Burnout 2: Point of Impact

Summary

The beginning of the game is a driver’s training, which shows players how to drive and play the game. Then, the game offers a large selection of fast-paced races, chases, and crash courses. Players learn how to boost, which is the turbo charge shown on the lower left side of the screen with a meter. Players also learn how to manage burnouts, which is when you lose all turbo power. This training prepares players to play the game. The purpose of the game is to drive as fast and as recklessly as possible. Players then play a series of courses before engaging in a head-to-head race against a car. Then, a chase session begins. Points are accumulated by how many things players collide with.

Critical Evaluation

The game’s special effects and graphics are excellent. The variety of scenes and courses is wide and interesting. However, players complain that while some races offer exciting episodes of drifts and close-car traffic jams, the game lacks opportunities for jump and crash sequences. Players are allowed to customize their car’s color, but the ability to custom tune and modify car parts is lacking, and as a result, many of the cars’ driving performance are alike. Sound effects, such as changing gears, hitting turbo, and crashing, are realistic. The background music parallels the intensity of the driving. There are many ways the game could be improved, but for players seeking the thrill of driving fast and crashing cars, Burnout 2 is an entertaining game to play.

 

Burnout 2 is available at many libraries for play or checkout.

 

Genre

Video Game

Action

Why did I include this title?

I found an article about the New York Public Library (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/22/books/22games.html), and how this game was being played in the lobby on Friday afternoons. What?! The NYPL? With the lions in the front? Yes. And it has received positive attention. It is a positive way to get young adult patrons into the library and to see the library making an attempt to reach them.