Burnout 3 details emerge

Electronic Arts and UK-based Criterion Games today confirmed that they have entered into a development and publishing partnership for Burnout 3. PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of the arcade racing sequel are currently scheduled for worldwide release in September of this year, although a GameCube version, also rumored to be in development last month, has not been confirmed.

"Burnout is already a hit arcade racing franchise, and we are delighted to be working closely with Criterion to take the series to the next level in order to achieve the level of success that the series has always deserved," said Bruce McMillan, executive vice president, EA Worldwide Studios. "With its action-oriented game design and remarkable production values, we believe that Burnout is a perfect fit for our racing game portfolio."

Burnout 3 promises to be the most action-packed entry in the series to date, rewarding players not only for driving dangerously but also for using their cars as weapons with which to eliminate opponents via slam, shunt, and takedown maneuvers. Street circuits in the game will be set in North America, Europe, and the Far East, each with plenty of opportunities to gain bonuses by racing toward oncoming traffic.

Single-player gameplay modes in Burnout 3 will include both race and crash championships, as well as other options that are not being announced at this time. Single-player races in the game will take place against five opponents rather than three, as in previous Burnout titles, and the new "Hollywood-style" stunt crashes promise to be the most spectacular seen to date.

Exclusive to the PS2 version of Burnout 3 will be online gameplay modes for up to six players. Specific online gameplay modes have not been announced at this time, but we're told that both single races and crash modes will be available.

"Working closely with EA's European Studio on the development of Burnout 3 is exciting for Criterion and the Burnout series. We are thrilled that the game will benefit from EA's development and publishing expertise, which ensures a worldwide audience will be able to enjoy this phenomenal game," said Fiona Sperry, studio head, Criterion Software. "We are confident that through this partnership, this fantastic game will be made even better."

We'll bring you more information on Burnout 3 as soon as it becomes available.