Why is Burnout Paradise unique? It's a racing game that took a different angle on the open world formula by adding collectibles. Yes, something usually only found in platformers! But it effectively supercharges the experience by making exploration rewarding. There are fences & billboards to break and huge jumps to take, with each adding to a counter that has you eager to find the next one!
Sure, I want to free roam at blistering speeds. But I want there to be a purpose for what I'm doing!
Another compelling innovation is that you have to find your own way during races. It isn't a closed track like most games offer. You need to be paying attention the entire time to make sure you're going toward the finish line.
The only reason this isn't 10/10 is because "Showtime" is a pathetically inferior version of crash mode from previous entries.
