Nothing’s Safe Anymore, Criterion to Add Motorcycles and Nighttime to Burnout Paradise

Why use four wheels when you can accomplish just as much using only two? It seems Criterion plans to beg this question with their August “Davis” update for Burnout Paradise. Yep, motorcycles are hitting the streets of Paradise City.

Along with answering the ancient question of why Burnout cars don’t have drivers (they were all remote controlling their cars from atop their motorcycles, duh), Criterion is going to give budding bikers their very own playgrounds. “Bikes will feature their own game modes, challenges and even some new locations tailored to fit their unique performance and handing characteristics,” reads the press release.

Continuing with the apparent theme of answering Burnout mysteries the gaming populace has taken for granted, Criterion’s also giving us a glimpse at Paradise City after hours. Why did night never fall in Paradise City before? I really don’t know, although I suppose the city could be located in Alaska. Anyway, when the sun sinks below the horizon, drivers exit the streets, giving novice players a chance to roam the city without fear of being broad-sided by random vehicles.

Other than that, however, Criterion said little — leaving room for rampant speculation. For instance, how will motorcycle crashes work? Will the rider go Flatout on us and rag-doll into comical shapes and poses, or will crashes be a tad more subdued? And what about vehicle interaction? Will cars and bikes be able to race one another?

Questions aside, Criterion looks to live up to their promise of transforming Paradise City through downloadable content. Very nice, guys — keep it up.