At the moment, the Gamecube is in dire need of racing games - there arent many out, and there dont seem to be many on the horizon. So does Burnout keep the Gamecube warm for other racing games heading our way?

            In terms of first impressions, Burnout is a dream. You are placed straight into the action the clock is ticking, the speedometer is increasing faster and faster, and when you hit another vehicle, the usual small bang and drive on is gone, replaced with huge smashes and pile-ups and the ability to watch your best crashes again and again, and even save them. The game runs really smoothly, and you really do get that sense of speeding through a packed city, or rocketing across a beautiful countryside. The cars themselves are great to look at, and although there are no real differences between how cars handle (or at least, Ive not noticed them) that special bond between you and your favourite car builds over time.

            When you hit your first bus, car or truck, and see your car go flying across the street, causing chaos everywhere, you smile, think wow and start to wonder how you could cause an even bigger pile-up. This alone will last you ages. Unfortunately, after these ages have gone, the whole hit another car and wait a few seconds just gets irritating. With only 4 or 5 seconds left on the clock to get to the next checkpoint, hitting another vehicle can cause you to smash your GC controller through the TV screen in a rage. And going at speeds of up to 150mph, and suddenly seeing that blue Mini at the last second can cause you to wonder if this much pain and suffering is really worth it.

            The only way to actually get anything out of Burnout in terms of unlocking new tracks, modes and cars, is the Championship mode. And this mode will destroy you entirely. Race over three tracks, each track about 15 minutes long, and if you fail to make it to a checkpoint in time, or not beat enough computer players, you fail to qualify, and must start the track again. Now 15 minutes is a long time to race, and if you do the whole track, and then suddenly realise you havent qualified, would you really want to do it again? Fortunately, there is a rewarding side to Championship mode. If you do manage to complete a whole championship, you are rewarded with three whole new tracks, 1 or maybe 2 new modes, and the chance to win a brand new car. This does feel great. Until you suddenly realise that there is yet another championship to finish in order to unlock more. And after losing once, you just want to stuff it. So you do.

            Something else that did my head in to full extent was the music. They call that music? It sounds like they took a trip to an amateur recording studio and taped a few tracks. Awful. Absolutely awful.

            One thing I havent mentioned that makes Burnout maybe slightly original is the Burn meter. Driving into oncoming traffic, slipping through packed traffic, power sliding and finishing laps with no accidents build up the Burn meter. Once full, a tap on the R shoulder button causes you car to rocket into action. You really do feel a great sense of speed at this point Everything goes past in a blur cars, scenery, buildings unfortunately this speed is usually short-lived, because with ultimate speed comes absolutely no control, and before you know it, the front of your car has met up with the back of an oil truck. Ouch indeed.

            Where one-player modes lack, usually the multiplayer makes up. But in Burnouts case, not really. The only multiplayer mode there is, is to race around the many tacks you have unlocked. And its only two-player as well. AND the graphics dont look half as good as in one-player, with the speed half as fast as one-player. It is probably more fun playing time-attack one-player with a friend, to see who can make the fastest lap and time around the tracks.

            There is something fun to do in the multiplayer, though. After playing for a while, you will notice that there are loads of top scoreboards. Top scores for biggest crash, worst driver, best driver etc. You and a friend will have some fun seeing who can smash their car up the most, and who can knock a truck over. If youre into that sort of thing.    

Although Burnout does have its many faults, it is good to play for a while. Im pretty sure it wont be jammed in your Gamecube for as long as it should be, though. A good effort to bring a racing game to life, but just too annoying in the end.