Burnout 3: Takedown (Xbox, 2004)

Burnout 3 was not only my first venture into the Burnout franchise back in 2004, but also one of the first console games I ever owned, following Gran Turismo 3. The only similarity between those two games is that you "drive" cars in both of them... in no similar manner! I won't bother to list details of the game, or flaws, pros, cons, points of improvement, etc. I played single player due to my lack of an internet connection (as with most games aside from Call of Duty) and loved it. The game was challenging and fun, and there were plenty of activities to loosen up with in arcade mode if the "career" got too frustrating. I happen to like games that really take some skill to complete, because they really hone my hand-eye coordination and make me even more venerable when it comes to replaying earlier levels or going head-to-head with friends, and this game doesn't disappoint...some of the time trials are wicked hard. My favorite game mode in Burnout 3 is "Road Rage" (a running battle with 3 opponents through traffic and obstacles)...I literally TAPED dozens of "road rage" matches set up in arcade mode, using our VCR, because they were that fun to watch and usually contained "epic" moments worth showing my friends (the game has no replay feature, sadly). Simply put, this game brings back wonderful memories from the summer of 2005 for me, and I'm sure you can create some great ones of your own with this solid classic title.

Burnout 3: Takedown is definately one of the best games available for any console. You don't have to be a fan of racing games to enjoy this one because there is so much more to it than racing. On some tracks your goal is to place first in the race, on others the goal is to "takedown" you opponents -making them crash-, on others your goal is to create the biggest multi-car pile-up ever. The graphics are increadible and the physics are equally impressive, creating a very lifelike game. There a plenty of unlockable cars and tracks to keep you playing for hours on end. The mulitplayer modes are extremely fun and exciting. This is a game that should appeal to anyone regardless of age or gender. If you are shopping for video games and don't have this one, it should be on the top of your most wanted list.

This is truly one of the best racing games I've ever played for Xbox. I'm kind of old school and actually prefer playing the original Xbox over the 360, and I must say, this game legitimately outperforms some of the newest racing games that have been released.

The graphics are great. The gameplay is smooth, and this game features one of the best soundtracks for any video game I've ever played. Look up the soundtrack online. There are something like 43 songs on it.

There are several modes in this game. It truly is addicting. Crash mode is a mode where you crash your car into traffic and try to create the most damage possible. After the wreck has halted, the game will place a dollar amount on all of the things you have destroyed. There's a catch though; you need to avoid hitting "heartbreakers" which cut your score in half, and to obtain a gold medal on some levels, you MUST hit the x4 multiplier, which can require some strategizing.

Crash mode is definitely my favorite, but other modes such as "Road Rage" are fun as well. The goal is to wreck a certain number of opposing cars to advance to the next event. And by wreck, I mean flipping the car into the air or having them fly off the side of a mountain. It's pretty intense.

There's also a simple "race mode" and a "one-on-one mode", all part of the Burnout 3 World Tour. I like how you can choose which events to take care of first. The goal is to get all 173 gold medals across 3 continents.

Considering how cheap you can get this game now that people have moved on to the Xbox 360, this game is a MUST buy. It will keep you occupied for hours.

So Burnout three is not so much a racing game to me as it is a crashing game. Cars always seem to be right on your tail and you can catch up to almost anyone too. That is not a driving game in my opinion.

Now the crashing part... That is pure fun. You will want to start off with the World tour and go from there since you unlock most of your cars that way. But once you have completed all 173 races (which included crash races and road rage) you will want to start using the single courses.

You have several different ways of driving. Race, timed, road rage and crash. While the racing part is fun and is required to unlock different cars and awards, its the road rage event that takes the cake. There is just something to driving and crashing cars and avoiding crashes that is just so appealing. The physics is great and so are the graphics. You also have the option of turning off seeing crashes or leaving it on. After a while I just turned it off since it seemed to slow down the action for me.

If you are into racing games like rallisport challenge 2 then this might not be what you are looking for. But if you enjoy watching things blow up and flipping your car for a mile then this might be what your looking for.

Ever get tired of car racing games with the maximum level of reality? Do you stomp your opponents in other games, left by yourself to run a time-trial-esque race? Pickup B3: Takedown and get challenged.

Your opponents will almost ALWAYS catch you and they'll be willing to exchange paint. B3 combines the components of classic car racing games with a destruction-derby competition. Pin other racers against the wall, psyche them out or drive them into oncoming traffic and other obstacles. Don't forget, you're not untouchable; if your opponents don't get you, traffic will be more than happy to do the job.

There are many modes in this game and your work in any one will contribute to your career earnings. Picking up levels and cars is easy, once you get the hang of play. It does take time to redefine your driving in a more arcade style; turns are easy with a tap on the brake, a punch of the gas and a touch of boost.

Crash, then steer your slow-mo wreck and rack up points! Use it to take out your opponents in races or use when you're close to bonus items. Hit the Crashbreaker and pick them up after the carnage.

This is an ultimate car racing game, how can you live without it?