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Burnout 3 Takedown was one of those titles that proved traditional arcade style games could still blow you away. Racing from check point to checkpoint, taking down your opponents, racking up points and drifting through every turn was simply a blast. Burnout Revenge was the first of the franchise to get the next gen treatment - for the most part it was simply a graphical upgrade.

Today Criterion Games announced their next Burnout title, Burnout Paradise, which should be hitting the PLAYSTATION 3 and XBOX360 this winter. While the press release is relatively vague it does hint at some relatively interesting potential.

Burnout Paradise proves that crashing is awesome! Next generation technology has enabled an unprecedented level of crash deformation allowing you to experience the most explosive pile-ups in the series’ history. Now the development team can realise their original vision for the Burnout franchise: an open world environment where you can do anything, anywhere, anytime!
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Explore the city, discover events, and look for the best opportunities to crash, jump and pull signature takedowns. In Burnout Paradise you’re given the keys to the city, but it’s up to you to earn the keys to the meanest and most dangerous cars on the street, and earn your Burnout licence.

While the Press Release doesn't reveal much what it does say is certainly interesting. Phrases like "open world," "explore the city," and "look for the best opportunities to crash, jump and pull signature takedowns" suggest gameplay features like you'd expect from a sandbox style game. Imagine being able to explore the cities you'll be racing in hunting down all the takedown locations and big jumps.

If done right this could certainly bring the title into the next generation as something more than just another racing game.