Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Joystiq hands-on: Burnout Paradise Bikeshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/joystiq-hands-on-burnout-paradise-bikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/joystiq-hands-on-burnout-paradise-bikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/joystiq-hands-on-burnout-paradise-bikes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click to nitro-size
Criterion's been giddy with excitement lately over its DLC-licious plan to bring motorcycles to Paradise City. We've shared in its enthusiasm, but it's much easier to get excited when you've actually experienced the Burnout Paradise Bikes Pack for yourself. Which is just what we did at EA.

Like many of you, our main question regarding the bikes wasn't "Why?" or "Really, why?" but rather "Will they be impossible to control?" The answer is, thankfully, no. Just as we're somehow able to navigate the tight turns and traffic of Burnout Paradise going, oh, Mach 50 in cars (we think it has to do with magic, but could be wrong) steering the bikes is equally forgiving - not to say that there isn't a degree of skill involved.

Gallery: Burnout Paradise Bikes Pack


No, the bikes are wicked fast. So fast, in fact, that they don't have any type of boost. Criterion reckons that it'd make them nigh-uncontrollable. We'd still like to try, at least.

What we did get to try during our hands-on was getting as close to certain death as possible, rocketing down straightaways and taking tight turns with ease. If there was any doubt that the bikes would suffer from simmy one-false-twitch-and-you're-done control, it's unwarranted. If anything, they control like the arcade motorcycles of yore (see: Hang-On). We'd expected the lack of bike damage to take away from the crashes, but we're happy to report that they're still fairly spectacular and really provide a nice sting when you screw up.

Performing wheelies is actually very forgiving; we were even able to do donuts while up on the rear wheel. The bikes' innate ability to perform them factors into some of the new motorcycle-specific challenges we tried out, specifically where we and other online players were tasked with holding a wheelie for more than 200 yards on a winding mountain road. It sounds challenging ... and it is.

While not gameplay-specific per se, we also witnessed the Bike Pack's addition to the game world itself: a day-to-night cycle. The transition actually takes on the order of 30 minutes to see a change from one to another, but the lighting as dusk sets and the fog starts to settle in is just plain pretty. Racing at midnight in the less dense parts of the city is definitely more challenging, since you must rely mainly on your bike's headlight to see shortcuts and the like.

Set to roll out next month, this free update to Burnout Paradise is downright impressive. It's not an entirely different game with the bikes, but it's certainly more of an already great game - and one, thanks to the game's new $30 price point (or, alternatively, via direct PSN download this fall), you'll be able to get for a song.

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]]>burnout-paradiseburnout-paradise-bikes-packcriteriondlceahands-onjoystiqfeaturesRandy Nelson2008-08-15T14:00:00+00:00Burnout Paradise 'Bikes Pack' throttles back to Septemberhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/burnout-paradise-bikes-pack-throttles-back-to-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/burnout-paradise-bikes-pack-throttles-back-to-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/burnout-paradise-bikes-pack-throttles-back-to-september/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Previously known as the "Davis" update, the next major content infusion for Burnout Paradise has been renamed ... and delayed by a month. In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Criterion producer Jeremy Chubb reveals that the update is now going by the designation "Bikes Pack" and will hit in September, not August as originally planned.

When it finally hits, the pack will feature two motorcycles: a street chopper and a racing bike. Criterion has also divulged more details on night racing. It turns out that the time of day will change dynamically, and, along with it, so will the bike challenges available. Special "Midnight Rides" will only be accessible after the sun sets on Paradise City. Not that it will always be sunny during the day or moonlit at night - in yet another surprise announcement, Criterion is implementing a dynamic weather system in this update. The dev says it's "serious about DLC," and given this latest news we're even more inclined to respond: "No, really?"

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]]>burnout-paradiseburnout-paradise-bike-packcriteriondlceaRandy Nelson2008-08-05T23:00:00+00:00Burnout Paradise 'Cagney' update rolls onto Xbox 360http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-rolls-onto-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-rolls-onto-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-rolls-onto-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,

burnout
Burnout Paradise finally got its 381 MB update on Xbox 360 today -- no, not that one. While PlayStation 3 owners have been warming up to the "Cagney" content for nearly a month, Xbox 360 players have had to wait out Microsoft's grueling certification process, and then the "final stages of testing." But, Cagney's here now, and still free. Just press A.

Check out Criterion's site for the full list of features. [Note: Obscured text in image above reads, "Without this update you will be unable to play online."]

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradisecagneycriterionupdateJames Ransom-Wiley2008-08-04T12:45:00+00:00Burnout Paradise's bikes immune to obliterationhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/burnout-paradises-bikes-immune-to-obliteration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/burnout-paradises-bikes-immune-to-obliteration/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/burnout-paradises-bikes-immune-to-obliteration/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Criterion's forthcoming "Davis" update for Burnout Paradise will deliver not only an array of two-wheeled vehicles, but a taste of automotive irony. Whereas the series' signature sports cars all spectacularly crumple into balls of mangled metal when they collide with walls, poles and, best of all, other signature sports cars, the bikes won't bend or buckle or break. And neither will the riders, safely disappearing from the game's E10-rated environment whenever they wipe out.

MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo explains that when it comes to Burnout Bikes, it's less about SMASH! and more about ZOOM! -- particularly in the update's speedy new single-player challenges and 8-player online, motorcycle-only events. Players can also expect a day-night cycle, weather effects (no, really!) and yes, wheelies.

We imagine plenty of people will bemoan the absence of bikers smashing their heads open on Burnout Paradise's pavements, but hey, Criterion is still giving us a pretty substantial (also: free) addition. The only drawback we can think of is not having a place to hang our pair o' dice.

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]]>BurnoutBurnout-ParadiseCriterionDavisDLCEALudwig Kietzmann2008-08-01T19:25:00+00:00Burnout Paradise 'Cagney' update delayed again for Xbox 360http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-again-delayed-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-again-delayed-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-again-delayed-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: ,


Have you ever had that dream where you're running down a hallway but are unable to reach the exit because the doorway is constantly stretching out of reach? For fans of Burnout Paradise for the Xbox 360, this has become a waking nightmare, as Criterion has again pushed back the title's forthcoming "Cagney" update until early August.

Criterion is currently "aiming" to release the free update on August 4, nearly a month after the patch arrived on the PS3. However, according to a post on the dev's website, this merely represents the "earliest" that we can expect it to show up. Interestingly, while the previous hold-up was laid at the feet of Xbox Live's burdensome certification process, this latest information indicates that the update, much like the patience of street carnage virtuosos, is now in the "final stages of testing."

[Thanks Greg]

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecagneycriterioncriterion-gamesdelaydlcfreeburnpatchxbox-liveJason Dobson2008-07-24T14:45:00+00:00Burnout Paradise's 'Cagney' update delayed on Xbox 360 until July 24http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/burnout-paradises-cagney-update-delayed-on-360-until-july-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/burnout-paradises-cagney-update-delayed-on-360-until-july-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/burnout-paradises-cagney-update-delayed-on-360-until-july-24/#commentsFiled under: ,


Step right this way 360 owners, past the bearded woman, under the tent flap and into "Bizarro World!" In this world, 360 versions of things are always delayed, while PS3 players get to enjoy them first. Look, over there! That's a PS3 owner enjoying the new Burnout Paradise update "Cagney" today, and you've got to wait for it! And not just a few days like we originally thought! No, Criterion's now saying you're going to be waiting until at least July 24! The terror!

And look, over there, it's ... actually, that's the only exhibit we've got, sorry folks. Drive safely don't forget that your ticket stubs are good for 50 percent off at Pizza In a Cup.

[Thanks, SharpShooter]

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]]>burnout-paradisecriterionpatchespsnupdatesxbox-liveJustin McElroy2008-07-10T13:55:00+00:00Burnout Paradise 'Cagney' update for Xbox 360 delayed until July 14http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-for-xbox-360-delayed-until-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-for-xbox-360-delayed-until-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-for-xbox-360-delayed-until-july/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fans of Criterion's vehicular vehicleslaughter sim Burnout Paradise were supposed to receive the title's third major update this coming Thursday, codenamed "Cagney". The vaudevillian actor-turned-downloadable content will give Paradisians the opportunity to play through more than 70 events online in FreeBurn mode -- unfortunately, Paradisians of the Xbox 360 variety will have to wait a bit longer than their PS3 counterparts to enjoy the free update.

Unsurprisingly, the source of the hold-up is the rigorous Xbox Live certification process, which took longer than Criterion had expected. Their new release date for "Cagney" is the following Monday, July 14 -- though this delay won't affect PS3 owners. Nor will it affect DS owners, restaurant entrepreneurs, professional poker players, the current Dalai Lama, or the actual James Cagney, who is, in fact, deceased.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradisecagneycriterioncriterion-gamesdelaydlcfreeburnjames-cagneyracingupdatexbox-liveGriffin McElroy2008-07-05T19:30:00+00:00Burnout Paradise to receive retroactive PlayStation Trophieshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/burnout-paradise-to-receive-retroactive-playstation-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/burnout-paradise-to-receive-retroactive-playstation-trophies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/burnout-paradise-to-receive-retroactive-playstation-trophies/#commentsFiled under: ,

With nine days to go until Criterion's crazy-fast racer gets an infusion of new content via the "Codename: Cagney" update, designer Simon Phipps has confirmed on the PlayStation Blog that the game will also receive support for PlayStation Trophies "soon." He says that Trophy support won't be part of "Cagney," which will introduce 70 timed Freeburn challenges for the game's online component.

In a surprise turn, Phipps also revealed that Criterion was "thinking ahead" and the Trophies will, in fact, be retroactive, meaning that players will receive them for feats already performed in the game. This is, according to Phipps, possible because of the way Burnout Paradise save data is linked to players' PSN accounts, which also means it won't be happening in other PS3 games en masse.

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]]>BreakingNewsburnoutburnout-paradisecriterionpatchPSNtrophiesRandy Nelson2008-07-01T15:55:00+00:00Criterion softens PC 'Paradise' with ambient occlusionhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/criterion-softens-pc-paradise-with-ambient-occlusion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/criterion-softens-pc-paradise-with-ambient-occlusion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/criterion-softens-pc-paradise-with-ambient-occlusion/#commentsFiled under: ,


When Criterion Games announced that it was building a version of Burnout Paradise "specifically" for the PC, our minds raced with ideas of what the devs might have in store of armchair racers unable to break away from their keyboard and mouse. While we're still in the dark concerning the port's "expanded multiplayer, enhanced online features, and community driven content," Criterion has softened those shadows by announcing that the PC version will support some fancy techno-babble known as 'ambient occlusion.'

Wondering what this will mean for you as you're barreling down the streets of Paradise City? We'll let Criterion explain: "It's an effect that uses soft shadows to add extra depth. Enclosed spaces naturally receive less light than open spaces and look darker - that helps us to see how close objects are to each other." We'll be honest, just judging by the above comparison shot it's difficult for our eyeballs to tell much of a difference, though admittedly Burnout Paradise was already easy on the eyes. Besides, shadows are the last thing on our mind as we smash headlong into the concrete median.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecriterionJason Dobson2008-06-11T15:30:00+00:00Criterion dates Burnout Paradise 'Cagney' updatehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/criterion-dates-burnout-paradise-cagney-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/criterion-dates-burnout-paradise-cagney-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/criterion-dates-burnout-paradise-cagney-update/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Burnout Paradise's forthcoming "Cagney" patch will peel out on Thursday, July 10 according to developer Criterion Games, finally letting Paradise City motorists take the game's Stunt Run, Road Rage, and Marked Man events online in FreeBurn.

The previously announced update will also introduce 70 new FreeBurn challenges, a handful of new liveries, a trunk full of bug fixes, and a pair of new vehicles just waiting to be wrapped around a light pole. Once applied, PS3 drivers can also look forward to finally being able to orchestrate their crashes to custom soundtracks. As the first of three new expansion islands, "Cagney" looks to include plenty to keep our four wheels spinning, at least until August when we begin to send motorcycles careening onto oncoming traffic.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecagneycriterionJason Dobson2008-06-09T13:00:00+00:00Burnout 'Bogart' update barrels back to Livehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/burnout-bogart-update-barrels-back-to-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/burnout-bogart-update-barrels-back-to-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/burnout-bogart-update-barrels-back-to-live/#commentsFiled under: ,

burnout
Unbeknownst to us Earthdwellers, a week in Paradise is like really long. 19 days after Criterion assured us that its update to an update would be released "in around a week's time" (by May 2, at least), Burnout Paradise's "Bogart" content has been reissued for Xbox 360 and freed of any totally un-paradise-like frame rate issues. The revised update will auto-download for players connected to Xbox Live. Next up: "Cagney."

Gallery: Burnout Paradise

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]]>bogartburnoutburnout-paradisecriteriondlcxbox-liveJames Ransom-Wiley2008-05-12T16:14:00+00:00EA, Criterion bringing Burnout Paradise to PCshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ea-criterion-bringing-burnout-paradise-to-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ea-criterion-bringing-burnout-paradise-to-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ea-criterion-bringing-burnout-paradise-to-pcs/#commentsFiled under: ,


Console sandbox racer Burnout Paradise will soon be careening into oncoming traffic for PC, as developer Criterion announced this morning that it is rebuilding the title "specifically" to be played on a computer.

As the the first Burnout title to make the leap to the kingdom of the keyboard and mouse, Criterion is keeping mum on exactly what about Burnout Paradise is being tweaked in the move, stating only that the version will include "expanded multiplayer, enhanced online features, and community driven content." More information is expected to be announced later this morning as part of a live webcast on the Criterion Games website, so look for more PC-centric street carnage soon.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecriterioncriterion-gameselectronic-artselectronicartsportJason Dobson2008-05-09T09:00:00+00:00PS3 Burnout Paradise gets cartography updatehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ps3-burnout-paradise-gets-cartography-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ps3-burnout-paradise-gets-cartography-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ps3-burnout-paradise-gets-cartography-update/#commentsFiled under: ,


For the second time in as many weeks the developers at Criterion have given players of the PS3 version of Burnout Paradise a little extra hug. However, this time, instead of simply leveling the playing field, the devs have announced that they're working on what's called the Save Game Analyser -- a fancy way of letting perfectionists look at what they have and have not accomplished in the game.

The feature will let players import Burnout Paradise saves from the PS3 using a USB drive or Memory Stick and onto the official Criterion website in order to view all of their unfinished business on the streets of Paradise City. A post on the Criterion website points out that the developers are putting the final coat of paint on the feature, and while no release date as been announced the post notes that it's expected to go live "imminently," which if we're lucky will give us just enough time to get our Hunter Citizen out of the shop.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecriterionexclusiveJason Dobson2008-05-01T02:00:00+00:00Burnout Paradise getting motorcycles, night driving this Augusthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/burnout-paradise-getting-motorcycles-night-driving-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/burnout-paradise-getting-motorcycles-night-driving-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/burnout-paradise-getting-motorcycles-night-driving-this-august/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Burnout franchise, visceral as it is, has always shied away from real carnage by removing the human element altogether, what with cars driving and mangling each other as if channeling Herbie. That looks to be changing, however, with Criterion announcing a planned update to the game this August codenamed "Davis" that will introduce motorcycles -- complete with human drivers -- to the crash-centric streets of Paradise City.

According to the developer, the bikes will get their own modes and challenges, as well as new locations designed to suit their two-wheeled shenanigans, though we hope against hope for the ragdoll hilarity that would be the game's Showtime mode for those riding a bike. In addition, the update will also see the sun setting on Paradise City for the first time with night time racing, no doubt increasing the number of head-on collisions as motorcycle enthusiasts skid along the pavement at record distances.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

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]]>burnoutcriterioneaelectronic-artselectronicartsmotorcyclesnightshowtimeJason Dobson2008-04-23T14:30:00+00:00Burnout Paradise for PS3 getting custom soundtrackshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/burnout-paradise-for-ps3-getting-custom-sountracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/burnout-paradise-for-ps3-getting-custom-sountracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/burnout-paradise-for-ps3-getting-custom-sountracks/#commentsFiled under: , ,


On top of the previously announced three new online modes to be introduced in Burnout Paradise's so-called "Cagney" software update, developer Criterion has revealed that the forthcoming download will also level the pavement between the open-world racer's two console versions, finally bringing custom soundtracks to Burnout Paradise for the PS3.

After the update, PS3 owners will be able to get at their own music using the game's Easy Drive in-game menu, allowing them to cycle through their own collection of tunes while trying to avoid careening into oncoming traffic. Even better, this update, welcome as it is, is just one of several Criterion has planned this year, ensuring many repeat visits to the junk yard in the months ahead.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecriterioncustomeaelectronic-artselectronicartsracingsoundtrackJason Dobson2008-04-22T03:00:00+00:00Burnout Paradise 'Cagney' update to include three new online modeshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-to-include-three-new-online-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-to-include-three-new-online-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/burnout-paradise-cagney-update-to-include-three-new-online-mod/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With about seven days until Burnout Paradise's second update, codenamed Bogart, and just over a week since promising to transform the game's crash-centric Paradise City through a series of downloadable content updates, Criterion has announced that it is currently kicking the tires on three new FreeBurn game modes, adding online flavor to Stunt Run, Road Rage, and Marked Man.

According to Criterion, the online variants of both Stunt Run and Road Rage will support up to eight players at a time, while the number of drivers supported by Marked Man has not yet been specified. The trio of modes will be lumped in with the first of three previously announced expansion islands, codenamed "Cagney," and while no release date has been announced Criterion has confirmed that we can expect all three to pull up to the stoplight over "the next 12 months."

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]]>bogartburnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecagneycriterionfreeburnJason Dobson2008-04-16T09:30:00+00:00Burnout Paradise: Second update detailed, dated April 24http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/burnout-paradise-second-update-detailed-dated-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/burnout-paradise-second-update-detailed-dated-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/burnout-paradise-second-update-detailed-dated-april-24/#commentsFiled under: ,


After perusing the lengthy list of fixes and "game experience enhancements" contained in Criterion's second update for Burnout Paradise - codenamed: Bogart - we're not sure how to respond. Should we applaud the new age of connected consoles, where increasingly sophisticated games can (and are!) patched and tweaked, smoothing out the ragged edges until all that remains is a shiny, smooth pebble? Or decry the now all-too-common practice of ship first, patch later? Reality is probably somewhere in between, so we're happy that Criterion is making the effort with an already very well received game.

The update includes everything from from "high priority" fixes to the "top 10 problems" identified by users. Fixes seem to be concentrated on online functionality and some interesting balancing tweaks; for example, Criterion explains, "We fixed Head-on Takedowns as these seemed generally unfair and unrealistic. Unfair low speed Takedowns have now been eradicated." Bogart pulls into the XBL and PSN filling stations on April 24, about seven weeks after the first patch.

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]]>Burnout-ParadiseCriterionEAChristopher Grant2008-04-09T14:28:00+00:00Burnout Paradise will 'transform,' Criterion vowshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/burnout-paradise-will-transform-criterion-vows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/burnout-paradise-will-transform-criterion-vows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/burnout-paradise-will-transform-criterion-vows/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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We're most certainly taking Criterion's promise to "TRANSFORM" Burnout Paradise through a series of content updates too literally in our rendering above, but the developer's added emphasis just begs, What if...? Not one for serialized numbers, Criterion has chosen nicknames for its upcoming expansion islands, which will be distributed in this order: "Cagney," then "Davis," and then "Eastwood." We're assuming that the absence of a "Bay" upgrade essentially puts to rest our interpretation of Paradise transformed, but it doesn't mean Criterion won't consider our pitch. "We want to know what you think and you better believe we're listening to what you have to say," Criterion states on its blog. So, you listening?

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradisecriterioneaJames Ransom-Wiley2008-04-04T13:30:00+00:00New islands coming to Burnout Paradise as free DLChttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/new-islands-coming-to-burnout-paradise-as-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/new-islands-coming-to-burnout-paradise-as-free-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/new-islands-coming-to-burnout-paradise-as-free-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Talk of new downloadable content for Burnout Paradise has been burbling around the Criterion Games website. On the forums, creative director Alex Ward has revealed that new cars will be made available as downloadable content in both the Xbox 360 and PS3 version. More exciting, though, is news of the expansion of Paradise City, with the introduction of several islands to the map. Perhaps even more exciting, however, is news that the islands will be offered as a free update to the game.

Details are still scarce at this point, but Alex Ward states that bridges from the main section of Paradise City will lead out to the new islands, each of which will offer "a different type of gameplay." Whether this means that islands will depart from the open-ended style of Paradise, or whether the terrain of each will be suited to certain play styles remains to be seen. The islands themselves will be offered as free, mandatory software updates, while the new cars will be sold via the traditional microtransaction system.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradiseburnoutparadisecriterioncriterion-gamesdlcScott Jon Siegel2008-03-14T11:10:00+00:00Burnout bugs begone! Paradise patchedhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/burnout-bugs-begone-paradise-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/burnout-bugs-begone-paradise-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/burnout-bugs-begone-paradise-patched/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yeah, yeah, Burnout Paradise is the bees knees, the cat's pajamas, the, um, minimalist work of art. But that doesn't mean it's perfect, a fact that developer Criterion both admits and works to correct with a new patch that fixes many game-crashing and/or experience-altering bugs.

The problems fixed by the patch range from the urgent ("Some online race start points face the players in the wrong direction") to the goofy ("Surround sound fix - Centre speaker was 4dB louder") to the just plain weird ("Hammering the A (360) or X (PS3) after unlocking a car can cause the game to hang.") But only one listed bug truly made us sad: the one that caused "total time driven in player stats [to] stick at 145 hours." We can't help but feel sorry for those poor souls who spent over six whole days playing the game, only to have the game's statistics cruelly low-ball the amount of time they spent crashing virtual cars. Thankfully, because of this patch, their long national nightmare is over.

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]]>burnoutburnout-paradisecriteriondrivingEAfixpatchKyle Orland2008-03-05T13:40:00+00:00