With hindsight, EA's assimilation of Burnout series creator Criterion was no little blessing. Picture the scene: Burnout 3 is on Acclaim's release schedule, but as September approaches, the publisher goes belly up and the game doesn't appear on the shelves. The horror, the horror.

But that's irrelevant now as Burnout 3: Takedown hits the shelves, metaphorically knocking other early September 2004 releases out of the way. How exactly could Criterion improve on the major step forward that P ... more >>

With hindsight, EA's assimilation of Burnout series creator Criterion was no little blessing. Picture the scene: Burnout 3 is on Acclaim's release schedule, but as September approaches, the publisher goes belly up and the game doesn't appear on the shelves. The horror, the horror.

But that's irrelevant now as Burnout 3: Takedown hits the shelves, metaphorically knocking other early September 2004 releases out of the way. How exactly could Criterion improve on the major step forward that Point of Impact was from the original Burnout? Easy – more of the same, with the emphasis on 'more'. More cars, more speed, more oncoming traffic, and more – many more – gameplay options.

We know it sounds a bit Spinal Tap, but Burnout 3 is louder and faster than before – how could it not go up to 11? Game modes included this time around include Risk and Reward, Crash, Race and Online. Within Race mode you get a shedload of options including Single race, Tournament, Lap Eliminator, Burning Lap and Road Rage to name but a few. Multiplayer options are plentiful, with modes featuring up to eight players racing at once in Battle Race and Road Rage. Party Crash is a 'pass the controller' experience for up to 16 people to enjoy.With Network play available, seven different modes are available online, with up to six players able to participate in variations on the Crash and Road Rage modes for example.

"What's it like to play though?" you may ask. Well, like we've already said, more of the same, but faster. There's a typically intrusive vocal soundtrack from a radio disc jockey called Striker who, when he puts a sock in it, plays some pretty good music (hello to The Ramones, Burning Brides and the Von Bondies) and some stuff we'd really prefer not to hear again (Go Betty Go, Moments in Grace, Jimmy Boring World...please!). Driving like a maniac to loud rock music is not to be sniffed at however, and Burnout is the best place to do it. Risking your virtual life – and your lovely shiny car – to get the kudos you need to progress is just as well implemented as we had hoped for. Totally removed from reality, B3 is the place to go when the appeal of Gran Turismo and ToCA start to fade. It's a party game in disguise, and the inclusion of network play and the multiplayer modes means there are gameplay options in abundance. Definitely worth its asking price. << less