April 2, 2006 - Readers of Burnout Revenge reviews should fall into one of two very clear categories: those who are buying Burnout Revenge for the first time and those who are pondering an upgrade from their existing PS2 or Xbox versions. Originally released some 6 months ago, the PS2/Xbox Burnout Revenge can be considered, without hesitation, one of the greatest games (racing or other) that each console has ever had. Building upon a landmark title like Burnout 3: Takedown, Revenge not only managed to tweak, fix and cajole enough options to create a better sequel, but added enough new content to make Revenge feel different enough from its predecessor. Those who have never experienced Revenge at all, you owe it to your inner speed junkie to pick up a version, any version. And for those with Xbox 360’s, even considering the price difference, it’s clear that this is the best version possible. Case closed. To the upgraders still reading, find out why you should update as well.

Fans of the series will feel right at home upon booting up Burnout Revenge as it carries the same feel that the series has maintained through its various consoles outings and publishers. This may be an EA published game (which adds considerable weight and clout to the series) but make no mistake about it; Criterion Games has not let this series out of its grasps. From the opening Burnout screen with its distinct audio presentation, it’s impossible not to smile in anticipation, knowing that a fresh Burnout game awaits. And while the series has and will always feature cars on its cover and in its games, this is as much an action title as it is a racing game. Even more so; I have friends who do not, under any circumstances whatsoever, play games; but they will play Burnout. This series not only transcends genres but social expectations as well. It may seem surprising and odd to have to state this, but I’ve never known anyone who didn’t like a little Burnout in their lives. From girlfriends to in-laws, bosses to cousins, everyone who’s had a taste always comes back for more.

Burnout Revenge may feel like an easier game to many. While Burnout 3 was completely playable, it did in many circumstances carry a level of frustration with it. The Rival Races in particular spring to mind as particularly “touchy” subjects for me. Well, Revenge eliminates them completely and instead gives you more races, more burning laps (the times are more generous and manageable this time around), more eliminator races, more Grand Prix and more of everyone’s favorite: Road Rage. New in Revenge is also the traffic attack mode which has proven to be pure genius. In this mode, you simply hit as much traffic as you can in the hopes of causing a certain amount of damage. The time you have to do this is extended as you take traffic out. This mode alone is worth the price of Revenge, but like last year’s road rage events, it feels as though there isn’t enough traffic attack in the mix.

The new “mechanic” of the game is the ability to “check” traffic. This simply means that while you should still avoid oncoming traffic you can now freely plow into same-way traffic and send it hurling about. Larger vehicles, however, such as semis and buses, should be avoided! What is the price of all this shunting, slamming and grinding you ask? A small speed degradation. What are the benefits? Well, besides adding to your boost bar, you can now perform Takedowns (taking out other competitors) using traffic. And it’s oh so satisfying. In Burnout 3, having a car ahead of you by a few seconds generally meant a losing place. Now, with the rubber-band A.I. not as noticeable and the ability to use traffic to Takedown competitors ahead of you, being in 5th place simply means that there’s a whole lot of crashing waiting to happen.