As said before, I don’t really see the point in this game being released on Xbox Live, but for some reason Burnout 3 is now up for download as an “Xbox Original” for 1200 MS Points ($15). There are a few reasons why this great title shouldn’t see a single purchase from any informed Xbox 360 owner.

1. Used copies of the game are only $10 at Gamestop, and the disk is better then the emulated version.
2. Burnout: Paradise comes out in a few weeks.

Something tells me that Microsoft doesn’t really understand what Nintendo is doing with the Virtual Console. Playing Mario Galaxy might make a player nostalgic and want to go back and play Super Mario Brothers 3 – I don’t think the same goes for racing titles. 

As a side note, I have always said that Burnout 3 was the proving point for Electronic Arts not being the evil corporation everyone claims they are. After the luke-warm reception to Burnout 2, developer Criterion was bought by EA. Gamers across the Internet crowed about how they had “sold out.”

Before too long, Burnout 3: Takedown was released and brought the game to its highest point thus far. The purchase by EA did nothing ill, but gave the developers more money to work with. I don't mean to sound like a flag waving EA fan, but I don't know if it would have been possible without their cash backing Criteron. 

If you are interested in buying the game and don’t feel like owning the disk or driving a few blocks, here is the information straight from Major Nelson. For everyone else, Burnout Paradise launches on 1/22/08 - just over a week from today.

Content: Burnout 3: Takedown
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: [ESRB: T (TEEN) MILD LANGUAGE, MILD VIOLENCE] Players: 1-4, Multiplayer Versus, Xbox LIVE Multiplayer. GAME-PLAY ALERT: This game has been fully tested to successfully play on your Xbox 360 console. However, in some cases, you may see some minor irregularities with audio/video for brief periods. For more details, see www.xbox.com/xboxoriginals. Burnout® 3: Takedown™ rewrites the rules of the road. Arcade racing is now driven by a new mantra: Aggressive Racing Required. Racing gamers and adrenaline junkies are invited behind the wheel to experience unprecedented speed and action. Use your car to battle your way to the front of the pack. Take down rivals and trigger spectacular crashes. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
Size: 2.32 GB