We still play Burnout 2:PI's crash mode to this date, it's definitely one of the most entertaining party games ever. Down to earth, honest crashing without annoying soundtracks, radio stations and collectable extras. And don't we all know how they screwed up all that in the sequels.
Burnout series is the perfect example what happens when they let marketing to meddle with game design - all they can come up with is to chew everything from MTV and crap it on top of the game. You know, to make it more 'hip' to the youth. I'm actually a bit surpised this latest installation isn't called Burnout Xtreme.
Worst part? They're actually selling the series more than ever.
Then in that case, we agree.
I STILL play Point of Impact's crash mode as it is far and wide the best.
My biggest fault with Burnout (post EA aquisition) is the MTV-ism. Pop-Punk music and the like drive me nuts. Thank God Almighty for Custom Playlists! I've contacted Alex Ward numerous times in (vain) attempts to curb this nuttery. I'd like to think of myself as proactive. As for the selling more... that's because its a good game that has FINALLY gotten the reputation it deserves... not because EA has MTV-Shit on it.
Like Tomb Raider, Mortal Kombat, and the myriad of other games that have grown too "bigger-and-better", Burnout will fail sooner or later. I just hope Criterion recognizes its faults and brings it back from the brink of failure. And I feel that the team will have to look back to Burnout 2 for that inspiration... as they appear to be doing with Tomb Raider.
I also hope game companies take notice of the XBLA as a testament to the fact that gamers have an inherent nostalgia that fuels sales as well.