Burnout 3: Takedown review

Burnout 3: Takedown is the arcade answer to Gran Turismo 4, and the closest call at the top of this list. EA's shipping announcement from September 2004 describes more than 40 tracks spanning three continents, over 70 cars and 100 unique crash junctions, along with crash technology that lets you keep steering your wreck to take out rivals. That takedown system is the reason to buy it: races reward you for shoving opponents into traffic rather than for clean lines. The same release lists seven online modes for up to six players, though PS2 online play needed a Network Adaptor and a memory card, so treat it as a solo game today. Criterion Games developed it, the ESRB rated it Teen, and the soundtrack has more than 40 songs. A used disc costs $25.99 at DKOldies. It has no tuning or open city, so pick Most Wanted if you want free roaming.

Who it is for

Arcade racing fans who want speed and crashes over realism

Price

Used PS2 disc from $25.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $25.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• More than 40 tracks across three continents
• Over 70 cars to race
• 100 crash junctions built for the crash mode
• Takedowns that turn your car into a weapon, with control after you crash
• Soundtrack of more than 40 songs with radio-style commentary from KROQ's DJ Stryker

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Named Best Racing Game of E3 2004 by the Game Critics Awards, per EA's release
• Strength: Instant pick-up-and-play handling with no tuning menus
• Strength: $25.99 used, the cheapest disc in the top five apart from Gran Turismo 3
• Weakness: EA's launch notes say PS2 online play needed a Network Adaptor and a memory card
• Weakness: No car customization or open world
• Weakness: DKOldies lists the disc as one player, so plan around solo play

Key facts

• Developer: Criterion Games
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• ESRB: Teen
• Cars: Over 70
• Tracks: More than 40

Where it ranks

Burnout 3: Takedown is No. 2 in our Best PS2 Racing Games verdict.