Burnout Paradise

© 2008 Electronic Arts, Inc.
$60, PlayStation 3*, Xbox 360
Teaches: some strategy, timing, fine motor coordination, sports, car racing, crashing, driving
CTR Rating: 87.5%
Editor's Choice

CTR Review

Expensive but "amazingly fun," Burnout Paradise is an easy-to-play, one- to seven-player racing game with great graphics and "zero-to-none educational value." Even more fun than the driving is the crashing, which children can do in slow motion. In fact, controlled rolls are encouraged in the game, and earn points. You start with a learner's permit and can then progress to a Burnout Elite Driver's License by winning races. You can find shortcuts and smash through barriers to get to places that your competition can't reach. Content includes five events such as the Classic Race, Road Rage and Burning Route. You can also team up with seven friends for online FreeBurn Challenges or go head-to-head in user created race routes. This game is compatible with the Sony DUALSHOCK3 Wireless Controller. Ross (age 11 1/2) called the game "pure genius." We tested the PS3 version. A CTR video review is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCD3FMPSJf0.