14 DAY TRIAL // Racing games on the PC have been for quite some time synonymous with Electronic Arts' Need For Speed franchise, largely due to the fact that it was the longest running and had the greatest number of fans. But although PC fans will still buy/pirate the latest NFS title, even though reviews haven't been so positive, console gamers have been experiencing some truly great races on the streets of Paradise City, in Criterion's Burnout Paradise title.
Launched about a year ago onto the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the game offered a wide variety of adrenaline-filled races and breathtaking crashes through the busy and very varied streets of the city. Also, the big number of cars, although they aren't licensed so their brands are mostly fictional, give an even better experience to gamers who prefer racing titles.
Now, as the PC version of the game, entitled Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, has been launched, we can post our own impressions on Criterion's racer for the PC. Has the game that we reviewed last year on consoles improved over time or will it disappoint PC racers? Read on to see our one hour spent with Burnout Paradise on the PC.
15:00 Finally, the moment where I can race at full speed down the streets of Paradise City on the PC has finally arrived. Although I've played a bit on the Xbox 360, I'm quite eager to experience this title on my favorite platform.
15:10 After seeing the great introduction video and getting my first car, not from the dealership, as in Need For Speed, but from the Junkyard, it's time to burn some rubber on the pavement of this city.
15:20 The fact that the roads aren't closed down during the races seems a bit frightening at first, as I've grown accustomed to the NFS-style races, where you had only one specific path, with some shortcuts spread through it. Now, I need to check my map at the beginning of the race to plot out a course. But don't worry as the beeping road signs and compass help you, especially when the race is getting out of control and crashes become a common thing.
15:35 The races are getting addictive, and the natural feeling to complete “just one more” slowly takes control of you. The fact that after the race the game tells how many other events you need to complete to take your license to another level also throws gas on the fire.
15:45 Besides the regular races there are also a lot of other types of challenges, including stunt runs, in which you must rack up as many points as possible in a specific amount of time, marked-man events, where you will be the target of two heavy cars that want to destroy you, and road rage races, where you need to take out as many opponents as you can.
15:55 Besides all of the races and events you can also just go and explore the streets and, most importantly, the shortcuts and various other places in Paradise City. If you're going full throttle then you'll be amazed at what jumps and, most frequently, crashes your car can get involved in.
16:00 Sadly, my one hour ends here, but I don't think I'll be leaving Paradise City anytime soon. The grass may be green in some parts, and the girls who are pretty may be somewhere hidden in the city, but all I care in this game is to be the best driver and win every race. Until then, see you around in the multiplayer mode.
As a conclusion, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box is a great addition for any PC gamer who is fond of racing titles. It delivers a great experience and is sure to offer some truly interesting moments during the races. Look forward to our review soon.