Year released: 2001 (Playstation 2), 2002 (Gamecube, Xbox)

Number of Players: 2 (all)

Burnout was originally created for Gamecube by Acclaim, but they decided to make it for the PS2, and the PS2 version was released first, so they were able to make some improvements in the GC version, making it better than the PS2 version.

Graphics: It looks like you're actually watching a race from on TV. Unfortunately, there aren't any brand cars, but it's hard to notice when you're driving along at over 100 miles per hour. The crashes in this game are realistic, meaning there aren't huge explosions or anything like that. They put a lot of detail into the crashes. There's even a crash replay mode where you can view your crashes from different angles and speeds.

Control: Simple. It's pretty much like any other racing game on the market today. It's best to not think about it too much, because you need concentration while you're going through immense traffic at over 100 miles per hour. You don't even need to brake much.

Sound: Realistic engine and crash sounds, and while performing a burnout, you hear sort of a heartbeat. Unlike some other racing games, the music fits the mood of the racing. I like some of the music tracks for watching the crashes.

Gameplay: You speed through immense traffic at intense speeds. When you fill your burn meter by earning points, you can go extra fast by performing burnouts. To fill your burn meter quickly, see how long you can drive in the wrong lane, how close you can go to cars without crashing, and how far you can slide. But you don't want to crash, because you're forced to watch your crash from different angles while the race is still going on. There's no way to skip through it.

Challenge: Be careful while racing. You don't have to be too careful. There are no police cars around, and you don't actually have to pay for the crashes you make, but crashing wastes valuable time. Crashing can sometimes be to your advantage, though. It might block up opponent cars. You have to learn all the little tricks.

Bottom Line: Not the greatest game ever made, but possibly the best racing game, other than Burnout 2, which I've never played. If you find it at a good price, it'd be good to buy it.

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