What do you expect from the update announcements?

Tomorrow sees the first of 4 update packs for Burnout Paradise to be announced over the next 4 weeks over at CriterionGames.com.

What do you think we can expect from the updates? What are you expecting? What do you think Burnout Paradise needs?

I know the racers would like to see some major changes and improvements to racing, but I don't think they are going to get any.

I know crashers would like to see a return to crash junctions, but I don't think this is gonna happen either.

Are we all going to be dissapointed by the updates? hmmm... here is what we know about the updates so far...

The Island is coming in 2009, I don't think this is one of the 4 new packs to be announced, but it is going to be a stunt playground with no invisible walls. Here is what Criterion Games have to say about the Island:

"The island is roughly the size of Downtown Paradise, but features gameplay unlike any other area in the game. We're running with the mantra "if you can see it, you can drive it" to introduce a new level of freedom to Burnout Paradise, and the island also features some big air jumps - the largest on the game."

So, then there will be packs 4 - 7, what will they contain? All we know so far is from the teaser that was briefly on Criterion Games website. The Party Pack, Toys, Car Icons, Big Surf Island, Cops & Robbers and much, much more. What could these teasers mean?

Party Pack - To me this must mean social games, so more online game modes, co-op freeburn challenges, and other great excuses to get online with your friends.

Toys - This one has me a little baffled? Is this even talking about an update pack? Or are they going to release Burnout Toys in all good toy stores? I know a few people over at the official forums want toy Burnout cars, are they going to get their wish? If this is a game pack, maybe it will be toy style cars to race around Paradise City?? I'm still baffled.. maybe this is a red herring.

Car Icons - I don't get this one either, there has been some talk about this being to do with how the cars look on the mini map?? It doesn't give much away and doesn't sound like an exciting addition... maybe another red herring?

Cops & Robbers - OK this I am less baffled by, it's kinda self explanatory, to me this must be a Road Rage or Marked Man style game mode, but with a cops and robbers vibe. I'm not sure it will be different enough from Road Rage or Marked Man to make it an exciting addition to the game.

None of these 4 teasers seem to indicate true GCC, there is nothing that will dramatically change the game, I'm wondering if Criterion's changes will go far enough? Or if they will go too far?? ?? (we know there probably wont be planes coming to the consoles) 

I can't wait til tomorrow to hear the first announcement, I think that will give us a good indication of what to expect for Burnout Paradise in 2009. I am expecting one of the updates to include online racing for bikes.

I just really hope that one of the updates includes the change I really want to see.... A Fog Off Switch!!