This bundle, released in 2009, combines the acclaimed Burnout Paradise with substantial additional content, offering a comprehensive arcade racing experience. It features a vast open-world city ripe for exploration and high-speed competition across various racing disciplines. The core appeal lies in its emphasis on aggressive driving, spectacular crashes, and a sense of unbridled freedom. Players can expect a vibrant urban environment filled with opportunities for speed and destruction.

What is included in this bundle?

Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box is a complete package that includes the original Burnout Paradise game along with significant downloadable content, making it a definitive edition. This bundle notably adds motorcycles to the roster of drivable vehicles, expanding the gameplay possibilities and introducing new racing dynamics. It also incorporates a variety of new online modes and challenges, designed to extend the game's longevity and competitive appeal. For PC players, this edition was specifically highlighted for its enhanced visual fidelity and robust online multiplayer for up to eight participants.

Core Gameplay and Unique Features

The central gameplay loop revolves around high-speed, arcade-style racing within the sprawling, traffic-filled metropolis of Paradise City. Unlike more simulation-focused racers, this title prioritizes exhilarating speed, daring maneuvers, and the sheer spectacle of vehicular destruction. Key mechanics include:

Boost System: Players build up a boost meter by performing risky driving actions like near misses, driving on the wrong side of the road, and executing stunts. This boost can then be unleashed for bursts of incredible speed.
Takedowns: Aggressive driving is rewarded. Players can force opponents off the road through collisions, earning points and contributing to their boost.
Stunts: Jumps, drifts, and other aerial maneuvers are integral to the experience, not only for building boost but also for completing objectives and achieving high scores.
Open World Exploration: Paradise City is a sandbox environment where players can freely roam, discover shortcuts, and initiate races or challenges on the fly. The city itself is a character, filled with dynamic traffic and environmental hazards.
Crash Breakers: Upon crashing, players can often trigger a slow-motion "Crashbreaker" event, allowing for a final, spectacular burst of speed or a devastating final impact.

The inclusion of motorcycles introduces a new layer of gameplay, requiring different handling and strategic approaches compared to cars. The online component is a significant draw, offering competitive races, cooperative challenges, and various game modes that leverage the open-world environment.

Content and Value Proposition

Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box represents a comprehensive offering for fans of arcade racing. By bundling the base game with all previously released downloadable content, it provides a complete experience without the need for separate purchases of expansions or add-ons. This means players get access to the full suite of vehicles, game modes, and challenges right from the start. The value proposition lies in the sheer volume of content and the polished, high-octane racing that the Burnout series is known for, all presented in a single, accessible package.

What makes this game unique?

The game's unique appeal stems from its unwavering commitment to speed, destruction, and freedom within an open-world setting. It eschews realistic physics for pure, unadulterated fun and spectacle. The seamless integration of online play with the single-player experience, allowing players to drop in and out of activities, was also a notable feature for its time. The dynamic nature of Paradise City, with its constant traffic and hidden routes, ensures that exploration remains engaging.

Release Information

Type: Bundle
Release Year: 2009
Platforms: Xbox 360, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3

Additional Content

This bundle includes all previously released downloadable content for Burnout Paradise. There are no further expansions or DLCs available for this specific bundle, making it a complete collection of the game's content as of its release.