TristanH12 reviewed Split/Second for the PlayStation 3...

...and gave it a 8.5.

Split/Second is the second HD release by the recently acquired Black Rock Studio by Disney. Disney really only shines at the screen before the title and during the credits but after that its pure Black Rock Studios. This is one Disney game that wont be forgotten soon.

Split/Second is a racer that I found to be enjoyable and challenging though once mastered became a delightful experience. During the 12 episodes and 6 different types of race events in each one, players will take part in a variety of modes. Each one has its highlights, from the normal race type, to the time trial Detonator mode, to the survival, each one is exciting. There are additional modes such as Air Strike in which the player must drive to avoid the missiles being fired at it and Air Revenge which takes that but now allows the user to retaliate.

The game doesnt feature boosting like other arcade type racers but rather allows the use of powerplays, or detonators triggering explosions in a variety of areas or shortcuts, to be activated. These are the main gameplay mechanic of the game and work well be it causing ultimate wreckage by breaking a dam or causing the course layout to change. Each are enacted by the computer players and can also cause the player to wreck themselves. These power plays work well online and cause ultimate havoc and breakneck wins: time a powerplay right and one can even go from last to first place in an instant.

The game took me about 25 hours to beat, that is to get 1st place on every single event and bonus event (which unlocks cars) and an additional 15 or so hours to get every single remaining trophy in the game. Ultimately I finished everything in about 40 hours. The game could have some staying power as the online on the PSN at least was pretty active, never had to wait even five minutes for a match for the days I played. Unfortunately the real question would be if it would last for getting a rank of 1 online can really be done in about six hours tops with all cars unlocked and continuous play. Its a pity the game doesnt offer medals and such, though I believe some levels may be added as DLC.

The difficulty of acquiring trophies will require some patience and maybe some reliance on youtube for the trophy hunters. Lemme just say that the developers want to enact some revenge on the player with those time trials.

Anyway so the only flaw of the game is the lasting value of it beyond the 40 hours to even get Platinum, however it is an explosive experience, full of breathtaking moments that I wont describe in minute detail and suggest checking it out for this years Arcade racer.

Get the full article at GameSpot

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