Jaguar.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/23/08

Game Release: Super Burnout (US, 1995)