The graphics in the game are superb just like last year’s version. The city scenes are brilliant, but it’s tough to appreciate all of the road signs and city lights when you’re going almost 200 mph.

Burnout has given you a helping hand on the tracks – they now highlight the shortcuts in the race. Although shortcuts are faster, they are also more challenging – more obstacles are in the way (which means the possibility of more crashes). Crashes are fantastic to watch and the vehicle damage is impressive. Tires go flying, hoods go flying and it seems as though car physics determine the type of crash. Going airborne and crashing headfirst into the street looks much different than a gliding crash.

A nice touch in the game is that EA uses it’s company synergy – if you have a Madden 06 save, you automatically unlock the Madden Challenge van. You also get a bonus if you have a Burnout 3 game save on your console as well. It’s always nice to get these little bonuses by being a loyal supporter of the franchise.

In game sound is excellent. Crashes really sound like crashes. I’m not a huge fan of many of the EA Trax in this game, although The Bravery is pretty good. I prefer last year’s soundtrack (which grew on me over time). It may be the same case with this one. You can also use custom soundtracks which is always a plus.

Xbox Live is almost as fun as last year’s game. Traffic Attack is a new mode, but it looks like it comes in at the expense of the co-op mode from last year. Again that goofy crash meter makes the crash mode less enjoyable for me, but it’s still worth playing online.

For me, Burnout Revenge is more of the same – new tracks, new cars, new events, but same basic gameplay. There is quite a bit of replay value as the venues, races and events seem never-ending. The online play is still fun, although I’d rather have it similar to last year’s game. Overall it’s decent enough to recommend, especially if you loved last year’s game, but I doubt it will win over anyone who didn’t like the game before. I expect to be playing Burnout Revenge for quite some time.