Burnout: Paradise - The Ultimate Box

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Critic Reviews 87% add missing review

Imperium Gier (9.6 out of 10)

Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box to z całą pewnością jeden z hitów tego roku i prawdopodobnie nowy mistrz zręcznościowych ścigałek. Gra dopracowana niemal w każdym calu, ze świetnym trybem multiplayer, wspaniałą oprawą techniczną oraz olbrzymią porcją dobrej zabawy. Dla fanów czterech kółek pozycja bezsprzecznie obowiązkowa.

Mar 4th, 2009 · Windows · read review

ComputerGames.ro (92 out of 100)

Burnout Paradise este un arcade racer pe care-l pot recomanda tuturor celor care adoră viteza excesivă şi mai ales fanilor dezamăgiţi de ultimele titluri din seria Need for Speed. Asta deoarece Paradise este exact inversul Undercover-ului; tot ce merge prost în cel din urmă funcţionează impecabil în Burnout. Mai rar întâlneşti un joc bun care se întâmplă să fie şi o portare excelentă, cu o inimă plină adrenalină şi o senzaţie de viteză nemaipomenită.

Mar 4th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Gry OnLine (92 out of 100)

Musiał minąć rok, aby posiadacze PeCetów otrzymali możliwość przekonania się, że ekipa z Criterion Games dokonała wielkiej rzeczy, wypuszczając w styczniu 2008 grę Burnout Paradise. Developerzy przez dwanaście miesięcy stale ulepszali swe dzieło i tak właśnie powstał The Ultimate Box. Obok tego tytułu nie może przejść obojętnie żaden gracz komputerowy, mieniący się fanem wyścigów. Naprawdę najmniej istotny jest tu brak licencjonowanych wozów, tuningowych body kitów oraz naklejek podnoszących moc silnika o 2,7 KM. A że samochody poruszają się bez kierowców – co z tego, skoro i tak widok jest zza auta lub z okolic przedniego zderzaka. Poza tym przy tak szybkiej rozgrywce, jaką serwuje Burnout Paradise, siedząca za kółkiem figurka byłaby ostatnim elementem dostrzeganym w ferworze jazdy. Paradise City to miejsce zdecydowanie warte odwiedzenia, nie tylko dlatego, że jak śpiewał Axl Rose: „(...) tam trawa zielona i dziewczyny piękne (...)”.

Feb 6th, 2009 · Windows · read review

GamingHeaven / DriverHeaven (91 out of 100)

Overall Burnout Paradise on the PC is a great experience which I had a lot of enjoyment playing over the last week. There is variety and freedom afforded to the player which translates well into online play. There is certainly a learning curve at times, but if you stick with it then there will be much reward given. This is a highly recommended title for PC gamers and the best racing game so far in 2009.

Feb 10th, 2009 · Windows · read review

YouGamers (91 out of 100)

Fast and furious arcade racer translated to the PC with great care. The Ultimate Box tosses in plenty of freebie additions and the ongoing content development ensures that Burnout Paradise won't end up gathering dust after the first few weeks. Has that magic "one more race" feel and is easily one of the best arcade racers on the PC.

Feb 20th, 2009 · Windows · read review

GameSpy ( )

When one considers the lackluster quality of many console-to-PC ports these days, it's truly refreshing to see an experience that comes jam-packed with so many bells and whistles and such exceptional visuals. If you're a PC gamer who's never burned out, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box serves as a fine introduction to the series.

Feb 6th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Meristation (9 out of 10)

Los usuarios de PC han tenido que esperar un año, pero tienen a su disposición la mejor versión posible del juego. Pese a que las actualizaciones en consola han sido gratuitas, en PC son directamente parte integral del juego, logrando un acabado mucho más satisfactorio y completo. Burnout Paradise Ultimate Box es una experiencia frenética, en la que los amantes de la velocidad tienen a su disposición infinidad de horas de diversión, con intensas partidas de todo tipo, espectáculo visual, incluso algún que otro guiño cómico en sus vehículos. La franquicia Burnout alcanza la cima, con un título excelente al que poco le falta para ser perfecto. Muy recomendable para todos los amantes de la velocidad.

Feb 10th, 2009 · Windows · read review

GameSpot (Belgium/Netherlands) (90 out of 100)

The Ultimate Box verschijnt een jaar na het origineel, maar dit betekent niet dat er verval op het spel zit. Burnout Paradise blijft nog steeds een geweldig spel. Meer nog, als we vergelijken met andere pc-games mogen we dit game gemakkelijk op pole position zetten. Als je al de consoleversie in je bezit hebt, en je hebt de extra's al gedownload, dan heb je niet echt nood aan de pc-versie. Mocht je nieuw zijn in de Burnout-wereld, dan is het bijna een verplichting om dit spel in huis te halen. Met zijn massa aan online en offline uitdagingen, massa's auto's, de toevoeging van motoren en nachtraces en de volledig nieuwe Party Mode voor multiplayer offline met acht spelers, is The Ultimate Box een geweldig en langdurend turbogeladen racegame.

Feb 16th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Gamers.at (90 out of 100)

Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box ist für jeden PC-Spieler mit Rennspielaffinität sicherlich mehr als nur einen Blick wert! Massig Umfang, tolle Grafik und spaßige Multiplayer-Modi machen diese PC-Umsetzung zu einer der besten, die seit dem Erscheinen der aktuellen Konsolen-Generation das Licht der Festplatten erblickten. Klar nervt DJ Atomica ein wenig, und auch dass ich nach jeder neuen Stufe wieder „nur“ die selben Events wie vorher fahren kann könnte etwas Monotonie aufkommen lassen, aber immerhin bietet das Spiel dermaßen viele andere Möglichkeiten um sich die Zeit zu vertreiben, dass man darüber leicht hinweg sehen kann. Meine Empfehlung: Wer Burnout noch nicht hat, sollte sich jetzt die PC-Fassung zulegen!

Feb 23rd, 2009 · Windows · read review

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

The bike pack on its own, included as standard in the Ultimate Box, adds yet more value, but even in the small details (i.e. adding 1080i support to the PS3 game post-launch) Criterion hasn't let its audience down. And yes, it has a restart option. Best of all, the game is still evolving through yet more DLC. It's just getting better and better, and deserves a score to match.

Feb 11th, 2009 · Windows · read review

GameSpot UK (9 out of 10)

Emerging a year after the original console release, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box doesn't just manage to keep up with the pace of the competition; it's at the front of the pack. If you own one of the console versions and already have the DLC packs, there's no major benefit to upgrading, but if you're new to Burnout Paradise, The Ultimate Box is the best Burnout experience to date. With a mass of online and offline events and modes, dozens of cars, the addition of bike and night races, and an all-new party mode for up to eight friends, The Ultimate Box is instantly gratifying and long-lasting high-octane entertainment.

Feb 11th, 2009 · Windows · read review

GameZone (9 out of 10)

The Burnout franchise has finally come to the PC and in spectacular fashion. This is a great title. If you own a console version, there is no need to get this one – it’s the same material. However, if you are a PC gamer and have been waiting for a solid racing game to come to the platform, it has arrived.

Feb 3rd, 2009 · Windows · read review

Edge (9 out of 10)

None of it matters. When Criterion dares, everyone wins, and this is its most courageous game to date. Rather than power its way towards a brick wall, favoring intensity over diversity, Paradise loops its action into an endless rush, the possibilities, for arcade racing and battle enthusiasts alike, increasing with every hour. It’s hard not to see it as the birth of a new era, but in truth it might be the last Burnout you ever need.

Jan 22nd, 2008 · Windows · read review

Cheat Happens (9 out of 10)

With its many tweaks and additions, Burnout Paradise:The Ultimate Box earns it’s name; stepping out of the re-release realm and becoming the premier addition of what was already a truly exceptional title. Though it won’t do much to convince detractors of the open-world gameplay, Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box finally gives PC players a crack at one of the greatest, and most underappreciated titles that console players have been playing for years.

Feb 10th, 2009 · Windows · read review

videogamer.com (9 out of 10)

And we've arrived at the tricky matter of summing up all Burnout Paradise offers. Going back to the standard menu-driven system of older racers is pretty jarring after spending hours and hours cruising from event to event in Paradise. For true next-gen arcade racing thrills Burnout Paradise is most definitely your best option, and on PC your only option. Criterion has delivered a game that every gamer should have in their collection.

Feb 3rd, 2009 · Windows · read review

3D Juegos (8.9 out of 10)

Burnout Paradise es un sobresaliente videojuego de conducción, y el mejor arcade de velocidad para Pc de los últimos años. El lanzamiento cuenta con todo lo que se le debe pedir a un buen programa de estas características: un control muy ajustado, desafiante IA, potente on-line y vertiginosas carreras. Espectacular, aparatoso y sobrecogedor, Burnout Paradise es un cúmulo de emociones, y todas funcionan como un gigantesco estallido de adrenalina.

Feb 10th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Games32 (88 out of 100)

Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box is a high value product for any new to the series and especially for the PC users. For the ones that have already played the original Burnout Paradise, this new addition means almost nothing, as many of them have already played also the downloadable content. But for the PC gamer this is a must have, not only for the racing fans but for anyone, as its accessibility and increased fun factor makes it a desirable product.

Feb 18th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Peliplaneetta.net (88 out of 100)

Pienoista kritiikkiäkin täytyy pelille kuitenkin antaa. Itse kaipaisin peliin edelleenkin kisojen käynnistämistä suoraan valikoista, sillä nyt haluamaansa kisatyyppiä voi joutua etsiskelemään teiden risteyksistä minuuttikaupalla. Myös pelissä eteneminen on hitusen liian hidasta, varsinkin kun tietyt reitit tulevat melko nopeasti tutuiksi. Pelin kilpailut nimittäin loppuvat aina yhteen kahdeksasta merkkipisteestä ympäri kaupunkia. Lisäksi verkkopelipuolella autojen erot korostuvat liikaa, sillä käyttääkseen nopeimpia autoja täytyy ne ensin avata yksinpelin puolella.

Feb 19th, 2009 · Windows · read review

PC Action (Germany) (87 out of 100)

(Multiplayer review)
Im Einzelspielertest verglich ich Burnout Paradise mit Sex. Das tue ich nun gerne erneut. Denn genau wie Sex ist es auf Dauer langweilig – solange man alleine ist! Sobald sich das ändert, ist in beiden Fällen aber grenzenloses Vergnügen sicher. Online ist Paradise ein wahrhaftiger Spaßgarant!

Mar 2009 · Windows

4Players.de (86 out of 100)

Der Abstecher nach Paradise City steckt voller offensichtlicher sowie versteckter Reize, spielt sich erstaunlich frisch und liefert damit den Beweis ab, dass gute Qualität selbst in der schnelllebigen Videospielwelt absolut zeitlos ist. Für die erweiterte Wiederauflage der 360- bzw. PS3-Varianten spricht allerdings nur die komfortable „All-in-One-Lösung“, die den Download der zusätzlichen Gratis-Inhalte erspart und gleich den kostenpflichtigen Party-Modus erhält. Festzuhalten bleibt, dass sowohl Konsolen-Nachzügler als auch vor allem endlich die PC-Spieler eines der besten Arcade-Rennspiele der letzten Jahre in seiner XXL-Version in ihre Sammlung aufnehmen dürfen.

Feb 3rd, 2009 · Windows · read review

GameStar (Germany) (86 out of 100)

Noch eine Mission, noch ein Levelaufstieg, noch... verdammt, ich muss ins Bett! So eine Suchtspirale kenne ich bislang höchstens aus Rollenspielen, doch Burnout Paradise hat mich eines Besseren belehrt. An jeder Ecke warten Aufträge, Stunt-Rampen, Geheimnisse. Die Renn-Modi sind so abwechslungs- wie actionreich, und an den brachialen Karambolagen kann ich mich auch nach der x-ten Mission nicht satt sehen. Klar, das Tuning ist mau und die KI oft zu aggressiv, wirklich gestört hat mich das aber nicht - dafür ist Burnout Paradise insgesamt einfach zu motivierend, zu packend, zu spaßig.

Jan 2009 · Windows

Game 2.0 (8.5 out of 10)

Εν τέλει, το Burnout Paradise: Ultimate Box είναι ένα παιχνίδι που επιβάλλεται να έχουν στην συλλογή τους όλοι οι fans των racing, ενώ αποτελεί και ένα εξαιρετικό πρώτο βήμα της σειράς στο PC. Είναι γρήγορο, ξέφρενο, διασκεδαστικό. Τι κάθεστε;

Apr 9th, 2009 · Windows · read review

PC Gamer UK (8.5 out of 10)

With a clearer incentive to progress, Paradise would have the cohesion it lacks. But it's still a stupendous amount of fun to play. It doesn't offer a challenge for hardcore racing fans, but instead presents you with a giant island of opportunities for mucking about and enjoying yourself. Which is just fine.

Feb 6th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Gameplay (Benelux) (84 out of 100)

Het heeft even geduurd, maar een frontale botsing met een Inferno Van had niet meer impact kunnen hebben. We like!

Jan 30th, 2009 · Windows

IGN (8.4 out of 10)

The open world design of Burnout Paradise has its advantages and disadvantages. While you're afforded a welcome degree of freedom when it comes to completing challenges and roaming around, some of the more structured content can become repetitive after extended play sessions, and there's a definite learning curve associated with getting to know how the world's various avenues lock together. If you're willing to put in the time, there's plenty of content here to enjoy, including getting a handle on how all the various car models control and boost. For gamers looking for a different kind of high-speed racer or anyone's who has yet to experience the thrill Criterion's Burnout series provides, this is a solid choice.

Feb 3rd, 2009 · Windows · read review

PC Games (Germany) (83 out of 100)

Als der Klassiker „Paradise City“ aus den Boxen schallt, erobert ein breites Grinsen mein Gesicht. In der Folge macht Burnout Paradise es mir jedoch unnötig schwer, mit den Rennen warm zu werden, da man verlassen und planlos in der großen Stadt steht. Wer auf eigene Faust loszieht und Events bestreitet, taucht allerdings in Paradise City ab und hat nicht zuletzt dank der großartigen Road-Rage-Rennen eine Menge Spaß. Dass die Karren dabei keine Original-Lizenzen haben, lässt sich verschmerzen. Immerhin unterscheiden sie sich merklich voneinander, wovon der Spielspaß enorm profi tiert. Trotz kleiner Motivationseinbrüche bleibt unterm Strich eine schnelle, ausgesprochen spaßige Bleifußorgie.

Feb 5th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Absolute Games (AG.ru) (82 out of 100)

Свободная от многих стереотипов и шаблонов аркада. Слово за единоутробным конкурентом — Need for Speed.

Feb 19th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Gamer.nl (8 out of 10)

De PC-versie van Burnout Paradise heet niet voor niets The Ultimate Box. De tekortkoningen uit het origineel, aangevuld met alle uitbreidingen die ontwikkelaar Criterion het afgelopen jaar heeft vrijgegeven, maken van Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box een aanrader voor iedere gamer die zonder al teveel rompslomp wil racen. Stoort de lage moeilijkheidsgraad je niet en rijd je wel vaker zonder reden een rondje door de stad dan zul je jezelf ongetwijfeld vermaken met deze game.

Feb 3rd, 2009 · Windows · read review

JeuxActu (16 out of 20)

Forcément plus complet, Burnout Paradise : The Ultimate Box s’impose comme l’un des meilleurs jeux de courses de sa catégorie aux côtés de Midnight Club : Los Angeles. Bien entendu, pour adhérer au jeu, il est préférable de ne pas avoir succombé au premier Burnout Paradise sorti il y a déjà un an. Mieux vaut aussi aimer les grands espaces où la liberté de jeu prend tout son sens et ne pas avoir peur de se perdre dans ces grandes highways américaines.

Feb 6th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Gamekult (7 out of 10)

On ne peut également que féliciter Criterion pour son travail d'optimisation et l'efficacité d'un tel titre, qui jouit en sus d'un mode multi brillamment intégré au reste. C'est, en ce sens, une vraie réussite, mais proposée à un prix franchement élevé pour un portage accusant plus d'un an de retard et gonflé d'ajouts gratuits pour la grande majorité d'entre eux.

Feb 6th, 2009 · Windows · read review

GamersGlobal (7 out of 10)

So groß unsere anfängliche Freude über das erste Burnout für PC war: Nach rund 10 Stunden Spielzeit entpuppt sich die frei befahrbare Welt eher als Fluch denn als Segen. Wer mit den ständigen Wiederholungen leben kann, bekommt zwar ein solides und unterhaltsames Rennspiel. Doch Flatout: Ultimate Carnage ist für PC-Nutzer weiterhin ganz klar die bessere Zerstörungsorgie. Für Konsolenbesitzer bietet die Ultimate Box zuwenig Verbesserungen, um einen erneuten Kauf zu rechtfertigen. Wer aber als PC- und Konsolenbesitzer (PS3 oder Xbox) nun vor der Wahl steht, welche Version er kaufen soll, dem raten wir klar zur Konsolenfassung aufgrund der grafischen Verbesserungen.

Apr 20th, 2009 · Windows · read review

Player Reviews

Exhilarating, freeform arcade racing.
by Steelysama (106)

The Good
Technically, there is a story of a sort in Burnout Paradise. It is about as thin as wet kleenex. But it is there.

I do not care about the story and neither will anyone else, most likely.

And that is completely fine because, really, it does not matter.

Burnout Paradise is a giant sandbox racing game in which you are provided with a large city, varied landscapes, fast cars, and a variety of high speed challenges which can be taken at any time or not. Taken for what it is, that is pretty awesome.

You start the game with one car in your collection and the lowest class of driver's license. From there, you compete in challenges such as races and stunt runs to unlock new cars and better licenses. It really is as simple as that.

The action in Burnout Paradise is decidedly and unashamedly arcade. Driving physics are not anything like realistic, cars take an unreal amount of beating, and in most cases your vehicle will be restored to full driving condition mere seconds after an exquisitely rendered slow motion crash. This style lends itself to what the game is about, which is speed and stunts. If the player were concerned about real-world matters then they would not be able to do things like jump over gaping ravines at high speeds. After all, there are reasons that we generally do not engage in such stunts in real life. So this is a case where realism would not serve as well as "better than real"-ism.

There are essentially three general challenge variations. Classic racing, whether against others or against time, are naturally the backbone of the game. But there are stunt challenges as well to test your abilities at jumps, spins, and the like. And also quite entertaining are the aggression challenges, in which you face off against other cars in brutal high speed smashing competitions.

Graphics in Burnout Paradise are absolutely stunning. The cars are beautiful and the driving environments are a joy to burn through. Further, a decent variety of models and textures keeps the experience constantly fresh.

Although you could easily become a little tired of the game if you played it in marathon sessions, it offers tremendous replay value in short sessions. The sandbox nature lends itself perfectly to getting on, grabbing a hot car, and taking a short spin. In that way, it could potentially last quite awhile for most players.

My enjoyment of the game can be summed up in a moment I experienced not long back. I had decided to ditch the soundtrack of the game and just play iTunes in the background. I was driving the Sabotage GT2400 in a race to the Windmills and I was nailing drifts left and right - all while "Valley of the Kings" by Gamma Ray was roaring in the background. It was the kind of thing that you play games for. And that is why I love Burnout Paradise.

The Bad
The sound is perfectly fine. However, the music selection is mostly uninspiring and DJ Atomica is pretty boring most of the time. The game would have been much better if, like the recent GTA titles, they had included entertaining talk radio. Further, the lack of a custom MP3 track option in the PC version is simply inexcusable. I should not have to, as I do now, run an MP3 player in the background while playing the game.

As a game which was originally programmed for consoles, the PC controls can be a bit of a pain to get used to at first. However, the keys are fully bindable and soon you will be able to drive like a pro.

The Bottom Line
Burnout Paradise is an incredibly amusing freeform street racer. Put on a good soundtrack and enjoy.

Jul 16th, 2009 · Windows

Plus 24 player ratings without reviews

Contributors to this Entry

Critic reviews added by JudgeDeadd, Geamandura, COBRA-COBRETTI, Wizo, CalaisianMindthief, Cantillon, Yearman, yenruoj_tsegnol_eht (!!ihsoy), Cavalary, Jeanne, Picard, Patrick Bregger, DreinIX, Klaster_1, Sicarius.