"Burnout 3" was the most memorable game I played in 2004.
Not since Rockstar's "Midnight Club II" has there been such an amazing sense of rocket-powered speed. In "Burnout 3", you'll be flooring the gas pedal in an attempt to not only outrace your rivals, but smash them into an oblivion. This really is a car combat game as much as it is a racing one. In certain race types, your goal will be to create as much as vehicular destruction as possible. When you do manage to crash (and you will dozens of times), you'll have the option to slow down time and take control of your car's moving direction. This helps take down rival racers or other vehicles which adds to your score.
The graphics are slick, sharp and some of the best I've ever seen on the PS2. The overall look of the game seems to be borrowed from another EA Games classic racing title "Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2". I am glad to say that there is no slowdown whatsoever found in the game. The pop rock soundtrack is amazing despite what most have to say about it. The DJ on the other hand is pretty annoying. In the end, "Burnout 3: Takedown" really ranks up there with the first "Need for Speed Underground" when it comes to fast, great racing. Aside from "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" and "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas", this is the best PS2 game of 2004.