Burnout Revenge Preview

It started with realistic car crashes, evolved to new, unprecedented levels of speed, and broke new ground by letting racers take down their opponents. The cinematic, slow-motion effect added an unbelievable amount of depth and replay value, drawing in millions of gamers with ease. We were encompassed. We were engrossed. We were completely blown away, and completely drawn into its addiction. Burnout 3: Takedown took me down like a bat to the head. Eleven months later and I still love it.

This fall Criterion will release the fourth game in the beloved Burnout series: Burnout Revenge. It’s just as visually impressive as the last game, but this time you get extra points (and likely other yet-to-be-revealed benefits) by taking down the opponent who took you down last. Players will also have the pleasure of racing through several new locations, some of which include multiple paths (including hard-to-see shortcuts) to the goal.

And finally, the preview disc revealed what screenshots could not: Burnout Revenge might be even faster than the last game! I won’t be able to confirm it until I’ve driven the fastest vehicle in the final version, but if the demo is any indication, you’re going to need the eyesight of an eagle to be able to spot traffic and road hazards as you race to the finish line. There’s no such thing as too fast for a racing game, but you will feel a little overwhelmed. In this case that is a very good feeling.

The track designs are a solid step above the last game, having locations that change almost instantaneously. It’s hard (but fun) to keep up with. One second you’re flying through narrow city streets, the next second you’re taking an exit (by force; courses are massive but they are not open-ended like Midnight Club 3). The exit leads to what looks like a construction site. I can’t be certain that’s what it was – I sped through it too fast. Normally I’d slow down to check out the scenery, but not in Burnout. To slow down in this game is to disgrace it.

The construction site had dirt hills that functioned as ramps, giving those who notice a cool high-flying boost. There are a lot of ramps actually, and they could be made out of anything. Sometimes a ramp is simple as a tunnel exit. You go down to enter the tunnel (which is reminiscent of a subway). The exit curves upward, and if you’re driving fast enough you’ll catch a bit of air as you attempt to catch up to your opponents, or hold the first place spot you’ve fought so valiantly to get.

Everyone’s favorite after-crash features are back: Aftertouch Takedown and Crash Breaker. The game can still be slowed for movie-like effects and easy Aftertouch Takedown manipulation. For those lost souls who missed the first game, you can actually guide your demolished vehicle into oncoming traffic! Then, when the vehicle can’t travel anymore, top it off with a Crash Breaker, causing your vehicle to ignite an enormous explosion. Further points may be scored as traffic inevitably falls into your trap. The goal is to damage (and slow down) your opponents, but if you blow up the whole city – well, that’s just eye candy-filled fun.

Revenge’s controls are extremely tight, and the only playable vehicle – a Lamborghini-inspired sports car – worked incredibly well in the many situations the game dishes out on the player. I could drive at top speeds without losing control of my vehicle. The only time there was need to be concerned was when I used the speed boost function. But crashing then isn’t all bad. All things likely your opponents would be nearby, and you know what that means: Crash Breaker!

Burnout 3’s soundtrack included the best lineup of punk rock bands, both indie, fully established, and up-and-coming. It’s unknown if Revenge will follow suit; the demo did not feature any licensed music. Criterion is in charge of game development but it’s up to EA Trax to make sure the game sounds good. Hopefully they’re taking advantage of the punk rock surge by including music from Spitalfield, The Starting Line and Fall Out Boy, as well as rock music staples like Jimmy Eat World, Green Day and the retired (but not forgotten) blink-182. 

Racing to stores in September, Burnout Revenge is going to obliterate all who stand in its way. Even other genres should be fearful. The more the series ages the better it gets.