It's not too often that software publishers fly XboxAddict.com out to check out a game after it's been released, never in fact. As they would say..."There's a first ime for everything". Not that this was a bad experience, in fact iwas loads of fun! But, puzzling none the less.

This time around Electronic Arts invited us to go play a couple small tournaments of Burnout Paradise to win some cool unique Burnout swag. But, before we rushed out to the fun, they gave us a tour of the extra large EA facilities. Understand that Redwood City is the EA headquarters, home office, the eagle's nest!

This tour was especially exciting for me, why? I got to see a hallway filled with every single EA has ever made starting from the very first titles such as Archon, Adventure Contruction Set, Hard Hat Mark. These are all titles that got me into gaming, with my Commodore 64. Personally, I think that (in a strange sort of way), it's thanks to companies like EA that have made me the gamer that I am today.

I couldn't help thinking while stairing at this wall..."Imagine that game coming to Xbox Live Arcade...?!?!"

Next we were shown the EA Sports Gymnasium, this was really cool, because you can tell that EA wants its empoyees (At least some of them) to stay in shape. More work! Whip!

With all this "Show and Tell", I really didn't want to loose sight on the reason why I was really there. I knew I was there to play Burnout, but why was I really there? Again, please keep in mind that Burnout has been out for over a month or so at this point. From what I could tell this was just a simple "Thank you for playing our game" day. Nothing more. I suppose it was EA's way of being grateful. Maybe they are starting to believe in carma, who knows.

Before we headed to our uber cool gaming session, they showed us Army of Two. We got to play this bad boy for about 30 minutes, you guy's should keeps your eyes out for this one. Lots of fun!

Shortly after the tour we all gathered for a special tounament where we all tried to join the millionaire's club in flybird mode. It was official, as far as my Burnout skills were conserned....I sucked.

Then we grouped up into 2 teams of six, to play the online challenges mode. Lot s of fun. But, once again, we lost. Oh well, it was lots of fun!

As far as the future of Burnout, nothing was said. There was no discussion about Xbox Live downloadable content of any sorts. So kids, "Don't call us, we'll call you".

In any case, then next we were flown back home to enjoy game in the comfort of our homes.

Thanks, EA for the great trip, and thanks Andrew for the killer stories!