Racing games and I don't really get along however such is not the case with Burnout 3. The fact that I like this game and bought it speaks volumes about the quality of Burnout 3. I have to say that this game can truly be called the most addictive and accessible arcade racer thus far. So what wowed me the "none" racing type and convinced me to buy this game? Read on gentle reader for herein lay the answers.
Gameplay 9/10
So as to not spoil or tarnish this game I will quickly state my minor complaints with Burnout 3. The map for the racetrack is MIA so it is difficult to quickly assess the situation. By that I mean you can't really judge how far ahead/behind you are in the race and how much of the track you have left. The only other minor complaint would be that I have averted disaster many times due to the slow motion camera that shows an opponent being taken down. I can clearly see my car in the camera and it looks like I'm going to have a "header" with another vehicle then the camera cuts back to normal time and I find myself "pushed" off to the side just barely touching the other vehicle. Both of the above complaints don't hinder the gameplay that much I felt that both were a little odd.
Now that the complaints (minor though they are) have been made I will now talk about the exceptional aspects of the gameplay for Burnout 3. First off the act of taking an opponent down / being taken down is simply too fun to miss. It never gets old and it never ceases to bring a smile or a curse out of you. Couple that with outrageous speed limits, an excellent sense of speed thanks to the "blur" effect and you have all of your favorite car scenes from Hollywood movies in the palm of your hand.
You have several modes available in the "Single Event" category. They are "Time Attack", "Road Rage", "Race" and "Crash Event". You will race against the clock, try to takedown as many opponents as you can before your car is totaled, race for first place and try to cause as much monetary damage as possible respectively. Burnout 3 also features a "World Tour" event, which is basically composed of a variety of races and objectives from the single events. Progress made in the World Tour event rewards the player by unlocking cars, tracks and other events within the World Tour.
In short I can say that Burnout 3 is fun, easy and extremely addictive given the games dependence on reckless and aggressive driving. Both of which garners the player with more "boost" (think nitro from old school arcade racers), which in turn makes the game faster, and more challenging.
Audio 10/10
The "DJ" and tracks that come with the game are fairly annoying but guess what? You can turn both off. I'm going to say Burnout 3 has great audio because with your tracks, a mute "DJ" and the racing sound effects you're essential in charge of everything you hear.
Video 10/10
The racetracks are visually appealing while the "blur" effect is simply outstanding. When you start reaching triple digit numbers for a speed limit the blur effect truly gives the player a sense of speed as you begin to see colors melt into one another. The horizon gets all fuzzy and chances are you might not see "that car" when you slam into it at 200mph. Then comes the real fun part, the animations for the car crashes. They are so thoroughly detailed that they are exaggerated like in Hollywood movies. Tires go flying off, shards of glass go everywhere, metal scraps get strewn about and the twisted metal chassis of your car will more than likely soar through the air.
Replay 10/10
The basic takedown is not only a joyous thing to see but also a hilarious act to participate in repeatedly. Even if the "basic" takedown doesn't turn your crank then there are unique takedowns that can be achieved. Crash events are great for quick doses of destruction while the Road Rage event can alleviate any road rage you may suffer from. Still not satisfied? You can do Time Attack where the clock is your enemy as you try to get the best clear time. Then of course there is the good old-fashioned racing to be had as well. Split screen multiplayer and Xbox Live can also liven up your mood as you race against other humans.
Even with all of the modes mentioned Burnout 3 still offers more when it comes to replay value. There are lots of cars (67 to be exact), racetracks and events to unlock. Having said all of that I will part with these words. Get out there, take some friends down, earn some gold medals and cause a big pile up. You owe it to yourself to experience the thrill of driving recklessly and getting away with it.
Rent or Buy?
I'm pretty much going to make this easy. The only person who should not buy this game is someone who ABSOLUTELY demands realism in his or her racing games. Even if you don't like racing games (like me) buy this game.
Score (it is an average)
Gameplay 9/10
Audio 10/10
Video 10/10
Replay 10/10
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