Last week we brought you word that Criterion was planning on releasing at least four more major updates for Burnout Paradise, with the promise that we’d bring you news on what they were working on just as soon as we heard something. Well today details on the first pack have come trickling out, as well as news of a brand new "ultimate" edition of the game.

What we know so far is that the first batch of DLC will offer a new "Party" mode, which is an offline multiplayer affair. According to the press release, party mode will "allow up to eight friends to ’pass-the-pad’ in dozens of Burnout challenges. For players that already own Burnout Paradise, Burnout Paradise Party will be sold separately as downloadable content."

Did you notice something there? See how the statement says this update will be "sold separately," meaning that Criterion appears to be diverting from their previous practice of free DLC? Interesting indeed. We’ll have to wait and see if that was just a slip or if we’re going to have to pay top dollar to get even more out of Paradise.

In an offer we know is going to cost money, Criterion also revealed Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box, a new retail version of the game including all of the previously released updates and Party mode right on the disc. There has been no word on the price yet, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we hear something.

Both the downloadable Party mode and The Ultimate Box will be available in February. The game is available for Xbox 360 and PS3, as well as the PC.

So what do you think of Criterion’s departure from the norm and decision to start selling content rather than providing it for free? Will you reward their previous generosity and buy this new content in appreciation of what they’ve done, or will you keep walking, leaving them standing on the street corner like beggars? The choice is in your hands.