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Disambig iconThis article is about Burnout Paradise. For the 2018 remastered release, see Burnout Paradise Remastered.

Burnout Paradise (formerly known as Burnout 5) is the sixth game in the Burnout series. It was released in January 2008 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Its multiplayer servers were shut down on August 1, 2019.[1]

It was developed with the PlayStation 3 as lead platform, as well as re-released as Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box in February 2009 on its original platforms alongside a PC release.

A 10th anniversary Burnout Paradise Remastered definitive release in March 2018 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One includes all downloadable content, which still has its multiplayer servers running.

It is the first Burnout game to feature a seamless open-world city with no loading times or online lobbies entering multiplayer free-burn sessions, and is the first Burnout game to be released on the PC.

A previous Burnout Paradise logo.

Events[]

Burnout Paradise includes returning events from previous Burnout games along with new game types like Burning Route, Marked Man, and Stunt Run.

Main article: Events (Burnout Paradise)

Takedowns[]

Takedowns in Burnout Paradise are much the same as they were in Burnout Revenge with the exception of T-Bone Takedowns.

Main article: Takedown

Vehicles[]

Burnout Paradise was shipped with 69 stock cars that are progressively unlocked by winning events. Each of these cars has an enhanced version that is unlocked by completing a Burning Route. Six of the stock cars have carbon versions that change the boost type from the original version. There are also seven sponsor vehicles that were included in the game to promote the game's retailers.

Since the game's release, free and premium downloadable vehicles have been released introducing new boost types and even motorbikes to the game.

Main article: Vehicles (Burnout Paradise)

Boost[]

Burnout Paradise vehicles each have one of six different types of boost systems.

Main article: Boost#Burnout Paradise

Locations[]

Burnout Paradise takes place in Paradise City, which is divided into 5 districts; Downtown Paradise, Silver Lake, Palm Bay Heights, Harbor Town and White Mountain. The downloadable Big Surf Island Update added an additional district off the coast of Paradise City.

Main article: Locations (Burnout Paradise)

Soundtrack[]

Main article: Soundtrack (Burnout Paradise)

Features[]

According to Alex Ward, a developer from Criterion Games, this game is a "complete reinvention" of the Burnout series. He also said "To create truly next-generation gameplay, we needed to create a truly next-generation game, from the ground up." Despite being in an open world the game still retains the high 60-frames-per-second frame rate most Burnout games have used. Originally compromises such as the lack of day and night cycles and weather conditions were made.

Records can be kept on a player's drivers license and there are statistics such as fastest time and biggest crash for every street in the game. Crash mode has been removed and replaced with Showtime. Unlike Crash Mode, the player now has full control over where they initiate Showtime.

Races are no longer specific lengths. Races are simply started by pulling up at any of the 120 traffic lights around Paradise City and applying the accelerator and brake at the same time. Online races have been given additional customization settings such as;

  • Boost Group - Where the Host may choose the cap limit for cars used.
  • Traffic - Choosing whether traffic is on or off. (No longer available for ranked races after the Cagney update).
  • Start, Finish and Checkpoints - Online events can have up to 16 checkpoints. (No longer available for ranked races after the Cagney update).

The damage system has also undergone retooling. There are now two different types of crashes based on the condition of the car after the crash. If the player's car manages to retain all four wheels then the player may drive out of the crash and continue playing. If a player's car loses any of its wheels, flies outside of the game's map or reaches "Critical damage" then the car is "wrecked" and the player will have to wait until their car is reset.

Cars can also be compressed and deform around objects as you crash into them. Alex Ward confirmed in the Official Crash FM podcast that cars may not be ripped in half as concept pictures and early information stated. There are also other cars which can be obtained by typing in a sponsor codes such as the Krieger Walmart WTR or the Hunter BestBuy Oval Champ although these codes only work for certain regions.

When starting the single player mode, players are assigned a learners permit and a single vehicle. Players must race and win events to earn points towards higher licenses. Licenses range from Class D to Criterion Elite. After earning a new license, events reset to allow completion towards their next license.

Vehicles now have manufacturer and model names which are loosely based on real-world cars but are mostly fictional. Customization is limited to color and can be done in real-time by driving through a paint shop or by selecting the color in the Junkyard. Other real-time changes include driving through a gas station or repair shop to automatically refill your Boost Bar and repair your car respectively. This allows you to extend a Road Rage event beyond the vehicles damage limit.

The online lobby system used by previous Burnout games has been replaced by a streamlined system known as "Easy Drive". While driving, players simply hit right on the D-Pad and the Easy Drive menu pops up on the bottom left hand corner of their screen. From there, players are able to invite another player from their friends list. Once friends have joined the game, the hosting player is then able to pick from a variety of events to play. A player can also join or host an open Freeburn Online session.

Reception[]

Burnout Paradise has received great reviews. The main complaint from the reviewers was the lack of restarts. For example, to restart a race after a loss, players had to turn around and drive back to the start line. This however, was fixed in the game's Free February Update, allowing for quick restarts after or during any event.

Reviews
Publication Score
PSM3 89/100
Edge magazine 9/10
Official PlayStation Magazine 9/10
GamePro 5/5
1UP 9/10
IGN 8.8/10
GameSpy 4.5/5
Game Informer 8.5/10
GameTrailers 8.8/10
GameSpot 9/10
Official Xbox Magazine 9/10
Compilations of multiple reviews
Compiler Score
Game Rankings 88.8% (360), 87.4% (PS3)
Metacritic 88 (360), 87 (PS3)


Game Changing Content[]

Criterion Games have been releasing downloadable Game Changing Content to enhance Burnout Paradise. They have stated that they will provide new content for at least a year after the game's original release in January 2008.

Free Updates[]

  • Burnout Paradise 1.1 - Astaire, released January 22, 2008.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.2 - Bogart, released April 18, 2008 for Xbox 360 and April 24, 2008 for PlayStation 3.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.3 - Cagney, released July 10, 2008 for PlayStation 3 and August 4, 2008 for Xbox 360.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.4 - Burnout Bikes, released September 18, 2008 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.5 - Trophies, released September 25, 2008 for PlayStation 3 not released for Xbox 360.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.6 (PC 1.0.0.1) - Free February Update, released February 6, 2009 for PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.7 (PC 1.1.0.0) - Second Burnout Store Update, (Current Version of the Game for PC) released February 18, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and March 25, 2009 for PC.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.8 - Third Burnout Store Update, released April 30, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
  • Burnout Paradise 1.9 - Fourth Burnout Store Update, (Current Version of the Game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) released June 11, 2009 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

External links[]


Premium Content[]

  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($4.99 / €4.99 / £3.99 / 800 Microsoft Points) - Party Pack, released February 6, 2009.
  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($4.99 / €4.99 / £3.99 / 640 Microsoft Points) - Legendary Cars, released February 19, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and March 25, 2009 for PC.
  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($4.99 / €4.99 / 400 Microsoft Points) - Time Savers Pack, released February 19, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and March 25, 2009 for PC.
  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($6.99 / €6.99 / £5.49 / 1000 Microsoft Points) - Toys, released March 5, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and March 25, 2009 for PC.
  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($4.99 / €4.99 / £3.99 / 640 Microsoft Points) - Boost Specials, released March 12, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and March 25, 2009 for PC.
  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($4.99 / €4.99 / £3.99 / 800 Microsoft Points) - Cops and Robbers Pack, released April 30, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
  • Burnout Paradise Premium Content ($6.99 / €6.99 / £5.49/ 1000 Microsoft Points) - Big Surf Island, released June 11, 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Main article: Game Changing Content

Digital Release[]

Platform Digital Release Date Via Price
EU US GB
PS3 September 25th 2008 PSN $19.99 £15.99
360 August 11th 2009 LIVE 29,99€ $19.99 £19.99

The Ultimate Box was also added to PlayStation Network later on.

Video Reviews[]

Main article: Videos (Burnout Paradise)

References[]

  1. Article: engadget.com (2019) Original 'Burnout Paradise' servers shut down August 1st. Available at: https://www.engadget.com/2019/04/18/burnout-paradise-server-shutdown/


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