Video Game By Namco.

A sequel to the popular Burnout Video Game which, like its acclaimed predecessor, puts fun right at the top of the agenda, Burnout 2 dispenses with niggling irritants like realism and instead delivers top-class gaming entertainment. So what’s new? Added locations for starters, and the highlights are a twisty road round the Rocky Mountains and an inspired airport-based level. A greater variety of vehicles are available too, and naturally enough you have to balance your need for speed with a vehicle capable of good handling, taking into account the weather and the kind of level you’re racing across.

Yet ultimately, the core of Burnout 2 is still arcade-style racing, and frankly there’s little else that does it better. Burnout 2 is incredibly accessible and an absolute blast to play, whether you’re competing through the suitably enhanced single-player options or hooking up with friends--it’s completely irresistible. Visually, the game looks great and moves very, very quickly. The action too is interspersed with elaborate crashes, and when you do hit something you shouldn’t, at least you’re rewarded with an action replay for your trouble.

Negatives? Genuinely very few. Those who prefer their driving games flavored with a bit more realism are going to be happier with a Gran Turismo game than this, and in spite of some good improvements and additions, there aren’t enormous differences between this and the original, despite the fact that a lot more has been added to it.

These are nothing more than very minor niggles though. Easily one of the most downright enjoyable games of recent times, Burnout 2 is an exemplary piece of gaming entertainment, and a welcome antidote to the growing band of games that just take themselves far too seriously. Treat yourself. You’ll be glad you did. --Simon Brew

• Get behind the wheel of 14 all-new vehicles, as you race in 30 new stages from Miami to the Rockies
• Unlock secret racers like 1950's hot rods, police cars and stock cars as you race in all-new game modes
• Check out the new point-to-point races, and Pursuit races where you ram other cars off the road
• Go to Burnout Driving School, where you'll learn Offensive Driving 101
• The new points-based game play structure challenges to get ahead by getting points -- that means pulling off crazy stunts and jumps. All this plus the realistic crashes that made the first Burnout such a hit!

I just can't say enough about this game. If you liked the first Burnout or are looking for an amazing gaming experience this is the game for you. Awesome visuals a 60fps frame rate and rocking game play will have you in front of your PS2 for hours on end. I just picked this game up today and have been playing for 4 hours straight.

The many modes in Burnout 2 are great. You have the normal Championship mode, Time Attack, Single Race, Pursuit where you play a cop trying to ram the baddies off the road ala Chase HQ, and then the ultimate mode of any game CRASH. In crash mode you strategically crash your car into an onslaught of other cars to cause as much damage as possible.

I have just started playing this game, but can honestly say that it will be in my PS2 for a long time to come. ...reviewer: "A Gamer"