User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 608 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 60 out of 608
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  1. TimE
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    One of the best console ports I've ever played. The perfomance, the menus, the graphics and sounds are just great. If you don't know that this game was actually a console game, you would never guess that. My controller also works perfectly, which it doesn't on some bad console ports. The gameplay is quite fun, I kind of miss the Crash mode and Aftertouch as well, but that One of the best console ports I've ever played. The perfomance, the menus, the graphics and sounds are just great. If you don't know that this game was actually a console game, you would never guess that. My controller also works perfectly, which it doesn't on some bad console ports. The gameplay is quite fun, I kind of miss the Crash mode and Aftertouch as well, but that doesn't make the game bad. Maybe it's not a real Burnout game, but it is still fun as hell and I can just recommend it. Just because it's such a great port I still give thise game a 10/10, even if it's not a real Burnout game. If you like racing games, you should like this one as well. Expand
  2. aaronP
    Jun 20, 2009
    10
    you know i dont know what peopel are talking about when they say its not a burnout game, it feels like a raceing game with lots of fast cars and big crashes which Burnout was all about. sure maybe some things are missing but really its hard to tell when your racing your heart out trying to make that one last turn with an angry AI on your taillights.
  3. chadc
    Aug 9, 2009
    10
    best racing game i have ever played and extras to buy are great to play
  4. ShaneBurruss
    Feb 11, 2009
    10
    This game is flat out great! My computer is not that great and this console-to-PC-port runs perfectly! Being able to go from offline play to online play in about three seconds is unheard of. Almost like the GTA IV cellphone. The city is so open and there are lots and lots of goodies to unlock. See you on the streets!
  5. MunkF
    Feb 10, 2009
    10
    I spent the first couple of hours just driving around Paradise City collecting Billboards and Super Jumps. I then won a a few Races and Stunt events to get some more cars (cars are released into the world and have to be Taken Down before they can be driven).That's what makes this game a 10 for me, there is so much to do in the world and you can choose to do it in any order you want. I spent the first couple of hours just driving around Paradise City collecting Billboards and Super Jumps. I then won a a few Races and Stunt events to get some more cars (cars are released into the world and have to be Taken Down before they can be driven).That's what makes this game a 10 for me, there is so much to do in the world and you can choose to do it in any order you want. Going online is a breeze with a menu system that you activate while driving, and lobbies where you also continue to drive between events. In fact the lobbies are just another way to play the game. Still unlocking new cars (and bikes), and finding new things to do after 30 hours of play means I will be playing this for a long time to come! This is the perfect example of how an open world game should play. Makes all other driving games feel outdated and predictable. Expand
  6. May 19, 2011
    10
    This is the best racing game i've ever played. It is very realistic, fun with multiplayer, and challenging. I would recommend this game to anyone. The only thing i would change is some of the music that plays while you are playing. kinda annoying, but the game is so good it makes up for it.
  7. Aug 5, 2011
    10
    One of the best racing games ever for the PC. The slowdown on crashing is amazing, the graphics were great for 2009, it still looks good today. The choice in music was so so, but I just muted the music and played my iTunes over it. For the people who say they hate GNR... that's your opinion, if you don't like them then remove it. I've experience no glitches at all... So yea. It's great. :D
  8. Aug 30, 2011
    10
    One of the best racing games ever. The graphics are particularly nice to the eye, the game-play is pretty nice, the map is big but not too big, overall, a very, very enjoyable game.
  9. Mar 15, 2012
    10
    There is simply nothing wrong with this game; it is one of the best racers I have every played. Though it is an arcade-style racer, each car still has somewhat of a different "feel" to it. The graphics are amazing, the damage breathtakingly detailed. One of the best racing game ever, bar none.
  10. Jun 7, 2012
    10
    It is 2012 now, and it is still the best racing game I have ever played. The game is lots of fun, doesn't matter wither you're offline or online because it has lots of challenges and stuff for you to find or do. You can pretty much do whatever you want. This was very nicely ported to the PC, not buggy, just a perfect game. But make sure to have a computer to run this game or else loadingIt is 2012 now, and it is still the best racing game I have ever played. The game is lots of fun, doesn't matter wither you're offline or online because it has lots of challenges and stuff for you to find or do. You can pretty much do whatever you want. This was very nicely ported to the PC, not buggy, just a perfect game. But make sure to have a computer to run this game or else loading screens can take up to minutes at a time. Though, my only complaint is the lack of support towards the PC version. They stop updating the PC version after the "Boost Specials" pack was released, and then shut down the store in October 2010, by my understanding. So if you're a person wanting to have access to the game's DLC, buy it for Xbox360 or PS3. Otherwise, a true masterpiece! Expand
  11. Sep 16, 2013
    10
    Burnout Paradise remains the best arcade racer on the PC platform. The single-player campaign is fun to play through, mapping out the city, collecting new cars, competing in events and upgrading licenses. The multiplayer is even better than the single-player. The map is brilliantly laid out, with shortcuts and alternate routes in abundance. It's amazing the way that cars willBurnout Paradise remains the best arcade racer on the PC platform. The single-player campaign is fun to play through, mapping out the city, collecting new cars, competing in events and upgrading licenses. The multiplayer is even better than the single-player. The map is brilliantly laid out, with shortcuts and alternate routes in abundance. It's amazing the way that cars will frequently approach the finish line from multiple directions, with multiple routes proving effective. None of the cars are licensed, but the game delivers where it's important... the actual racing is wonderful, and this game is worth checking out. Expand
  12. Aug 17, 2013
    10
    To be honest I'm not much of a fan of driving games but this one is the only one that I can truly enjoy even if the controls on PC are horrid you can easily change this to you liking using the options screen, also the freeburn online mode is really fluent, unlock able cars, road rage, online freeroam capabilities to race and beat down your friends, what else could you really ask for thisTo be honest I'm not much of a fan of driving games but this one is the only one that I can truly enjoy even if the controls on PC are horrid you can easily change this to you liking using the options screen, also the freeburn online mode is really fluent, unlock able cars, road rage, online freeroam capabilities to race and beat down your friends, what else could you really ask for this is truly the only racing game I ever liked even if it was made in 2009 the graphics are still really good even if your playing on a low quality PC. Expand
  13. Jun 25, 2014
    10
    This is an excellent open world racing game. Graphics still hold up against today's games. This is an arcade type racing game, not a simulator, so if your looking for realistic racing then this is not the game for you. This game is not like past burnout games, there isn't a crash mode. However it is an excellent racing game with lots of races, 75 cars, boards to smash through, jumpThis is an excellent open world racing game. Graphics still hold up against today's games. This is an arcade type racing game, not a simulator, so if your looking for realistic racing then this is not the game for you. This game is not like past burnout games, there isn't a crash mode. However it is an excellent racing game with lots of races, 75 cars, boards to smash through, jump locations to jump, awesome crashes.

    Want realistic racing, or expect something like the older Burnout games then don't buy.
    If you want one of the best arcade racing games out there then this is a must buy.

    P.S. I own this game on both the PS3 and PC. PC Graphics slightly better than PS3, both versions are great.
    Expand
  14. Sep 13, 2014
    10
    This is a classic for me. Amazing crashes and destructions with fast cars and bikes. I am even reinstalling this game as I type this message. To the people that say that they need to memorize the city or there is no clue where to take the right turns on a race. Car's left and right flashs when you need to turn left or right, and If I remember correctly even the street plates on the top ofThis is a classic for me. Amazing crashes and destructions with fast cars and bikes. I am even reinstalling this game as I type this message. To the people that say that they need to memorize the city or there is no clue where to take the right turns on a race. Car's left and right flashs when you need to turn left or right, and If I remember correctly even the street plates on the top of the screen flash or move as well. So no worries there! Enjoy the crashes Expand
  15. Sep 26, 2014
    10
    Everything is great about this game - the graphics, cars, races, everything to me is nearly perfect. This games is awesome. Probably the best racing game for me ever.
  16. Jun 8, 2016
    10
    best game EA has ever made. That should say a lot.

    I really enjoyed this game, it is just truly a blast to play this game, and do crazy flips n' ****
  17. Nov 17, 2021
    10
    Best racing game i ever played, better than nfs mw and even forza horizon 4! still playing remaster sometimes, good that multiplayer is alive again
  18. Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Игра, которая завоевала мое сердце. Перепройденная мною несколько раз, Burnout Paradise остается прекрасной и в 2020. Саундтрек, геймплей, графика, карта - все прекрасно. Игра абсолютно не затянута, после прохождения хочется сделать это еще раз. Если вы не играли в эту прекрасную игру, покупайте Burnout Paradise Remastered, там все тоже самое, но с немного переделанной графикой и всемиИгра, которая завоевала мое сердце. Перепройденная мною несколько раз, Burnout Paradise остается прекрасной и в 2020. Саундтрек, геймплей, графика, карта - все прекрасно. Игра абсолютно не затянута, после прохождения хочется сделать это еще раз. Если вы не играли в эту прекрасную игру, покупайте Burnout Paradise Remastered, там все тоже самое, но с немного переделанной графикой и всеми длс. Рекомендую всем!! Expand
  19. Jun 6, 2022
    10
    Arcade gameplay, beautiful graphics, impeccable destruction physics and even features a local 8-player mode in the party mode. .
    Instead of Criterion making a lot of crap NFs I wanted a new Burnout and "I still believe" I'm going to see a game from this franchise in the new generation of videogames
  20. JoshN
    Feb 10, 2009
    9
    Don't listen to Micah. The game does NOT make heavy use of "Welcome to the Jungle" as he says. Instead the name of the song is "Paradise City" and it is only used as the opening song as the game loads up, big deal. :P lol In terms of performance, the game runs really good, that is if your computer isn't running on Windows Ancient Edition with only 10 Mb of RAM like Micah's Don't listen to Micah. The game does NOT make heavy use of "Welcome to the Jungle" as he says. Instead the name of the song is "Paradise City" and it is only used as the opening song as the game loads up, big deal. :P lol In terms of performance, the game runs really good, that is if your computer isn't running on Windows Ancient Edition with only 10 Mb of RAM like Micah's does. I'm running this game on an 8800GT with 4 gigs of RAM. The official LOW requirements list says that you need at LEAST one gig of RAM and a Pentium 4 processor running on Vista or XP and that's at the LOWEST. So if you don't have that or BETTER, then don't even try to play it. The controls on the keyboard are a little tedious so I would suggest either using one of those steering wheel peripherals or an Xbox 360 controller. The game play is actually pretty good, I only wish the activities around the city were a little more varied. Multiplayer and single player work together pretty flawlessly. And contrary to Micah's post, creating an online account takes less than a minute or so. And once you are signed up, the online play is pretty competitive and really fun. All-in-all, this game is a reminder of how games SHOULD be ported to the PC. If you're a racing fan or just like FUN games then this one is a blast. It has great game play, great graphics and fun online modes that will keep you entertained for countless hours. Expand
  21. JamesK
    Feb 11, 2009
    9
    Very nice game, have been addicted to this for the last 2 weeks or so, I now have my A liscenes and rocking the house. The game looks very nice on the PC with no hick-ups or crashes, loading times are OK for me, about 1 minute to get the game starting, you just have to have a good PC =] I have been playing with the X360 controller and it really plays fluently, so no problems there. Very nice game, have been addicted to this for the last 2 weeks or so, I now have my A liscenes and rocking the house. The game looks very nice on the PC with no hick-ups or crashes, loading times are OK for me, about 1 minute to get the game starting, you just have to have a good PC =] I have been playing with the X360 controller and it really plays fluently, so no problems there. I'm really enjoying the 'mission' structure which you can excess almost anywhere if you're driving around. I'm really just chilling playing the game, doing whatever I want, listening to some nice gaming podcast. Expand
  22. AntonioM
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    An excellent racing game and an excellent port. Pros + Open-ended: thousands of opportunities for you. You just want to crash to other cars? You can do it. You want to race? Race. + Excellent graphics, improved from the console version. + Smooth and clean control system (tested with X360 controller) + Good soundtrack + Packed with all the DLC availalble until release + Nice netcode. + No An excellent racing game and an excellent port. Pros + Open-ended: thousands of opportunities for you. You just want to crash to other cars? You can do it. You want to race? Race. + Excellent graphics, improved from the console version. + Smooth and clean control system (tested with X360 controller) + Good soundtrack + Packed with all the DLC availalble until release + Nice netcode. + No loading times Cons - Some Burnout fans may not like the new open-ended world - Few customizable cars/options. Expand
  23. NathanS
    Apr 12, 2009
    9
    This game is a lot of fun, and despite the comments of previous reviewers on speed of the game, load times and such, the requirements of this game are quite modest by today's standards especially. As far as gameplay is concerned, the game is a lot of fun, and I feel that the introduction of showtime more than makes up for the removal of aftertouch and crash mode. Rule the Road is an This game is a lot of fun, and despite the comments of previous reviewers on speed of the game, load times and such, the requirements of this game are quite modest by today's standards especially. As far as gameplay is concerned, the game is a lot of fun, and I feel that the introduction of showtime more than makes up for the removal of aftertouch and crash mode. Rule the Road is an interesting feature, which, with a few friends online, will keep you up, running, and competing with them for top spot on different roads for hours and hours. The game life really is expanded by online play, with even more challenges to complete with and against your friends. My main complaint is the menu, it takes some time to get the hang of, and is not structured well towards the PC. Otherwise, if you picked up and enjoyed Burnout 3, with the exception of a few minor annoyances, you won't be disappointed with this game. Expand
  24. JasonP
    Mar 25, 2009
    9
    I enjoyed this game a lot. I think removing crash mode was a huge mistake but once you get into it you forget about it. The most important thing to mention is this is a good console to PC port, not buggy like others usually are. Very efficiently coded, lots of fun to be had.
  25. JianT
    Apr 14, 2009
    9
    Look guys, i really do not understand all the bad scores... most of you complain about how this is a openworld and that the mini map and all that are useless because it takes away from the racing. Now before i start a race, i simply press "m" on my keyboard to bring up the map. Give it a 2-3 second look and have the root down in my mind and im done. Racing has never been easier and Look guys, i really do not understand all the bad scores... most of you complain about how this is a openworld and that the mini map and all that are useless because it takes away from the racing. Now before i start a race, i simply press "m" on my keyboard to bring up the map. Give it a 2-3 second look and have the root down in my mind and im done. Racing has never been easier and finding a faster rout that the other computer cars are too stupid to take has never been more fun. and the keyboard controls DO NOT SUCK. They just need fixing. for example, boost needs to be space bar and e brake needs to be shift while showtime MUST be changed to d so you dont accidently press s all the time during a race and piss yourself off. For these minor problems which can be fixed with a little bit of brainpower, i give it a 9/10. Expand
  26. Mar 14, 2012
    9
    Yes, Yes, and again Yes! What an incredibly fun game. The first 45 minutes I was thinking...wow...what an incredible "realistic" racing game. I haven't even scratched the surface of this game...And so much MORE realistic than other new ones I don't really need to mention that I and others out there own. So much more responsive. And if you've ever really "raced" on the streets of a majorYes, Yes, and again Yes! What an incredibly fun game. The first 45 minutes I was thinking...wow...what an incredible "realistic" racing game. I haven't even scratched the surface of this game...And so much MORE realistic than other new ones I don't really need to mention that I and others out there own. So much more responsive. And if you've ever really "raced" on the streets of a major city or hometown? I can truthfully tell you that this racer is the closest thing to actually being in the friggin' car! I sincerely give it an 10++....You won't be disappointed spending $19.99 on this game or less! Yaaaaaa.....EA....You get major KUDOS from me!!! Expand
  27. Oct 8, 2012
    9
    I got this game after I got extremely bored of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, because it limits you to certian spaces and wasn't open world. After I got this games I was so happy, because when you race it's completely open world. Althought it is a little challenging that they made the races open world. I really didn't like party mode. The campaign is very long, and it's really worth yourI got this game after I got extremely bored of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, because it limits you to certian spaces and wasn't open world. After I got this games I was so happy, because when you race it's completely open world. Althought it is a little challenging that they made the races open world. I really didn't like party mode. The campaign is very long, and it's really worth your money. This games is WAY off realism, this game isn't even close to bieng realistic, so if your someone who's trying to find a game with realism this really won't be the game for you. Althought if you want a game that has action, challenging moments, and extreme fun, this game will totally be for you. So far this is the best racing game I have ever played so far. The graphics for a 2009 game are just amzaing. The PC controls are a little quirky and not very smooth. Luckily I was able to hook up my PS3 Controller to my PC, and play Burnout Paradise with it. Overall I would give it 9 stars out of ten. Because I was really looking forward to party mode, but sadly it seemed to be that the developers payed WAY more attention to the campaign then the party mode. Again the PC controlles are a little quircky , so thats why I hooked up my PC controller to my PC.

    Overall it's one of the best racing games ever in my opinion. I've never had this much fun with Burnout Paradise.
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  28. Jan 22, 2015
    9
    Both a review and a response to 'Captain Murph' that gave it a 0.

    First, I'll give a short review: The graphics are stunning, and that's pretty much all you can say about the graphics. The slow-motion crashes never get old, since they happen throughout the massive map, so even if you get the same type of crash, you'll be getting the crash in a different way/reason throughout the game.
    Both a review and a response to 'Captain Murph' that gave it a 0.

    First, I'll give a short review:
    The graphics are stunning, and that's pretty much all you can say about the graphics.
    The slow-motion crashes never get old, since they happen throughout the massive map, so even if you get the same type of crash, you'll be getting the crash in a different way/reason throughout the game.
    The game play is fast paced, and even for messing around, you'll be able to have hours of fun. If you play it for long enough, and learn the street names, you'll be able to find your way around the map without the use of a mini-map at all. The different types of cars are awesome since each car is for different playstyles, which adds even more fun to the game. I do however wish that there was more in-depth customization; it would compliment the amazing graphics that the game features.

    In response to CaptainMurph:

    First off, he rated it a 0 simply because his opinions have convinced himself that he's the only one that's right when it comes to the quality of this game. But you can already probably tell by just reading his review that everything he wrote is based on his preferences and opinions alone, as opposed to facts.

    A portion of his review is him criticizing the lack of mouse control and how it is designed for a controller. The fact that he expects racing games to be optimized for keyboards is stupid in itself, and even then, if he plans on playing the game by remaining in the menu the entire time, then what he says is still stupid.

    With the music and radio that HE doesn't like, you can just turn them off in the settings, which obviously is too difficult for him if he can't spend 10 seconds navigating to the 'options' in the menu.

    The handling of the cars is nothing like GTA; if you're able to drift for 30 seconds+ in GTA, then he is still wrong, since the other aspects of the mechanics are different from GTA. If you're reviewing this game, you already know that.

    I'd like to finish by noting that when he said " The only time you will lose is if you go the wrong way or crash a lot, and even then you will usually win.", he displayed a perfect example of contradicting yourself.
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  29. Aug 21, 2013
    9
    I don't like racing games. But this isn't one of'em. It's a sandbox game with a huge map, badass soundtrack, cool graphics, 75 cars and 4 bikes and some cool game mods. Yes, you can take part at some races, but that's not the only thing to do in Paradise City, where the grass is green and the girls are pretty ;D
  30. Jul 6, 2016
    9
    Gameplay : 9
    Graphics : 9
    Story : 6
    Sound : 9
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 9
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    90
    First ever PC version of Burnout is a perfect example of a modern racing game in an open world with all the essentials that players want. No need for C-grade actresses at all. [Issue#174, Jan 2009]
  2. For true next-gen arcade racing thrills Burnout Paradise is most definitely your best option, and on PC your only option.
  3. 84
    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.