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

Easy money in crash mode

When you are about to hit the car you think will make the biggest crash, use the turbo and drive towards that car. Hit your brakes and do a power slide into the car. This should put you into the air.

For easy money in Crash Course 6, select a car that catches air easily, like a SUV. Start with a boost and burn out of the tunnel. Go all the way to the left and hit that car.

Easy gold medals in crash mode

Learn which car to crash into first, then restart, do a boost start, then burn into it.

Get traffic out of your way

Press R3 when in the police car to turn your lights and siren on. The traffic should drive out of your way. Note: This is useful for near misses. It also sometimes gets you a Burnout X11

Here's a trailer: