“Burnout: Dominator” not only encourages illegal racing tactics, it runs on them.

By careening into competing racers, driving in the wrong lane and weaving through oncoming traffic, players charge a boost meter that they can use to propel their cars ahead of the pack.

With the right sensitivity to the racing controls, players can continually recharge their boost meter with daredevil driving while hurdling forward in a “burnout.” When players vroom-vroom into the horizon on hyperspeed, other cars and sharp turns hit the screen at a split-second velocity.

Like most racing games, there is scarcely a plot to string together the hyperspeed action. But “Burnout's” boost system compensates by adding unique strategy to the gameplay. Driving dangerously enough to replenish it at such high speeds is no stroll. “Burnout” also emphasizes each element of the gameplay in a wide selection of race styles, such as time attack and destruction derby.

Should players crash into an oncoming car or an obstacle on the raceway, they can activate a time-slowing device with which they can maneuver their car to continue driving straight ahead. Or crashing players can release an explosive charge to halt competitors.

Players can adapt to the racing mechanics within minutes of picking up a controller. The physics of maneuvers like the “drift” - brought to popular attention this past summer in a “Fast and the Furious” sequel - are not too confounding, and they can be mastered by spending more time in the driver's seat.

The racing soundtrack is comprised of contemporary pop, punk and metal songs that pulse with higher beats-per-minute counts than the car's top speeds.

Graphically, “Burnout: Dominator” whisks racers through lush worldly environments with grassy, icy, rocky and muddy terrains. The scenery flies by, but the framerate holds up for a visceral and fluid 200-mph experience.

With split-screen multiplayer possibilities, “Burnout: Dominator” invites many hours of replay. The cutthroat racing will not fail to rouse players - or strain their eyes - and the slick presentation will sustain the remainder of their attention. Running other cars off the road has rarely been so exciting - or rewarding.

Staff writer David Wilcox reviews video games for The Citizen. He can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net

“Burnout: Dominator”

Score: B+

Parental rating: E for everyone

Manufacturer: Electronic Arts

Platform: PlayStation 2, PSP

Retail price: $39.99

Features: 1-4 players

Life span: N/A

The final boss: Unlike most other racers, crashing and smashing is crucial to finding the winner's circle in “Burnout: Dominator,” which accelerates the fun with fluid graphics and a high-speed soundtrack