Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise
(EA. M, PS3, Xbox 360)
Burnout Paradise ain't all roses - but it is quite a smart game.
It's the usual smashing fast-paced driving game that makes the franchise stand out from the pack - but now there is a seamless open-world approach that gives you heaps of freedom to wreak havoc in Paradise City.
And as for speed - the crux of the series - it's been ramped up to blistering proportions with the gnarliest booster flares I've seen. The crashes are so spectacular, they're scary, and the stunts look amazing.
Over-played yet enjoyable Guns n' Roses' "Paradise City" headlines the metal soundtrack but beware of Avril Lavigne who somehow creeps in there with some other softer tracks.
As in-game advertising increases, games become more realistic if you like that sort of thing - but I got my own back with one notable crash where I smashed up Gillette's latest razor ad and the van it was on.
Showtime mode (like the old crash mode) is my favourite. Press L1 and R1 simultaneously to hurl the car into a crash. A bit of hand-brake adds a nice touch, allowing you to pull off big slides around tight corners at massive velocity.
The way you enter a race is cool too - pulling up for a classic drag at the lights. I've always liked that.
There are some good repair shops and fine coats of paint available, with plenty of mint rides and mid-air experiences. Of course, you can go online for more racing action.
This latest
Burnout
, built for the next-gen consoles, is the best yet with faster speeds down wider highways, great game mechanics and smooth visuals.
See a game trailer
MadGamer rating: 9/10
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
(Capcom. M, PS3, Xbox 360)
When I reviewed the Xbox 360 version of
Lost Planet
back in August, I described as a visually stunning action fest of sci-fi proportions back and rated it 7.5.
But on PS3, the game is frustrating, starting out with a five minute installation.
Once you fire it up though, it's fast - I had little to no frame rate lag. The outdoor environments look fantastic the game runs more smoothly than the 360 version.
It seems there have been some code improvements for the PS3 port since that first release. This makes the game so much more enjoyable and I'm happy to rate even higher than its predecessor.
See a game trailer
.
MadGamer rating: 8.5/10
NBA 08
(Sony. G. PS2, PS3)
NBA08 tries for a new gameplay experience in the increasingly competitive basketball game-space being fought out by Sony, EA and 2K Sports.
A new progressive system where players earn skill and experience rewards is a cool approach. When a player is created, he starts off with low stats. As the player gets more game time, and the better he plays, the more skills and abilities you can add.
There's an improved control system making use of the six-axis PS3 controller (last year's installment was one of the first releases for the PS3), which lets you do things like tilt the controller forward to put your defenders' hands down, or tilt back to raise your hands to guard either an attempted pass over the top or to block a shooter's view of the basket.
Once again there's the NBA Replay feature - now expanded to include stuff from the last season and the playoffs.
Some mini games are also included, with progression points rated in each game type.
You'll have some fun -and it looks impressive in HD on the PS3, but basketball fans may find some gameplay stumbles that make it less satisfying than its rivals.
See a game trailer
.
MadGamer's rating: 6.5/10
PLUS: Waterproof Allbirds - and some "professional" sneakers for the office.