There's been more than one occasion in our time with the game when we've questioned exactly what we're seeing. The cut-aways and slo-mo action seen in previous versions of Burnout are present and correct, but initially things can get a little confusing. Just be wary of one thing when this happens in gameplay.

The Takedown part of the title refers to putting fellow racers out of contention. The basic premise remains the same: drive your vehicle like you stole it, cause as much havoc as possible, and unlock the track and motor selections by risking everything.

Well, like we've already said, more of the same, but faster. “What's it like to play though?” you may ask.

Party Crash is a 'pass the controller' experience for up to 16 people to enjoy.With Network play available, seven different modes are available online, with up to six players able to participate in variations on the Crash and Road Rage modes for example. Multiplayer options are abundant, with modes featuring up to eight players racing at once in Battle Race and Road Rage. Within Race mode you get a shedload of options including Single race, Tournament, Lap Eliminator, Burning Lap and Road Rage to name but a few. We know it sounds a bit Spinal Tap, but Burnout 3 is louder and faster than before – how could it not go up to 11? Game modes included this time around include Risk and Reward, Crash, Race and Online. More cars, more speed, more oncoming traffic, and more – many more – gameplay options. How exactly could Criterion improve on the major step forward that Point of Impact was from the original Burnout? Easy – more of the same, with the emphasis on 'more'. Burnout 3: Takedown hits the shelves, metaphorically knocking other early September 2004 releases out of the way. The bottom line is that it is here at last. Just think, if Burnout had remained with the unfortunate Acclaim, Burnout 3 may not have made an appearance. Thank heavens that the all-powerful EA claimed Burnout series creator Criterion for itself, snapping up the developer in a wise move in early 2004.

Burnout 3 takedown xbox cover