Burnout Paradise is the game Hot Wheels wishes it could make. For me, it lived up to the trailer. I've spent hours and hours playing the game; unlocking all the cars, finding and re-finding all the secrets, generally exploring Paradise City and cruising, or wreaking havoc everywhere. The game really pulls off a very, very awesome style (the soundtrack, the cars, the radio host, the city itself) that no other racing game that I've played matches.

THE BAD:
- This game is 7 years old at this point, which is basically ancient history in the eyes of EA. And that means...

- The console DLC never came to the PC, and it never, ever will, even though I'd buy it in a heartbeat. EA thinks you're a loser for still playing this.

- THERE'S NO WAY TO TURN OFF THE TRAFFIC. This nearly killed any fun I had in this game. There are so, so many areas that are perfect for awesome stunts, huge drifts and pure racing, but you'll never unlock that full potential because some random hatchback or city bus is in the way.

- The AI cheats. Yes, this game is an example where having the fastest car doesn't actually matter, at least in the Marked Man events. The AI can and will always be on your tail.

I listed several dealbreakers above that would have probably deterred me from buying the game originally, but if I actually had to do it all again, I would over and over. Paradise is just too much fun despite its faults.

Burnout Paradise is the game Hot Wheels wishes it could make. For me, it lived up to the trailer. I've spent hours and hours playing the game; unlocking all the cars, finding and re-finding all the secrets, generally exploring Paradise City and cruising, or wreaking havoc everywhere. The game really pulls off a very, very awesome style (the soundtrack, the cars, the radio host, the city itself) that no other racing game that I've played matches. THE BAD: - This game is 7 years old at this point, which is basically ancient history in the eyes of EA. And that means... - The console DLC never came to the PC, and it never, ever will, even though I'd buy it in a heartbeat. EA thinks you're a loser for still playing this. - THERE'S NO WAY TO TURN OFF THE TRAFFIC. This nearly killed any fun I had in this game. There are so, so many areas that are perfect for awesome stunts, huge drifts and pure racing, but you'll never unlock that full potential because some random hatchback or city bus is in the way. - The AI cheats. Yes, this game is an example where having the fastest car doesn't actually matter, at least in the Marked Man events. The AI can and will always be on your tail. I listed several dealbreakers above that would have probably deterred me from buying the game originally, but if I actually had to do it all again, I would over and over. Paradise is just too much fun despite its faults.