For some time now, the latest title in Criterion Games and EA's high-octane racing series has had the tentative title of Burnout 5. As Burnout Revenge proved, the developer apparently doesn't like to use numerals in titles anymore, and so it is announcing today the official title for the fifth game in the franchise is Burnout Paradise.

A new trailer and a handful of screenshots accompany the press release, which gives little info other than the official title and that it's scheduled for release this winter on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Turning to the trailer and screens, however, it's apparent that the game has a phenomenal lighting engine with an immense draw distance and busy streets. Burnout Paradise will certainly be the prettiest Burnout we've ever seen, and Criterion promises it'll also be the most brutal.


"We have been working towards Burnout Paradise for quite some time. Next generation consoles have opened up a raft of new gameplay opportunities and the Criterion team has leapt at the chance to innovate and raise the bar to an all new high," said Pete Hawley, executive producer on Burnout Paradise. "There are going to be some big surprises and a lot of new features but the core of the game is still pure Burnout. Instant accessibility will be reinforced by innovative online capabilities which will see Burnout Paradise smash racing conventions.''

We'll have more on Burnout Paradise soon, but for now, head to the video page for the first footage.