Burnout

Like your racing games fast, furious, and full of spectacular smashes? You're in luck. With Burnout, Acclaim remove all pretence of going for a serious simulation and instead serve up a delicious dish of pure arcade fun on the PlayStation 2. There are two key selling points to the game--the speed the action runs at, and the spectacular crashes. To facilitate these, the set-up couldn't be more straightforward, with the aim simply being to be first past the post. You can increase your chances of this by driving more dangerously, although that comes with obvious pitfalls in the shape of those aforementioned smashes. Suffice it to say, though, to get through the game you're going to have to take your chances.

Contrary to the serious approach of Gran Turismo 3, this is foot-to-the-pedal stuff, and tremendously good fun to play. And when you do put your proverbial foot down, get ready to move, for this is a blisteringly fast title that deceptively requires more concentration than it would first appear. The downside is that this won't appeal to those who like their racing games nice and serious, nor to those looking for anything particularly innovative. For Burnout has few qualms about marrying the multimedia power of the PlayStation 2 to a game engine that forsakes bells and whistles for speed, destruction and sheer good fun. Fortunately, in this case, it's all the better for it, making it yet another PS2 four wheel treat. --Simon Brew

Burnout is a high-risk, high-energy arcade-style street racer. No learning curve is required; just pick up and play. The game monitors your driver's heart rate, as you're rewarded for near misses. Civilians steer clear! There's only one way to drive in Burnout: dangerously. Force traffic into your opponents' paths and risk a head-on collision to secure a win. Slide, cut close and drive into oncoming traffic and you'll be rewarded for your risk taking. Crashes are based on actual crash and damage physics for extra realism.

Instant replays allow you to relive your handiwork from multiple angles in all its cringe-inducing, metal-bashing glory. The advanced traffic AI means civilians try to avoid and warn you while opponents try to slam you off the road. Cruise the US and Europe on 14 awesome, traffic-filled courses through cities and into the countryside. More than 300 vehicles fill the streets and highways, making reckless racing and wild demolition a certainty. Dolby Digital surround sound brings the roar of screeching tires and twisting metal to life, and the analogue controls mean you can feel every turn, skid and crash.

Burnout is the only high risk, high-energy arcade style street racer on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. No learning curve required, just pick up and play! The most spectacular crashes ever - period. Burnout's action will leave you sweating, short of breath and totally in shock. Hyperventilating is part of the fun. Burnout monitors your driver's heart rate: you're rewarded for near misses and the more risks you take. Civilians steer clear!There's only one way to drive in Burnout: dangerously. Force traffic into your opponent's path and risk a head-on collision to secure a win! Slide, cut close and drive into oncoming traffic and you'll be rewarded for your risk-taking. Crashes are based on actual crash and damage physics for the ultimate in stunning realism. Instant replays allow you to relive your handiwork from multiple angles, in all of its cringe-inducing, metal bashing glory. Incredibly advanced traffic AI: civilians try to avoid and warn you while opponents try to slam you off the road! Cruise the United States and Europe on 14 awesome, traffic-filled courses, through cities and into the countryside. Over 300 vehicles fill the streets and highways making reckless racing and wild demolition a certainty. Dolby Digital Surround Sound brings the roar of screeching tires and twisting metal to life. Analog controller is compatible, so you can feel every turn, skid and crash.