It might look like Burnout, and even play like Burnout. But, Burnout it ain't. Head On lacks the refinement, speed and fun of Criterion's critically acclaimed franchise. Instead of solidifying its core gameplay, Head On relies on gimmicky mini-games that offer a thin veil to distract the game's ultimate shortcomings.

At first, we were impressed by the trailers released for the title. However, we're sad to admit that Head On falls short of the visual fidelity found in its initial videos. Textures and environments are muddy, but even worse: the framerate suffers quite a bit through the experience. For a racing game, this is rather unacceptable. The questionable physics and grip of the cars does little but detract from a game that touts its destructible environments.

Eurogamer has learned that a demo version of FlatOut: Head On will be released on February 22nd. The racing game takes clear inspiration from the Burnout series, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The demo will consist of three levels from the Carnage mode - one Race, one Destruction Derby and one Ragdoll Stunt.

The full game features around 40 different cars, nine gameplay modes, and four-player multiplayer. We can't wait to give the game a test drive.

[Thanks, Joe!]

FlatOut: Head On may have missed its original January release date, but it still looks good. IGN has a few new videos that showcase the beautiful graphics of the upcoming racer. Yes, it might look a lot like Burnout, but that's never a bad thing. We're pretty psyched for it, and can't wait to see it in PSP's incredible March line-up.

Originally scheduled for a January release, this upcoming PSP racer features some stunning graphics and high velocity racing gameplay. We were psyched for this release, but when it mysteriously didn't show up on its release date, we wer bummed.

Empire Interactive announced today the title will be making a March release. In America, you'll see it on March 11th. In Europe, you'll see in on March 14th. Stay tuned for more.

Wait, this is a PSP game? That question crosses the mind when looking at this brand new gameplay video. The quality looks akin to a console Burnout game, and the emphasis on bodies flying out of crashed vehicles certainly gives it a more ... visceral feel. Color us surprised.

Here are the first images of Empire Interactive's upcoming FlatOut: Head On. The racer seems to draw some heavy inspiration from EA's prized Burnout franchise -- but is that such a bad thing? It's been a while since we've seen a high octane racer on the system, so maybe this will help satiate the thirst of racing fans. Maybe.

Firing Squad is reporting that Warner Bros. Interactive will be bringing the driver injuring Flatout to PSP. Flatout Head On will not be developed by series regular Bugbear Interactive, but instead Six by Nine will be doing the honors. The previous Flatout games were somewhat Burnout clones, but with an emphasis on dirt road racing, and driver hurling mini-games (not unlike Sony's Pain). This fall we'll find out if Flatout Head On can compete with the PSP racing pack.

[Thanks, Joe!]

The Wipeout series is known for its incredible techno-heavy soundtrack, and Pulse doesn't look to disappoint. The upcoming racer will have yet another licensed soundtrack, which CVG has unearthed:

• Flat Out by Dopamine
  
• Chemical by MoveYa! & Steve Lavers
  
• Tokyo by Stanton Warriors
  
• Break ya self - Wipeout mix by B Phreak & Groove Allegiance
  
• Slingshot - Wipeout mix by Rennie Pilgrem & BLIM
  
• X-Project (100% Pure mix) by DJ Fresh
  
• Frontline by EdRush, Optical & Matrix
  
• Seven Stitches by Noisia
  
• Smart Systems by MIST
  
• Exceeder - special mix by Mason
  
• Steady Rush by Booka Shade
  
• Fenix Funk 5 [wipeout edit] by Aphex Twin
  
• Aero Dynamik by Kraftwerk
  
• Suspicious Thoughts by Skream
  
• Sea of Sound - Wipeout mix by Guy Gerber & Shlomi Aber
  
• City Lights (Martin Buttich remix) PSP Cut by Loco Dice

Of course, if this doesn't suit your tastes, you have customizable soundtracks as well. With customizable ships, infrastructure multiplayer, and significant gameplay improvements, Pulse sounds like it will almost certainly be a winner. We can't wait to find out more.

Every month, Sony offers an EXE file they call the "Content Pack" which contains a variety of files, like videos, music and wallpapers for your PSP. This month is no different. This pack arrives late as usual (so I guess mid-month is the new time for these things), this month's content pack features an explosive FlatOut 2 (PS2) trailer. In addition, you'll get some really hot Gangs of London wallpapers (pictured), Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters wallpapers, and the World Tour Soccer 2 demo. But, be warned: the media on this month's pack is formatted for PSP users that have 2.80 firmware or above.