Burnout 2: Point of Impact is a video game developed by Criterion Studios and published by Acclaim Entertainment Inc. It was released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2 console from Sony but also for the Game Cube and for the original Xbox. The title is classified as a racing and driving game which can be played from a first and a third person perspective.

As far as racing simulators are concerned, Burnout, the second game in a series which still gets updates, more than seven years since release, is more on the arcade side. It bears some striking similarities to Test Drive and to Need for Speed. There is traffic in the game and the physics are coherent, even if a little forgiving towards the player.

The release offers a single player campaign as well as multiplayer modes. The second title in the series is more focused on aggressive driving and encourages the player to go out and drive on the wrong lane and slide his way around corners.

As the game progresses, the player can unlock 20 cars, with highlights being a Nascar car, a gangster car from the 1920's and a Japanese muscle car with neon lights added. The player can also get parts and custom paints together to create his own custom vehicle.

The game retains the Burn Meter from the first title in the series, basically a gauge that fills up as you perform stunts and as you race into the incoming traffic. If the meter gets filled, the car you are driving gets speed boost.

GAMEPLAY HINTS

Better slides

In the tire burn, once you go around the turn and have a boost, press R1. You will speed up and take the turn very fast. Also, if you get a perfect lap you will automatically get a boost.

Better crashing speed

To gain more and better crashing speed, after the announcer says "Go!", back up (while looking back) until you hit the red wall. You can then gain more space to crash hard, and good.
Easy turbo

Drive on the wrong side of the road until your turbo (NOS) tank or bar is full.

Easy pursuit wins

Try to get as close to the vehicle as you can when you have turbo. Use it and get in front of the car. Stay in front of it. It will try to get past you. When this happens, keep hitting it as it tries to pass.

In the pursuit modes, you can win the race immediately if you force the other car into a head-on collision with traffic -- this will stop them quite nicely.

Here's a trailer: