A week ago, I took the plunge and decided to download the demo for Burnout Paradise on the PC.  As most are aware, the demo is actually a full copy of the game, that allows you to play for a set amount of time before you have to purchase the game.

The first thing that Critereon has to be commended for is making this the exact same experience that console gamers got a year ago.  Burnout Paradise plays and feels just like the console version, but with the graphics ante pumped up a bit.  Now PC gamers get Burnout Paradise, on high, crisp resolutions, and other nifty features like anti-alaising and HDR lighting to name a few. 

Getting into the demo is simple enough, as you install it, setup a login for the Critereon servers and you are into the game.  Playing with a keyboard is a non-starter, as the controls are sluggish and lack any sort of response that would help you win a race.  It is gamepad or bust.  Burnout Paradise did recognize both my 360 Wireless pad, as well as my Logitech Wireless Rumblepad.

During my run through the demo, I tried out the first few bikes and cars that you can drive in the game, and all handled and looked fantastic.  Online play was as fluid and smooth as it was in the console versions, with two clicks of the d-pad getting you into a game.  Online challenges are there, and there is full support for your webcam if you have one available.

The biggest issue that Burnout Paradise has on the PC, is that it is a carbon copy clone of the console versions of the game.  Already owning Burnout Paradise on 360 is really making me look at the $40 price tag as a huge stumbling point.  Do I really want to buy the same, identical game again at $40.  Maybe when it comes down $10 I can go for it.  Also, the nag screen in the demo comes on at the worst times possible, like during the stretch points of a race, so be ready for that.  Final point of note is that if you want a digital copy, you will have to go through the EA Store.  No Steam copy has been mentioned or has shown up on Steam as of yet.  Come on EA, get with the program like you did with your other titles.

The video is not the best, but it is due to Burnout Paradise using a lot of my video resources, as the game will take advantage of whatever hardware is in your system.  But it gives you a general idea of how close the gameplay is to the console versions.  Also, I really liked my badass barrel roll off of one of the ramps.