Metacritic Games

Burnout (Xbox)

A high-energy arcade style racer in which you're rewarded for near-misses and the more risks you take. Civilians steer clear! Over 300 vehicles fill the streets and highways making reckless racing and wild demolition a certainty. [Acclaim]

Acclaim
Racing, Driving, Action
Players: 2
E (Everyone)
Developer: Criterion Games
Released April 30, 2002

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

75 / 100

Critic Reviews

85 GameZone
You will not believe how exciting this game is. Burnout features the kind of on-the-edge-of-your-seat action that made movies like "Speed" a success.
85 GamerWeb Xbox
There will be times when you get so frustrated you'll throw the controller down in frustration, but 5 minutes later you're picking it back because the game is not only challenging, but fun.
80 Electronic Gaming Monthly
Provides the most intense street-racing rush I've ever experienced in a video game. [July 2002, p.124]
80 GamePen
An arcade racer with tight controls and graphics, plays great and a blast to watch.
80 Official Xbox Magazine
A colorful and stylish game that is blisteringly quick – if a bit technically dated. [June 2002, p.76]
80 TotalGames.net
This is a fantastic game and is worth buying, but don’t be surprised when it burns out of replay value a month down the line.
78 Game Informer
While lacking in substance – primarily cars – Burnout excels in delivering edge of your seat racing. [June 2002, p.83]
76 IGN
A dedicated gamer can beat Burnout in a weekend's time, so only purchase it if you're planning on enjoying the well-done two-player mode and unlocking the extra goodies like the extra vehicles.
73 GameSpot
There's enough meat on Burnout's bones to provide an engaging, albeit unoriginal, take on arcade racing.
70 Xbox Nation Magazine
A solid competitor - fast and fun and oddly addictive. [Summer 2002, p.93]
70 GamePro
Comfortable, basic controls make the game widely accessible.
70 Electric Playground
If it's depth you want you'll be disappointed, but if you want to lose yourself in a high-speed car chase or force your buddies into a head-on, this one's for you.
60 Gamer's Pulse
The crashes are a great gimmick, but after the first couple of hours the replays become more of a nuisance than a positive effect.