Split Second - Review
Disney Interactive and Black Rock Studio eagerly push forward with their new racing franchise, Split/Second.
Gamers who expect traditional racing events, with typical challenges and circuits might be in for a bit of a surprise. The game adds an impressive touch to the genre of racing games.
There's no story or plot. The whole thing couldn't be any simpler really. Split/Second allows players to participate in a fictional reality TV program where contestants race in flashy cars for cash rewards.
Each event consists of a high-speed chase usually through vast industrial environments such as construction sites, shipyards and such. As you race, you'll get a chance to charge the "powerplay" meter by pulling of a variety of stunts. These stunts are mostly stuff like drafting and drifting, jumping, etc.
Once the meter is charged, all sorts of opportunities are presented to the driver, from creating obstacles for opposing racers to making handy shortcuts for shorter routes towards the finish line. Every contestant has a fair shot at gaining these racing perks, but to nab them depends greatly on one's driving skills.
Split/Second is, at its core, a classic arcade racing game. The best drivers still get the most points for finishing in the top three spots. However, the races themselves provide a unique twist on the traditional racing formula.
Events triggered by gamers can result in massive explosions, huge structures collapsing all over the track and so on. Not only does this create a spectacular atmosphere, but also increases the tension during races, on top of making events a lot more challenging.
This is all very well, but as soon as you've gone through several hours of exciting play time, you begin to understand that there isn't much beyond these mechanics.
It proves to be an enjoyable slice of fast and furious racing through completely chaotic surroundings. However, the nature of the game is somewhat repetitive, so don't expect much replay value once all 'episodes' have been completed. It's really something to get into with friends, until the excitement wears off and you'll want to move on.
Each track looks great, with the environment blowing up around you and with plenty of detail in the background. Car models, although not licensed, are quite nicely detailed and polished, but nothing to worry the likes of Forza.
Apart from a few minor AI issues Split/Second is actually an enjoyable game. The hectic gameplay mechanics lead to some pretty engaging racing moments and things get even more exciting when you jump into online multiplayer in modes such as Elimination and Survival. Sometimes you may escape total wreckage by an inch, whether by skillful driving or out of sheer luck. Either way it can be an immensely fun ride.
7.5 / 10
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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