Well this was lovely news to wake up to! EA today officially announces a brand new entry in the Burnout series for next generation consoles, called Burnout Paradise, the artist formerly known as Burnout 5. It's the same crashing, smashing, and indeed bashing fun of the Burnout series, transferred into a free-roaming, open world environment. Drive anywhere, crash anything. Sounds absolutely divine. Let that sink in while you take a look at the teaser trailer.

It sounds sort of like the open-endedness you get in games like Need for Speed Carbon, only with the much more explosive action of the Burnout series. You'll have free reign in Paradise City, where the grass is green and Guns and Roses most likely gets some sort of royalties. Can't name the place that without having the theme song to go with it.

The game is due out this Winter. Hit the jump for the first three screens and of course, the obligatory press release. Michael Fahey

GET READY TO BREAK THE RULES - PARADISE IS COMING!
EA INVITES DANGEROUS DRIVERS TO BURNOUT PARADISE THIS WINTER

Guildford, UK - April 30, 2007 - Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the title for the revolutionary new Burnout videogame currently in development for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 videogame system. Players will be able to take their dangerous driving experience to a whole new level when Burnout Paradise is unleashed this winter.

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!

"We have been working towards Burnout Paradise for quite some time. Next generation consoles have opened up a raft of new gameplay opportunities and the Criterion team has leapt at the chance to innovate and raise the bar to an all-new high," said Pete Hawley, Executive Producer, Burnout Paradise. "There are going to be some big surprises and a lot of new features but the core of the game is still pure Burnout. Instant accessibility will be reinforced by innovative on-line capabilities which will see Burnout Paradise smash racing conventions.''

Feel the adrenaline course through your veins as you take to the road for the first time in Paradise City, where the action is all around you. 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.

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