Big Surf Island Coming to Burnout Paradise

Criterion is never getting tired of announcing more stuff related to its racing arcade title Burnout Paradise. After the numerous free updates which came in 2008, adding more game modes, multiplayer options and introducing bikes to the game world, the developers are now saying that their plans for 2009 include releasing even more stuff, but this time on the assumption that players will have to pay for the fresh content.

The latest announcement reveals that Criterion created a whole new island which would be added to the game, christened Big Surf Island. Initial reports suggested that the area would be free but the company said that it would only be available for those willing to pay for it. Criterion stated that “We never expected to create anything this ambitious for the island, but as it progressed we got more and more excited”. They said that the new area is big and that the gameplay would be similar to the airfield, the quarry and the beach as seen in the current game. So, expect a lot of drifts and some big air jumps.

Previously, Criterion had announced two other paid DLC packs. The Legendary Cars Pack will include four new vehicles. One will be inspired by the De Lorean seen in the Back to the Future movie series and will feature flaming skid marks and anti gravity, while another is based on roadsters from the 1920's. It seems that one of the other vehicles in the pack will be a Batman inspired racing car. There's also talk of a Toy Car pack.

Until these packs arrive, players will be able to get the Burnout Paradise Ultimate Box in February 2009. This package will contain all of the free content released in 2008 and enhancements found in the Party Pack.