Return to Paradise City in Burnout Paradise Remastered
The Burnout franchise makes it return with Burnout Paradise Remastered. Head back to Paradise City, where you’ll wreak havoc and unleash automotive anarchy against your opponents. Originally released in 2008 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Burnout Paradise Remastered is now available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
The premise of Burnout Paradise Remastered is simple. You explore Paradise City, compete in a variety of events, unlock new cars, and upgrade the class of your license. Does a game that is over 10 years old still have what it takes to be successful in 2018? Let’s find out!
Game Details
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developer: Criterion Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Racing
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10+)
An open world driving experience unlike no other
Even if you have played Burnout Paradise on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, its probably been a few years since you have last played. Luckily, the first several minutes of the game gets you situated and will tell you pretty much everything you need to know to get going. Once you get playing, you can turn off the tips if you wish, though I highly suggest leaving them on for a little while.
All eight DLC packs are included, making this the definitive version of the game. If you are new to the game, there is a slight learning curve to this game, which makes it different from other games in the franchise. I found that the biggest curve ball for newcomers to overcome is the lack of boundaries in races.
In this online open world game, it’s easy to get “off course” and lost. So, it’s imperative to pay attention where you are going.
Fast-paced races filled with mayhem
At the beginning of the single player campaign, you are presented with several different race types that you can participate in. These include Race, Road Rage, Marked Man, and Burning Route. Race is straightforward, getting from one point to another. This time, you can take whatever way you want—you just need to get there first.
To start a race, you simply stop at a set of traffic lights and spin your wheels. Road Rage, one of my favourites, is a timed race. You must take down, by whatever means, a certain number of targets in a specified time.
Next up is Marked Man. It’s essentially a mix of both Race and Road Rage. You must make it to the finish line first by any means and any route while taking down a specific number of targets along the way.
Finally, there is Burning Route. In this race, you must use a certain car to race to a certain destination. As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter even a wider variety of races, which are filled with fast paced action and lot of mayhem.
150 playable vehicles
There are 150 vehicles that you can play as in Burnout Paradise Remastered. They are split into three different categories: speed, stunt, and aggression. Each type of car comes complete with their own unique boost mechanic. Speed boost cars are the fastest and most fragile vehicles; stunt boost cars are both fast and fairly durable; aggression boost cars are the most durable vehicles in the game.
Based purely on stats, stunt boost cars are the best. However, I never really felt that these cars were durable or fast enough to complete and win a race. On the other hand, I found that speed boost vehicles were durable enough to make them a viable choice.
Though, time and time again, I always found myself coming back to aggression boost vehicles. It’s because of their superb ability to take down opponents that made them my vehicle of choice.
Overhauled graphics with high resolution textures
From the moment you start Burnout Paradise Remastered, it’s easy to see the graphics have been overhauled. Cars now have an amazing amount of detail and the environments that you race in have seen a bump in detail as well. Considering the original game came out on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 back in 2008, this game looks fantastic!
Just as you would expect from a Burnout game, the frame rate is rock solid and the animation is buttery smooth. The game boasts a native resolution of 1080p on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While, PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X owners are treated to 4K visuals and 60fps.
All the roaring engines and squealing tire sounds effects are here, along with a soundtrack that will have you singing right along. In all, there are over 80 audio tracks including Guns N’ Roses, and Faith No More.
Explore Paradise City with friends
One of the best things I love about Burnout Paradise Remastered is its online multiplayer component. A total of eight players can take part in Freeburn Online, the game’s online mode. Here, you can takedown opponents, take part in challenges, compete for fastest times, and the most takedowns.
If your opponent has a camera connected to their PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, each time you take them down you see their mugshot flash by on the screen. It can be hilarious at time to see the frustration on their faces. Other online modes such as Cops and Robbers sounded fun at first but ultimately lost their appeal quickly.
It ended up being a giant chase across the city. Some of these chases lasted in excess of 20 minutes. By that time, the fun had long worn off.
Final thoughts
Burnout Paradise Remastered is one of my favourite racing games. It features a superb open world that is full of things to see and do. It is a tad disappointing that there is nothing technically new added to the game. I would have loved to see some new vehicles or races added.
When all is said and done, Burnout Paradise Remastered’s value pricing makes this a game racing fans should not pass up. It’s amazing that a game that is over 10 years old still holds up today.
+ Looks and sounds great
+ Fun to play both on and offline
+ Lots of content included
+ Sense of speed is amazing
– No new content added
– Races can’t be restarted
OVERALL
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall Rating 4.3/5 (86%)
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