PSP World

Burnout Legends

While it was released around the same time as the new console game Burnout Revenge, Burnout Legends is not a port. It is a mix of elements from the first three Burnout titles, with a few PSP-specific modes and unlockables added. The series is known for its fast-paced, reckless driving style and its sensation of speed — all of which are intact in this installment.

Graphically, the game really pushes the PSP to its limits. The sensation of speed and the particle effects during crashes are really impressive, and keep the title feeling much like its predecessors. The only small gripe we had with the graphics was the distance from which you can make out on-coming traffic and the occasional slowdown when the game’s soundtrack changes songs. Speaking of audio, the sound effects and soundtrack are both excellent — from the noise you hear when speeding past traffic to the mayhem of tremendous crashes.

Gameplay consists mainly of the world tour mode, which mixes together different types of challenges such as road rage races, faceoffs, burning laps, and pursuit — a mode from Burnout 2 that puts you in a cop car and lets you chase and takedown an enemy car. As the game progresses, you get faster and faster rides. The controls on the game are absolutely spot-on, which is an absolute must when dealing with this frantically-paced a racer.

Wireless multiplayer is also included, although only via ad-hoc mode. Five different modes are available in multiplayer, and game sharing is also supported. It is important to note that each copy of Burnout Legends only features one fifth the total cars you can own — to get the others you must find other Burnout owners and play them to win their cars, which makes the ad-hoc fun that much more intriguing.

Overall, Burnout Legends is an excellent game, fusing together all of the best parts from the series’ first three games. Although infrastructure multiplayer would have been a welcome addition — as would have a little better crash mode — the game is still the best racer to come to the PSP yet. Highly Recommended.

Review Round-Up

IGN: 8.5
“…Burnout Legends is the perfect remedy for those who want to do a little burning while on the road.”

GameSpot: 9.0
“…Burnout Legends is the best racer the PSP has to offer, and any PSP owner should definitely check it out.”

GamePro: 9.0
“Criterion pumps max performance out of the PSP and succeeds in delivering every last ounce of console chaos from the Burnout series in a handheld package. ”

1UP: 9.5
“Burnout Legends is certainly the best racing game on PSP, and let’s face it, it’s up against plenty of competition.”

Aggregate Rating: 9.1