The arcade racer is something we all grew up with. It is a game that is not necessarily concerned with realism. Instead, it frees up the controls, focuses on having fun, and lets your friends join in. Disney’s Split Second, developed by Black Rock Studios, brings this genre back to your living room with a bang. Split Second not only revives the spirit of the arcade racer but also adds many new elements that are sure to delight any racing fan.
Split Second revolves around a television show that is a cross between fast cars and Iron Chef. Each contestant must survive a series of challenges and compete against a team of elite drivers for a chance to appear in the next episode. This episodic structure establishes clear goals while slowly introducing new and explosively dangerous tracks. “Power plays” are maneuvers or stunts awarded by the show’s host that help the drivers score points but also help boost the show’s ratings.
Admittedly, the premise of Split Second is pretty thin, but it does give a reason for some amazing set-piece moments, like exploding bridges toppling onto the track, planes crashing into a stream of speeding cars, and nuclear silos toppling like towers of Jenga. It also gives a unique presentation to the whole package, with an intro movie to each new episode, which gives reason to continue along with a sense of accomplishment.
With all the talk of the single-player, it is important to remember that this is a multiplayer game first and foremost. Racing with friends is fast and intense. You will find yourself blinking to avoid the next hazard that can come from any direction. In a game with so many opportunities to take the lead and lose it to someone else, there is always a chance it could happen to you.
With a nice selection of modes, including Race, Elimination, to Survival, with a truck that drops explosive barrels as you and your friend race around them. Another “Survival” mode has players racing around a track while an attack helicopter shoots missiles at the player. As the Power Play gauge increases, you can then use it to hit back at the helicopter, eventually destroying it.
“Split Second not only revives the spirit of the arcade racer, but also adds many new elements that are sure to delight any racing fan.”
The graphics are stunning, and the frame rate is silky smooth. Even with a large number of drivers and explosions, there is rarely a hiccup in the frame rate. The track detail is stunning, from the way tractors move when an event is triggered to the way buildings interact with the landscape when they come crashing down. The game’s HUD only displays what is necessary. There is no speedometer or gauges or even a map, but what you are provided with is all you need to take on the competition. Overall, the visuals are well-polished and appropriate to the experience, and they promise to keep you immersed throughout the game.
The sound design in Split Second fits the action movie aesthetic; large explosions, revving cars and the sound of crumbling buildings come through the speakers with clarity and impact. The soundtrack also fits the feel of the race very well, with tunes that could have been ripped from the biggest blockbusters of the summer. These anthems do get tiring after a while, but this is a minor complaint to an otherwise fantastic soundtrack.
Track selection is one area that could be improved. Each track has a number of events that can be triggered and a few big events that change the layout of the track. With the selection of tracks, there are, and since some are variations on the same track, some of the races will feel repetitive, especially if you do them in a long session. That said, the number of tracks is enough for a good burst of fun. There should be plenty of variety as each track comes with multiple routes and shortcuts.
The car selection in the game is good. If you have ever played any of the Burnout series of games, the way the cars are unlocked and the look they have is very similar. As the game progresses and you earn points, new cars are unlocked for use. Each car has a specialty, be it strength drifting or overall performance. All cars are concept cars and not licensed, but many have a strikingly realistic look. The only problem with this system is that with each new car you get, the opponents seem to match your car style. Because of this, it is hard to notice the real progression with car skills.
The computer-controlled AI is good and gives a solid sense of challenge that adapts to your play, not to mention the ability to take revenge on fellow drivers. This challenge can be tough at times, especially for new players to arcade racing games, but with a little practice, the challenge is not insurmountable.
All in all, Split Second is a game that brings the arcade racer back to the living room. It has solid gameplay and a stunning visual style. With a great online community, this will be a game that people will be playing for a while to come, and with the ability for split screen, late-night game parties may make a comeback. This is a game any fan of the genre should pick up, you will not be disappointed.
