Burnout is a video game developed by Criterion Studios and published by Acclaim Entertainment Inc. It was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2 gaming consoles from Sony but also for the Game Cube and for the original Xbox. The title is classified as being a racing and driving game which can be played from a first person and a third person perspective.

As far as racing simulators are concerned, Burnout, the first 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 game offers eight racing courses on which the player can drive, with four of them inspired by European tracks and the other four by American racing arenas. None of the in-game vehicles is based on real life models as firms were too worried about the damage the cars would sustain to license names and likenesses. You can race using any vehicle from compacts to pick ups.

One of the most interesting innovations of the game is the Burn Meter, basically a gauge that fills up as you perform stunts and race into the incoming traffic. If the meter gets filled, the car you are driving gets speed boost.

CHEATS

All racers

Press R2(3), L1, Triangle, L2(3), R1, Square at the title screen.

UNLOCKABLES

Ending bonuses

Successfully complete the game to unlock the Free Run mode (no vehicles on the road), Free Run Twin mode (two player Free Run), and Credits options.

Survival mode

Successfully complete the Big Run GP to unlock survival mode.

Face Off 1 option

Successfully complete championship mode once to unlock Face Off 1 against the Roadster.

Face Off 3 option

Successfully complete the Savage Streets GP Tournament to unlock the Face Off 3 option.

Face Off 4 option

Successfully complete the USA Marathon Tournament to unlock the Face Off 4 option.

Here's a game trailer: