Burnout Dominator Q&A

We talk to Nick Channon, senior producer at Criterion Games, about his plans for the recently announced sequel to Burnout Revenge.

Earlier today Electronic Arts announced that a sequel to Burnout Revenge, Burnout Dominator, is currently in development at its UK-based Criterion Games studio. Save for the fact that the game will be released for both the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation Portable sometime in 2007, today's press release contained very little in the way of information on the game, so we got in touch with senior producer Nick Channon to see what else we could find out.

GameSpot: Why are you developing Burnout Dominator only for the PlayStation Portable and the PS2 as opposed to following EA's usual multiplatform strategy? And why no version for new-generation consoles?

Burnout Dominator will crash onto PS2 and PSP consoles next year.

Nick Channon: We wanted to create a game that celebrated the essence of Burnout and the reckless skill-based racing and fear of crashing that fueled the first games. Given that Burnout was born on PS2 it was a natural fit and, with the shorter skill-based game modes, we felt that this game would be perfect on PSP as well. There is still a huge installed base of current-gen consoles out there and we are sure that they will appreciate new games being made just for them.

GS: Will the games talk to each other?

NC: No.

GS: What kind of online modes will they offer? Will there be any downloadable content?

NC: All modes on PSP will be playable in ad hoc; additionally there will be a record breakers mode where the user can play a single event on any unlocked track and set records. These records will be tracked and can be shared with friends via Wi-Fi, and the user will also be able to upload high scores to a Web site. We will also be offering some really cool additions to the game via download.

GS: What can you tell us about the modes on the PS2?

NC: The game features a number of skill-based challenges which are the ultimate test of dangerous driving. Firstly, master the art of performing Burnouts; this involves filling your boost bar then completely draining it whilst driving as dangerously as you can. Drain your boost multiple times to perform a Burnout. This is the key to earning massive scores in the drift and near miss challenges, and the brand-new maniac mode makes the user put all these skills together to deliver the most dangerous run imaginable.

GS: What can you tell us about modes on the PSP?

NC: In addition to [adding] the modes on PS2, we have spent a lot of time tuning the car handling specifically for the platform. It was important that with the new modes we have introduced that the cars feel responsive and that you can really feather the car whilst doing a drift.

GS: What have you learned from the previous games in the series, and how has that affected dev on these titles?

The new maniac mode will put the emphasis very firmly on dangerous driving.

NC: As previously mentioned, Burnout Dominator is all about celebrating the essence of Burnout: the thrill of driving as dangerously as you can without crashing. The thing that has also struck me about the Burnout series is people's physical reactions to missing a head-on collision or to finding a small gap between two lorries--there aren't many other games where people are so animated when they play. As a team we wanted to create a game that revolved around rewarding you achieving these moments.

GS: Will these be the last current-gen Burnout games?

NC: You'll have to wait and see.

GS: Thanks for your time.

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96 comments
g_esteves
g_esteves

Wow, no XBOX 360 game...that is so stupid. I think everyone with an xbox 360 and future users would have purchased that game. I understand why they are developing for the PS2 over the PS3 though, I mean the PS2 is currently outselling the PS3. Who needs PS3 games when you can buy the console for $700 and play the wide range of horse manuer they currently have out? Oh Sony, did you think people would be kissing your feet just for developing a next gen system?

yugimasa9999
yugimasa9999

AWESOME !!! The PS2 would still be alive and kicking !!

fantom_killa
fantom_killa

WHAT THE HELL IT WOULD LOOK A MILLION TIMES BETTER ON THE 360 WHAT ARE THEY PLAYING AT!!!!

chickenoverlord
chickenoverlord

burnout was the first game i bought on my ps2... been crazy for the series ever since... I rebought revenge when it came out on the 360 and it has NEVER been so good... one of the best single player and online games ever... Legends on the PSP was ok.... but with racing games I think you need a BIG screen and HD to really feel it... i don't like it when the draw distance is crap like in legends... Shame this one won't be avail on next gen... Hopefully the PS3 will be out in Aus before B5 comes out so I can get whichever nextgen version looks best... (altho xbox thumbsticks pwn the dualshock's crappy analogue sticks.... I wonder if they're any better on the 6axis) anyone?

oldschoolplayer
oldschoolplayer

I cannot imagine this game getting any better than revenge. Although the graphics do look a bit cleaner than revenge. I mean how do you improve on perfection and that what basically what revenge is. At least it is good to know that they are continuing to release quality games on the PS2 while everyone waits for the PS3 to get release more games or more importantly for those that are happy with their PS2

remembamlilf
remembamlilf

yes! i was looking for a PSP game and i got one except i have to wait a month and a half........

worstatPES
worstatPES

Finally, Criterion stand up to overpaid rubbish makers (LOTR film tie-in, anyone?) Electronic Arts. This should be a great success, as Burnout 2: POI was. But if this does turn out to be developed/published by EA, hopefully they keep it as thriling as B3 Takedown and don't screw it all like they did wih Revenge. oh and briph24, yes we all have a right to our P.O.V, but what do you mean GOOD CONSOLES? If you mean next-gen, I agree. On an Xbox, no. 360, maybe. Gamecube, no. PS3, *drools a little* DEFINITELY! (sorry for the long, correctly spelt comment evry1)

Spartan8907
Spartan8907

Looks like an awsome game. Unfortunately, I havent gotten Burnout Revenge yet. Pitty. I've loved the Burnout series ever since the first entry and I hope to own all of the titles for the PS2 soon, including this upcoming title.

StarFoxCOM
StarFoxCOM

This will be a sweet game. And it has crazy graphics for a PS2 game. I also hope it has a good soundtrak

War-Tex
War-Tex

nicely done...i cant wait forever u know

Lunarmeow
Lunarmeow

Well done EA, i cant wait for this game. Its nice to see the playstation 2 is still going from strength to strength

G-Master111
G-Master111

I agree with bubblebuss... but still... I've been playing burnout legends for ages. The only (tiny) things I hate... Aftertouch always ends after so long. Often my car is still going very fast about to hit another car when I spring back. It should happen when the car stops so that low speed accident crashes are rectified and high speed awesome crashes can be used to attack foes. The "flyover" from the xbox and ps2 versions of the crash was cut out. I loved viewing the damage and seeing how much money each thing had caused.

bubblebuss
bubblebuss

I can't picture these graphics on a psp game.

stlthriot
stlthriot

Despite the confusion I am seeing on other sites, saying that the 5th game will be on Xbox 360 and PS3, I can only really believe this site because their interview with Nick Channon clearly states that it is for PS2 and PSP. Anyways tho, very exciting news! Still reasons to hold off on a PS3 for now. :D

dQuarters
dQuarters

This is a class move by Criterion, and a brilliant business decision as well. I have a 360, so I'll get Burnout 5 instead, but I'm glad there are still some awesome titles coming down the pipe for people who aren't all next-gened-up. Though I don't know why they wouldn't release Dominator on other consoles, like XBOX and Game Cube. Sounds like a good game. But I wonder what inspired this one (as pool inspired Revenge).

briph24
briph24

this is stupid, why not make it for the good consoles.

FoZFoRiC
FoZFoRiC

this better not be burnout 5! if it is, I'm canceling my reserve at gamestop. I don't want a PoS version.

Chainblast
Chainblast

It's on PS2 because it was originally planned as a follow-up to Legends until someone got the good idea to release it on the PS2 because of its insane amount of users. Still, I have a PS2 so I'm happy. :)

GTCzeero
GTCzeero

Well done to Criterion (and unusually, EA) for showing respect to the brand and console that started them off.

HXCDEW
HXCDEW

PS2 continues to dominate! Though I'm getting this for the PSP :)

Baller1257
Baller1257

The Burnout Series is my fav racing series hands down. Arcade racing at it's finest. Burnout 2 got me started and I've never looked back. Back to Domination looks like anohter solid game in the series. Can wait to see how it turns out.

Noffelhonk
Noffelhonk

I really love the Burnout series and spent a lot of time playing it, but why do they give us pictures of another version? I mean, the PS2 is definitely not capable of delivering hi-res graphics like in the images. But I guess I'll get it anyway. Just love it.

dr3b
dr3b

Burnout is awesome! The replay value of these games is huge.

Raeldor
Raeldor

Best game on the PSP, no doubt. Had me on the edge of my seat!

Toobad4u
Toobad4u

I will definately look into this game when it comes out,but I still don't see why they don't have infrastructure instead of just ad-hoc.

Razzi65
Razzi65

i've taken REVENGE..........now waiting angciously for DOMINATING.... i hate need for speed series alot caz NFS sreriesis just the foot of BURNOUT SERIES...

rbrignoni
rbrignoni

@ azizalbaker Wheres the 360 version? Still looks cool though ----------------------------------- Burnout 5 is slated for the PS3 and Xbox 360. :)

masterXCYN
masterXCYN

I keep missing games, why? cus I spent my money on stupid rent and bills. But I'll promise not to miss this, Im gonna save save save mooooney.

Nakk_luffy
Nakk_luffy

Yes! YES! Thank the GODs theres a second one for the psp. The I played the first one till the disk melted. woot!

owen666
owen666

Burnout's back baby! **** YEAH!

azizalbaker
azizalbaker

Wheres the 360 version? Still looks cool though

nhs2008
nhs2008

CRITERION ROCKS! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE PS2 FOR NEXT FEW YEARS

atlessky
atlessky

dont stop making burnout for current-gen console.......we want BURNOUT!!!

azad_champ
azad_champ

WE want more current-gen games!!! Than you,Criterion

f11111
f11111

this is EA GAMES !!

shinrai2
shinrai2

Those screens are on ps2 hardware..i dont see why they wouldnt be. if you wanna play this one, you better find a PSP or a PS2 fast. its not on Crap err i mean xbox because the series began on Playstation2. It looks pretty good.