Described as a complete reinvention of the series by Alex Ward from Criterion Games, Burnout Paradise boasts next-generation technology that specializes in creating explosive crashes, and multi-car pile-ups. Gamers cruise into Paradise City after getting a driving license that records all aggressive, reckless, and destructive driving a player will do during their time with the game. There are no rules and gamers may drive as they wish. However, having too much fun can trigger a rivalry with the cities current top burners. The environment itself is a seamless, non-loading landscape full of alleys, highways, city streets, pedestrians, and other drivers.

Burnout Paradise makes its PC debut in The Ultimate Box, which includes all of the downloadable content previously made available for the game's console iterations, and a new "Party Pack" designed to encourage "hot seat"-style multiplayer gaming.