We have many thousands of people who join our community each week and we thought we would be most helpful fellows and republish some of the useful articles for those first time players.
The Noob's Guide to Barrel Rolls"When you've just finished a monster Stunt-Run combo session in the Quarry, and your multiplier is in the high 30s, there's nothing quite like the feeling of catching a weapons grade Barrel Roll off the Dam."
That was the wise words of Stunt-Run expert Sarge Sullivan, showing me how to Barrel Roll like a pro. "It's not risky, Soldier. Just as long as you know what you are doing."
Therein lies the rub. I'm The Noob and I have NO idea what I am doing.
I'm petrified of split ramps. There. I've said it. My psychologist always told me that the first step on the road to recovery was to voice my fear and the simple truth is that when I think of Barrel Rolls, I freeze up and start sweating. It makes me think of the first time I had to meet the ground staff on Christmas Morning or when I received the Red Ring of Death. Chilling.
So in an effort to conquer my fear, I've paid a visit to Sarge Sullivan's Stunt Run Surgery to see if there is help for me yet. And it only cost me a bargain 5 million notes.
"Listen up, Private. You just need to take it easy. Anyone can learn to Barrel Roll their car - even a Noob like yourself. Let me break it down for you."
Step One - Choose the Right Weapon
The Sarge reckons that the right car can make all the difference. For an absolute beginner like me, he suggests the Watson R-Turbo Roadster (available after 16 wins). Apparently this car enjoys excellent rotation and is very stable.
He also cautions that some cars just aren't cut out for Barrel Rolls. That explains my repeated failure in the Krieger Pioneer.
Step Two - The Approach
"Too much speed makes it really hard to line your car up correctly and will frequently end in disaster. The Sarge is the master of disaster but that is a story for another day." The Sarge is quick to point out that one mistake many Noobs make is to assume they need a huge run up.
"Observe, Soldier." He shows me his car lined up facing a split ramp. His car is stationary. I watched him accelerate from a standstill without boost and still complete a perfect Barrel Roll.
"Notice how close you can start your run-up from? From that kind of distance, it is much easier to line up on the ramp. Remember that and you will do just fine."
Step Three - Hitting the RampFor the perfect clockwise Barrel Roll, the Sarge shows me that you should try to hit the hatched line with your left wheels.
He does note that it doesn't matter if you are not exactly dead on. The more speed you have, the faster you will spin.
Step Four - In-Air ControlApparently, when the Burnout Team released Ultimate, they fitted a gyroscopic device in every car.
"What this cool gadget does is it automatically levels out your car after one rotation. But if you want to do multiple barrel rolls, you can over-ride it! Keep holding in the direction you are spinning to keep the rotation going. See how many Barrel Rolls you can do!"
No thanks, Sarge. I'll stick to just the one, if you don't mind.
Step Five - Land ItNow for the easy bit. Providing your wheels are level with the ground and the landing spot is clear, you should be able to drive away. Congratulations. You have just completed one of the coolest moves in Paradise.
So that's it. With the Sarge's barking voice still ringing in my ears, I'm off to practice in my private airfield. Tell me how you get on by writing to Lord Noob at mailbag@criteriongames.com
