Burnout (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Burnout


developer = Criterion Games
publisher = Acclaim
designer =
engine = RenderWare
released = Playstation 2
vgrelease|NA|November 11, 2001
vgrelease|PAL|November 16, 2001
Xbox
vgrelease|NA|April 30, 2002
vgrelease|PAL|May 5, 2002
GameCube
vgrelease|NA|April 29, 2002
genre = Arcade style racing
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: E
PEGI: 3+
platforms = GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
media = 1 DVD-ROM
requirements =
input =
picture format = 480p (EDTV) "(except PS2)"
480i (SDTV)

"Burnout", also known as "Shiny Red Car" (working title) is a racing game developed by Criterion Games and published by Acclaim on the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. The PlayStation 2 version was released in North America on November 1, 2001 and Europe on November 16, 2001.cite web |author= |publisher=GameSpot |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/driving/burnout/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Burnout Release Summary (PS2) |date= |accessdate=2008-05-01 ] The GameCube version was released in North America on April 292002 and Europe on May 3, 2002.cite web |author= |publisher=GameSpot |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/gamecube/driving/burnout/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Burnout Release Summary (GC) |date= |accessdate=2008-05-01 ] The Xbox version was released in North America on April 30, 2002 and in Europe on May 5, 2002.cite web |author= |publisher=IGN |url=http://xbox.ign.com/objects/479/479977.html |title=Burnout (xbox) |date= |accessdate=2008-05-01 ]

Burnout was the first in a series of high-speed racing games noted for over the top crashes and high risk gameplay mechanics, where the objective of the game is to cause the most damage possible. The game's success led to several sequels.

Gameplay

The main gameplay mode in "Burnout" is the Championship mode, which is a selection of events with three or four races in each. Here the player competes against three other cars on various courses. Each event gets harder and requires the player to use faster cars to reach first place. After completing each event, a Face Off challenge is unlocked which in turn unlocks a new car if won. Other modes include single race, time attack, and multiplayer. Single race is a mode where the player races against three opponents. In time attack, the player must finish a lap in a certain amount of time.

Tracks and cars

Each location is connected in "Sprints", so hypothetically one could drive from River City (Paris) and end up in Harbor Town (the Costa del Sol) in a matter of seconds. Each location has a distinct collection of traffic that distinguishes one continent from the next; e.g. American taxi cabs versus European taxi cabs and so forth.

"Burnout" features a small collection of cars, including the small Compact, The Saloon, the Pickup and the Muscle.

Soundtrack

The original in-house soundtrack produced by Criterion games.

* Nought 260
* Oversteer
* Eurorush
* Heart Failure
* In Control
* Dead Ahead
* 66 Kicks
* Whiplash
* Downtown Drift
* Fatal Instinct

"Burnout's" music player is accessible in the specials menu.

Each song is played on a specific race track. For example, 66 Kicks is played on Interstate and Rush Hour. After the song for the track is played or when the player has crashed more than once, the next track is played. This pattern is present on all tracks, going from a moderate upbeat song to a suspenseful song.

Reception

Burnout has been received positively from fans and critics, especially praising for its impressive graphics and its gameplay. Shahed Ahmed at Gamespot claimed that Burnout is one of the most intense and entertaining racing games on the PlayStation 2, complete with tight controls and impressive graphics. GamePro claimed that the game offers a great mix of easy accessibility, straightforward style, and pants-wetting excitement. In July 2002 issue of Electronic Monthly Gaming claimed that Burnout has a incredible sense of speed.

This game was often criticized for its music, replays, and its difficulty. TotalGames.net claimed that Burnout is the worst example to date as you can be in first place yet still run out of time, a facet which is both infuriating, common to several courses and, considering the likelihood of at least a few collisions, utterly predictable.

References

External links

*moby game|id=/burnout|name="Burnout"
*IGN|type=ps2|id=015/015034|name=Burnout
* [http://www.operationburnout.com/ Operation Burnout Fan Site]