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Burnout 3: Takedown
 Developer: Criterion
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Category: : Extreme Racing
Platform: X-Box (Live enabled)
Might look like: Burnout 2 ?
Date posted: 29 October 2004
Written By: Bjorn
We also test other games on
"PlayDevil.com Game Machine"
BURN this OUT!
Burnout. A game that received several years ago special attention by the press and from the gamers since Criterion turned a simple racing game into a fun, extreme, destructive racing game. What made Burnout 1 and version 2 so much fun was not only the simplicity but also the ability to just do everything that is against the rules of safe driving. Exactly, it was about stepping on that gas pedal, avoid every other driver and finish on the first place. However, there were always situations where you could crash into and with everything. Other cars, busses, trucks, vans, you name it.
That also adds to the succesfull story of Criterion and their Burnout series. It's quite different from any other racing title. Yes there was, many years ago a serie of games named Destruction Derby (PC and console ports) where the idea was to destroy every other car in the arena.
But still many years later, everything evolved and with the Burnout series, it all basically changed.
Now since Electronic Games bought Criterion and Acclaim lost the Burnout licenses (which was a very bad deal for them since they are no more), EA wanted to push the boundaries of the next Burnout game. So the developers of Criterion tried to push their limits and wether they have succeeded or not well, ... lets take a closer look @ their latest title "Burnout 3 : Takedown" on X-Box.
Just a sequel or ... ?
The biggest add feature in this latest Burnout game is the crashing. I do love crashing other vehicles. Like I said before, I loved playing all the Destruction Derby series and when I played Burnout 1 on the Gamecube , even then I was sold to it. Now with this release, graphic- and soundwise it all is better and better. Dobly Digital in-game, better and sharper graphics, more modes, more psychics, etc etc.
Still the main purpose is taking out vehicles (as in the title "takedown") as much as possible. And with games evolving more and more, it was no surprise that Criterion was about to push the X-box to its limits. And they did succeed.
Burnout 3: Takedown is insanely easy to play and in no time you'll get the hang of it. Controls are very simple to learn and because the game has absolutely no learning curve (hence since you'll learn as you ride) it makes it more appealing to the average, if not beginning gamer.
Burnout 3: Takdown offers the player a great mix of several modes and features. There are plenty of things to unlock and that's definitely enough to keep people coming back for more.
There are several different options to choose from. Different gametypes or participating in the 'Burnout 3 World Tour' is your best shot to unlock more cars and events.
  
When you play the 'Burnout World Tour' there is an option to either do crash challenges or other race challenges. These latest vary from one to one races, time challenges, Grand Prix's and others.
The game consists of six major car classes. Compact, Muscle, Coupe, Sports, Special and Crash. The only cars that can't be used in every mode are the Crash cars. These can only be used in the Crash Party or Team Crush mode. Every other car class can be used in any mode.
Criterion also added the so called "aftertouch" mode. Aftertouch mode happens when you push the A button after you just wrecked your own car, the game will go into cinematic mode. Meaning in slowmotion and you'll be able to steer your wrecked car during its own crash. This can be very successful if another racer wrecked his car to yours. Then you'll be rewarded with an "Aftertouch Takedown".
One of the most surprising if not most crashing mode is that you must just ride a car straight into the heart of traffic to cause the most damage. And the more damage you made, the more dollars you'll earn.
Collecting crash dollars will let you unlock new cars. Cars range from heavier to more balanced and more speed. Customs or sports editions are fully at your service if they are unlocked. And you can also unlock new cars, features, etc by winning single races and scoring (extreme) takedowns! For performing takedowns you simply need to wreck the other car in a more extreme way. Hitting it from behind or from its side at an extreme speed will let you wreck the other car to a succesful takedown.
  
Another neat feature in the game is the so called "burnout meter". This meter represents your "nitro level". Wrecking more opposing cars by performing takedowns on them will make your meter grow. The more nitro you have the better since it will come very handy sometimes to pass your opponents.
However beware of getting yourself takedown by another car. Then you'll lose your extra burnout meter.
We advise strongly that you drive dangerously. Drive on the wrong side of the road, slam cars, avoide them at the last minut, tailgate them it's all good since it will add more burnout to your meter but the only way to make your burnout meter longer is , exactly, wreck as many cars as you can.
Experience the effects
Sound effects in this game are simply awesome. We tested it with our Dolby Digital 5.1 home theatre system and man this game sounds good! Especially the two rear channels are getting a lot of surround effects. This can be heard very good when you pass other cars (or others pass you), using the nitro or simply when you takedown another vehicle. Very realistic and it's definitely one of the best games regarding effects.
Regarding the music tracks this is again amusing to listen too. While you won't pay that much of attention to its music when you are driving (since it does require a lot of concentration) it's still good that Criterion picked a wide variety of tracks. Mostly rock tracks but some are a mixture of alternative sounds mixed with hip hop.
Music is delivered that same way like a radio station with the help of a DJ named Stryker. Sometimes he's usefull in telling you what to do, other moments you rather want to silence him because of his repeating comments. Fortunately enough the developing team did include the ability to use custom soundtracks so you can put your own music tracks in the game.
Burnout 3 : Takedown also features X-Box Live so you can race, takedown, crash, ... with other people from around the globe. Unfortunately we didn't test this feature since I have no X-Box Live hardware.
Conclusion
The new Burnout 3 : Takedown is surely one of the best racing (destruction) games @ the moment for X-box. Developer Criterion surely knew what they were doing when they worked on this game. The visuals are jawdropping, audio effects are great and if the music isn't your cup of tea you can always use your own custom audio tracks.
The game also features an ONLINE-enabled mode so you can always compete with other people from around the world. When we compare version 3 to the previous game, Burnout 2 we can say that it has progressed a lot.
Criterion added a lot of new features to the game since this will add the gameplay factor.
Burnout 3 : Takedown features plenty of cars, modes, tracks and bonusses to unlock so it will definitely keep you busy for a long time.
We were impressed by the quality of the game and if you loved the previous two games then Burnout 3 : Takedown is a must-have!
-Bjorn
Ratings
Manual:
78 % |
Graphics:
92% |
Music & Sfx:
94% |
GamePlay:
87% |
|
This game scores
on our 5-point Rating System
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