Back To Paradise City: The Greatest Moments of Burnout Paradise

Ahhh, Burnout Paradise, how we love you.  Two years ago this week, Criterion Games and Electronic Arts released the long-awaited “drive anywhere, do anything” game, to both critical acclaim and big sales numbers.  But all good things must come to an end, as Criterion announced that no further downloadable content would be coming out for the game.  (More than likely, it will now focus on its new Need For Speed project instead.)  That’s not to say the fun’s over, however.  There are still hundreds of hours’ worth of online events, times to beat, and goodies to unlock.  With that, we present some of our favorite moments from this awesome piece of Paradise.

 

Want a Sweet Ride?  Earn It!

One of the coolest things about Burnout Paradise is that some of the better rewards aren’t automatically given to you.  Sure, you’re given a few cars to add to your garage, but if you really want to go after the best vehicles, you have to actively pursue them throughout Paradise City and then wreck the crap out of them.  Only after they’re disabled do they join your ranks, ready for you to race.  We like this concept, and certainly hope it makes a return in the Burnout series – whenever the latest one comes around.

 

The Online World Is Your Oyster

There’s a lot to do off-line in Burnout Paradise, but there’s no question that the online integration through both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network is a huge part of the game.  You can activate it at any time with a press of the D-pad, seeing where your friends are at and who’s participating in what events.  There’s always something going on here, even a couple of years following the game’s initial release.  Some of you simply live to get the best timed run on a stretch of road or showing one of your opponents who’s boss on a stunt track.  Hey, that’s fine by us.  In fact, we’ll see you there.

 

The Sky’s the Limit On Downloads

Just because Criterion isn’t introducing any new DLC for the game doesn’t mean there’s nothing to mess with here.  In fact, there are multiple packs to choose from, whether you like vehicles from the movies (such as the Ghostbusters car or a DeLorean look-alike from Back To the Future), “toy” cars, police cruisers, motorbikes, or souped-up rides.  Furthermore, the additional Party Mode lets you play with others off-line in multiple games, pulling off tricks and speed times against whoever’s up for a challenge.  And then there’s Big Surf Island, a stellar addition in itself with various new missions and rides.  A few bucks goes a long way in Paradise City.

 

Have You Found Everything?

And by everything, we do mean EVERYTHING.  We’re talking a ton of stuff to discover in Burnout Paradise.  Along with the cars, the multiple missions and license classes, there are also various gates, stunt jumps, billboards, and other hidden routes to take throughout the city.  Chances are you haven’t discovered every nook and cranny about the game, no matter how many hours you put into the game.  Really, go back and take a look.  You might be surprised as to what you find.

 

Sweet Wrecks Are Made of This

Like previous Burnout games, there’s a great feeling in hitting the open road and wrecking the crap out of opponents.  And there are a variety of events in Burnout Paradise to do this with.  Road Rage makes a return, along with regular Races.  In addition, the Marked Man events are a blast, where you have to wreck incoming cars before they turn you into shredded metal.  The new Showtime mode is all right, but, personally, we prefer Crash mode from Burnout 3: Takedown.  That was the better way to go…and we hope that makes a comeback in the next Burnout game.  (You listening, Criterion?)

 

Jumps Ahoy

You’ll get a lot of air cruising through Burnout Paradise.  Various jumps and super jumps are scattered across the city, with you barreling over hills, cruising over city streets and eventually making your way to a construction site-turned-stunt park, where you can shoot through hanging blocks and do barrel rolls.  It’s fun to get air in Paradise, and even if you don’t successfully make the jump, there’s something about the way you crash that’s still fascinating.  Call us nutcases.

 

A Soundtrack To Race To

One thing Criterion went all out with in Burnout Paradise is the game’s soundtrack.  No matter what you’re into, there’s a variety of music channels to pick from throughout the game, including classic rock, heavy metal, alternative pop rock, classical, and even old-school Burnout 2 music, should you be about the Acclaim days of racing.  Best of all, since you’re going through Paradise City, you have Guns n’ Roses’ rock-n-roll favorite of the same name starting you off, complete with the inviting, “Oh, won’t you please take me home, yeah yeah!”  Can’t get enough of that.

 

One Cheap Ride

If for some reason you haven’t been properly introduced to Paradise City as of yet, there’s no excuse to miss the ride.  The game is now only $20 at retail for both Xbox 360 and PS3, and available for download through Games On Demand and PlayStation Network as well.  In addition, some of the DLC is package priced, so you can get it for on-the-cheap as well.  You shouldn’t miss this party.  Two years down the road and it’s still running like a dream.

Thanks, Criterion!  We’ll keep on racing.