"Burnout Revenge" is an astounding racer.
However, "Revenge" doesn't carry the surprise element that "Takedown" had. Part of that game's impact was that none of us saw it coming. There was extensive coverage prior to its release due to the new publisher EA Games, but nothing could prepare gamers for the real deal. Who could ever forget seeing it in motion for the first time?! It was ground-breaking.
"Revenge" doesn't break new ground, it just refines everything. The biggest new addition is Traffic Checking, in which you play bumper cars with small to mid-sized vehicles traveling in your same direction. It's an awesome feeling when use them as weapons to destroy your racing rivals who are either in front of or behind you. You can now also take out opponents by crashing down on top of them with the Vertical Takedowns.
The tracks are superbly designed with all sorts of surprises. Numerous alternate routes, shortcuts and jumps are now a part of the game. In certain races, after you smash your ride, you can use the Crashbreaker from Crash Mode to take out rivals as they pass by. Speaking of Crash Mode, it's been revamped. It is much more challenging this time out. There are no more icons to speak of. Also, you start out by having to hit the right gear in order to gain speed. The cool thing is that you can now have more than one opportunity to use the Crashbreaker. The more vehicles you destroy, the more of a chance you have of using it again.
Like before, there are a number of optional challenges in each area that can be mastered in order to unlock extra vehicles. Also, special trophies and photos are awarded for gold medals and special takedowns. Visually, the game has the same sharp look of "Takedown" and the sound effects are simply spectacular. In the end, "Burnout Revenge" may not surprise like the way "Burnout 3: Takedown" did, but aside from that it is its equal in every way!