This review has been a long time coming [considering I finished playing Burnout three weeks ago].
As my journey of playing through my PS2 games in alphabetical order continues, something quite wonderful has happened. I have finally seen the joy of being a fan of an 'Arcade' racer. Not since Ridge Racer 4 for the PS1 have I felt a kind of quiet satisfaction one gets from playing a game like Burnout [Sheesh that was a little overly gushy]. I should amend that statement, Burnout 3 is as much an 'Arcade racer', much like Jessica Alba is a well known actress. Yes they are known for what they generally are, but the quality they bring to the table is what should be talked about [only this works against Alba].
The Pretty Destruction
By now there are many current generation system owners enjoying the fruits of the most recent version of Burnout [Paradise]. Burnout Paradise, a game I have yet to delve deep into as a result of not having the money to buy these expensive entertainment systems in too risky of an economy. As a result of my 'skiddishness', I was more than willing to dive into a Burnout that was both cheaper and widely regarded as a solid game all around.
What should be noted from the start: up until playing Burnout 3, I always viewed the series as a kind of "Sega Rally-type" of game. I decided not to play any previous versions of the game, because money was tight at the time and I had to make a decision [that and I am quick to buy highly rated/reviewed games impulsively]. Needless to say, I am very happy with this decision. Burnout 3: Takedown is such a breeze to get into if you are looking for a game to play after a tough day of work/school.
The controls are very basic, you don't need to hold down three to four buttons, check your rear-view at all-times to make sure opponents are a good distance away. There is no need for tweaking your car to the 'nth degree' like you would find in a Forza or Gran Turismo. This is not to say if you wanted to play in a more advanced manner you could not, because this is very much possible.
While playing this game, I realized why acheivements and trophies are so popular in this current generation of gaming. It is the carrot in front of the mule-gamer. The most popular aspect of the Burnout series [I'm guessing after playing this and a little Paradise] is the Crash Mode. This is what kept me from a great deal of reading and social activity. This mode more than reinforces what the underlying motto of the Burnout series is about. "Don't care about your car? Want to vent your daily frustrations? How about trying to get as much money by doing as much damage on the freeway as possible?"
There are times where you are in Road Rage, where the only goal is to smash and demolish as many victims as possible, and you wonder why is there any other mode necessary?
Why Is There So Much Traffic?!
However, there is a reason why I am pensive when proclaiming Burnout 3: Takedown one of the best 'racing' games [arcade or sim] because the racing is what I have the biggest problems with as it pertains to game mechanics. Burnout 3 is one of the best 'crashing games' I have ever played, but its difficulty in the racing department is where it faulters. When the average user decides to test their skills for more gold medals the difficulty is completely uneven when compared to Crash Mode. Getting a gold medal in Crash Mode is the equivalent of falling on hay in a barn, you don't have to try that hard for something just within reach. However, during World Tour, Eliminator matches, Preview Laps and sometimes Road Rage stages...getting a gold medal reaches the level of wanting to throw the controller into the nearest county [by the way, I REALLY hate the Formula 1-type car...it can burn in hell for all i care]. This is belly-aching and splitting hairs on an otherwise must own game.
Although I finished 97 percent of the Burnout, technically I did not see the end or any extras granted after such a feat is accomplished [it really is quite difficult to get 100%]. There is very little you will hate about this game if you go into it thinking you want to play a nice, casual game. If you decide to go for more high-risk goals in the game you will have to decide for yourself if your sanity is worth it.
Lastly, if you play this game on the Xbox[360], then you truly are the winner. On both Xbox versions you can pull your own music from the console's hard drive. Technically, you can do that on the PS2 if and ONLY IF you have that rarely purchased external PS2 hard drive and even then...i'm not sure if it is worth the hassle. The music is so horribly bad that having the Ramones on this soundtrack made me want cry skull-tipped bullets.
The game is awesome, you should buy it, rent it, play it with friends and enemies. I give Burnout 3: Takedown...
Sexy & Suggestive Carrots
Why? Because it'll make you feel better.