Burnout Revenge

"Simply the best racing game ever."

It's gotta be said that the lads at Criterion are a gifted bunch. While they have only made 2 big games (Black, and this games predecessor, Burnout 3), they are both astounding games. If you even think laterally, this company could be better than EA. Their next game? This one? Brace yourself...your in for the ride of your life.

The game only has one port of call: the world tour. Here, you travel to various scenic locations, race, destroy it a bit, and then move on to another scenic location. Sounds repetitive? Well, yes, but there is a fine line between repetitive and boring. Tracks vary from country based trailer parks to the streets of Rome, and the game captures these places with brilliant graphics.

The main mode is of course the race mode, and this has been totally revamped. Instead of the 'crash into any traffic and you lose' method from Burnout 3, a new way of playing was introduced, where if the traffic is travelling the same way as you, you can tail-end him and watch him fly, with no damage to you! This makes the game infinitely more fun, and less annoying as well. However, the main point of Races are 'Takedowns'. The games is designed so that takedowns are the main priority, and it is definitely so. You will NEVER get board of takedowns. Ever. Plough your car into another racer, then sit back, and watch the beautiful, beautiful graphics portray the crash.

Thinks that's all? If you fail to take someone out, you'd better be ready. The games outstanding AI will kick in to try and wreak revenge. This game's AI is so amazing, that I still believe that there is someone in my attic racing me right now.

Other modes such as Road Rage and the new Traffic attack also pad out the game, but there is some real fun in the Crash mode. Basically, all you have to do is crash, and clock up a lot of damage while your at it. The mode has also gone under a full revamp, with a new-fangled power bar leading the way, and with the added variable of wind, it makes this a very challenging prospect. There are - well - a lot of crash junctions, and - unlike the previous game - multi-storied junctions, for an extra challenge.

So. The graphics are great - the crashes are the some of the greatest experiences you'll find on the PS2. The longevity (that a word?) is also a high - plenty of extra challenges and secret shortcuts. This is a BIG plus of the game - you could come back 1 year after completing it and still find bits that you didn't notice. But don't worry. After you've completed it, you get a very nice prize.

Anything bad to say? Well, urm...sometimes you get takedowns you didn't deserve. And there are no licensed cars. But it doesn't matter. This is the game that you must buy. Right now. Go on. Go.

Score: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/09/07