Split / Second (Playstation 3)

Taking a page out of Burnouts books, Split Second serves as an arcade type racer that isnt concerned with simulating the aspect of the intricateness of the real life racing experience, but more of speed, daring close calls, explosions, and destruction. The game succeeds in taking this motive and making it last through the 12 or so episodes (features at least 4 different types of races and events in each one).

Similar to their previous game PURE, the game is a gorgeous experience through its many locales. The camera angles used emphasize the action well. For example, whenever an opponent or multiple opponents fall victim to a power play (you can trigger these to slow down opponents, leading them to crash), the camera will occasionally zoom in to their location and show an up close view of the wreckage; when a level 2 power play (usually also results in a course change, in which the track will change), the camera will zoom into that location and even allow the option of an instant replay view from like a camera cam to show the wreckage and devastation. These camera angles and sheer scale of some of the powerplays leads to numerous mouth dropping moments. The games story is told through amazing adrenaline filled sequences that are full of explosions as well. The music played through races is always quite on point for the high adrenaline and is there to pump the player up and make it more suspenseful, truly it all works.

Although there are a limited number of locations through the game, there are many opportunities in races for the use powerplays and shortcuts, the experience can really never get old. The game has opponents with high enough intelligence that they will always keep at the players rear and make each finish a nail-biting one. Enemies utilize shortcuts and powerplays extensively, so even though a player could be 5+ seconds ahead of a car, they are still within distance to be caught in a play and go all the way back to last place. The challenge in getting first place on all tracks is definitely there.

The game has numerous unlockable cars and modes. The player will experience all modes in the story mode and some are able to be played in the offline splitscreen multiplayer and online. Races are capped at 8 players as well.

The game will probably hold most players for the 40 hours if they aim for all the trophys for the game and is definitely worth the $60 buying price. The future of DLC possible is also there as there is a section called Downloadable Content on the games menu. The only con to the game is perhaps that drifting mechanisms, which takes awhile to get used to, but once done it can be used to keep up the speed in racers.

So definitely try this game if you liked Black Rock Studios previous high definition console racer PURE, and also if you are looking for an arcade racer to fill the void in your library of Playstation 3 games.

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Split/Second is a very exhilarating racing game that involves speed, last minute dodging, split second timing, and lots of explosions. The game's attacks can be earned by doing things like drifting, drafting, and jumping to use "power plays" at frequent intervals. The only thing more fun than smashing your enemies into smithereens is dodging their attacks. Drifting can take some getting used to, but does not take away from the rest of the game.

The story mode works a lot like Pure: trying to earn points by winning events. There are a bunch of different modes, which give the game some variety. There is a mode where a timer continues to count down and eliminates the player currently in last place. There is another one where all of the power plays are activated in front of you. In some others a helicopter rains down missles in front of you. There's an alternative mode where you use your power plays to reflect the missles. Lastly, there's a mode where semitrucks spew out explosive barrels, some of which are instant wrecks. After earning enough points you unlock a difficult race to earn the next stage.

There a lot of diverse locations with impressive graphics, as well as a large selection of cars to choose from. There is no customization like in Pure but it is not hard to find the right vehicle for you. The music is fast-paced and will get your adrenaline pumping. Split screen multiplayer is split vertically so one half is on the left and the other on the right.

The trophies are very easy to earn and DLC is on the way. Overall, Split/Second is a hard-core nail biter and a must buy for any racing fans who like a bit of action thrown into a high quality racer. Well worth the price and guaranteed to please, Black Rock Studios has done it again.

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This game is awesome. Very fun and the explosion are great.

Even my 6 year's old is having a blast with it.

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