Burnout Revenge takes down retail

The cacophony of breaking glass, twisting metal, and screeching tires may be horrifying to some, but to developer Criterion Software, it is the sound of a job well done. The UK-based studio has found its niche by designing digital models of cars and breaking them apart as best it can. Criterion is the digital demolitionist behind the popular Burnout franchise, which has gained acclaim for its over-the-top car wrecks.

Today the latest addition to the franchise has made its way to stores. Burnout Revenge, the follow-up to last year's Burnout 3: Takedown--GameSpot's Xbox Game of 2004--is now available for the Xbox and PlayStation 2. The Electronic Arts-published game is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older and retails for $49.95.

Revenge is sweetened by new takes on Burnout's race, crash, and road rage modes, which see gamers hurtling at top speeds in between (and sometimes into) rush-hour traffic. A new traffic-checking feature lets gamers send cars into oncoming cars like four-wheeled projectiles.

Criterion has been burning out on its racing series, with Burnout Legends for the PSP also shipping this week. Its next project, February 2006's Black, takes the company's appetite for destruction to another medium--first-person shooters.

For more on Burnout Revenge, go head-on with GameSpot's full review.