I think I speak for many fans of the Burnout franchise when I ask myself the question of what the game would be like featuring motorbikes. Those who play the series will be used to the mayhem and carnage that ensues but will also be thoroughly aware that all of this occurs without the inclusion of a driver. Cars get massacred and lay waste to motorways and other car-inhabited areas, but fail to do any physical damage to humans, because there simply aren’t any. This of course if a really good thing in my opinion because it keeps the censoring boards far away from Burnout games, allows extreme wreckages and to cut it simply, allows minimal restrictions.

Now that Criterion have announced the inclusion of motorcycles into the game which is set for release in the near future, one cannot help but wonder how the inclusion of humans will effect the entire vibe and experience that is Burnout. It has been stressed that the motorcycles will have their own tasks, challenges and indeed extra inclusions to the map to make use of their unique size and ability, however almost every form of violent destruction that was possible with a car, is limited and indeed almost impossible on a motorbike. I am not one to moan and groan, but the reason I enjoy Burnout is the smooth blend of a competitive edge with hardcore fun arcade action. If Criterion introduces bikes and their soul purpose is to win and avoid crashes, then I do believe we have a dilemma on our hands.

Nevertheless, it is still very early to start second guessing about such issues. Perhaps Criterion will enable motorcyclists to power their bikes down motorways, only to jump off the bike and let it fly into mayhem. I believe their main problem will be the conclusion of the human because regardless of no human presence as of yet, censoring boards hate games like Burnout because they promote ‘street racing’ behaviour amongst youths. Thus with the inclusion of a motorcyclists who gets killed in a parry of metal on metal action will surely not be in their good books.

Despite all of this, it is thoroughly exciting bearing in mind this will be the first inclusion of motor bikes for Burnout. Project Gotham Racing did not benefit so well from the inclusion, so I guess we will have to wait and see. On a quick side note, this update will also include the ability to drive around Paradise City during the night where it is free from traffic and promotes ‘safe driving’, which should be a fantastic way to push the graphical processors of the two giants.

For those of you who do not own the game - it is, in my esteemed opinion, the best racer on the market. Go get it - I love it, you will love it.

I.K.
CeX Towers

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