Quite a few things I dont like with this new Burnout although the whole series isnt a racing game that is my all time fave but this new one seems to be very different to the previous versions.

I guess its now the complete marmite type of game - you either like it or dont.

I am trying to like it but its hard.

Same here - big fan of the series in general, though I would say it peaked with Burnout 3. This new game with this fangled open-world nonsense is a massive mistake. It just doesn't suit the gameplay. And I miss the crash junctions in a big way.

Wow, I played the demo and liked it, I might go out and get it... I was at first worried about server issues (EA ftl) but since it seems pretty popular they might do a good job.

Don't worry about all the "worried comments" above. This game perfectly suits the open world concept. The only real valid complaint I have heard is that you can't restart a race from the beginning if you don't win (ie you have to travel all the way back to the start). I agree with this to an extent, but the fact is there is always something else to do nearby so is not a major issue. I also agree that the crash junction omission is a shame, but showtime is still fun.
I think people that don't like this game can not get used to there being no flashing arrows telling them which way to go. The fact is that due to the open endedness, this game allows multiple routes to a destination (the finish line is always one of the eight spots on the compass) and there are hundreds of short cuts. Try this in multiplayer - awesome.
Anyone not sure about this - I encourage you to step out of your usual racer comfort zone and experience this game it really is awesome. And no I dont work for EA/Criterion.

@ scottmpamp

I don't deny it's fundamentally a good game, but don't dismiss our concerns outright. I totally grasp the argument for open-world gaming, but I don't agree that it suits the Burnout play mechanic. In fact, I think it's in stark contrast. Multiple routes aren't a good thing simply by default - they're a design decision, and I think it was a mistake to bring it to Burnout. The most common criticism is about the inability to restart missions - and it's a valid one. It's a pain in the ****. I really do think Criterion have blundered on this one. Fair enough if you disagree - but I really do feel disappointed.

@ KingPenguin

That is fine - and I don't mean to outrightly dismiss opinions, because the fact is we all have a right to have an opinion.
However, curious how multiple routes is a bad design decision and is in contrast to the Burnout play mechanic ? I think introducing such a chaotic element to the game enhances the Burnout experience - Burnout has always been about getting to the finish line by any means necessary (ie driving on wrong side of road etc) and making such a choice as multiple routes and shortcuts etc only adds to this. It takes a bit of getting used to, but improves the games once you get over this initial difference compared to prior games.
Anyways - enjoy it if you will, or hate if you want.

I believe Paradise Burnout's open ended approach is perfect for a "street" racer. The whole idea of arrows to tell the player where to go was always silly. To have the choice of getting to a finish line by any ways is great. Some who lament taking a wrong turn is bad then stick to a "track" based racer so you can't get lost. I like this new realism in the series. Though I would have like to see various pedestrians wandering the city (more targets to hit) plus changing weather and time of day (ie night) events.