Split/Second

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 132
  3. Negative: 8 out of 132
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  1. Wulfbeat
    Dec 13, 2011
    7
    It is a decent game, also very enjoyable. It's strongest points are in offline multiplayer, very fun with a friend. Tactical, game of skill and luck. Very interesting explosions during the race will keep you sweating. It does have a few flaws though: Graphics aren't the best, sometimes the AI is scripted and it does seem to a bit unfair sometimes. Also the online isn't quite as I hoped, itIt is a decent game, also very enjoyable. It's strongest points are in offline multiplayer, very fun with a friend. Tactical, game of skill and luck. Very interesting explosions during the race will keep you sweating. It does have a few flaws though: Graphics aren't the best, sometimes the AI is scripted and it does seem to a bit unfair sometimes. Also the online isn't quite as I hoped, it isn't the same smooth as singleplayer. Blur is better arcace-racing from these two but this is a decent game too, singleplayer being great too. So if you're arcade-racing fan buy it (with Blur) and you won't be disappointment. Also good buy for everyone else (except those who don't enjoy racing games - of course)… Expand
  2. Stealthgear
    Oct 19, 2010
    5
    This game provides a jarring racing experience, unfortunately with boring arcade physics. Everything is on autopilot and the game is very easy. I was able to win without paying attention to the game. The explosions became irritating so I turned the sound off. Get Burnout instead, even Blur is slightly better arcade racing. This is like eating stale crackers.
  3. ArkonBlade
    Dec 12, 2011
    6
    i like racing games but im more in the Gran Turismo catagory of my style of racing games i like to play but i like arcadey ones like motor storm and love Daytona USA. i picked up split second cause it was used at my local pawn shop for $12 . the game is very simplistic with its only real key feature being you can activate theese special attacks that will knock the other cars out which isi like racing games but im more in the Gran Turismo catagory of my style of racing games i like to play but i like arcadey ones like motor storm and love Daytona USA. i picked up split second cause it was used at my local pawn shop for $12 . the game is very simplistic with its only real key feature being you can activate theese special attacks that will knock the other cars out which is cool. unfortunitly the racing physics and just about every thing els eather kinda sucks or feels mdiocore . this isnt a bad game but probubly more in line for kids to play as it will be easy for them to get the hang of. i just like alot of depth or at the very least some challange and split second has neather.… Expand
  4. tsakiym
    May 12, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. another race game..I do not have to say anything more. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.........… Expand
  5. 7dogguy
    Mar 3, 2012
    7
    this game is really a good racing game the explosions are awesome and the levels are fun the gameplay is fast and crazy but the storyline is boring and the multiplayer is poorly made but other the that it has a sloo of modes that are really fun
  6. MentalVortex
    Feb 13, 2013
    7
    Split Second offers solid arcade racing action with a strong focus on drifting as well as the player-triggered environmental destruction. Unlike some other racing titles, long well-controlled drifts in this game will not only maintain your momentum through corners, but will actually give you a turbo boost of speed. This often makes taking what appears to be the fastest normal path throughSplit Second offers solid arcade racing action with a strong focus on drifting as well as the player-triggered environmental destruction. Unlike some other racing titles, long well-controlled drifts in this game will not only maintain your momentum through corners, but will actually give you a turbo boost of speed. This often makes taking what appears to be the fastest normal path through a turn obsolete, as it is usually faster to power out of a drift whenever possible, although it will take some practice to get used to. Drifting also rewards the player with energy they can use to trigger "power plays" which cause objects in the environment to fall onto the track or explode nearby, as well as shortcuts to open briefly, and if you acquire a full meter of energy, there are points at which you can drastically alter the track itself with things such as falling towers and sinking ships. You are encouraged to use these triggered events both for your own benefit as well as to the detriment of others, and while it is exciting and fun, there is a bit of a balance issue when playing online as occasionally you will see players come to a complete stop as they wait for the front of the pack to come under an unavoidable course change before hitting the button and easily coming back to win. Unlike in a game such as Mario Kart that offers a chance of redemption in the form of strong weapons when losing a race, once a sneaky opponent hits you with one of these, they are normally too far ahead afterwards for you to get revenge on them, and which leaves you in close quarters with the rest of the group he just wrecked as they all carelessly trigger events in desperation, with the worst drivers often wrecking themselves and taking you down with them.

    There are a few other game modes aside from just racing such as "Survival" where you attempt to pass as many trucks as possible as they dump explosive barrels behind them, as well as "Elimination" where the last place driver gets blown up after a certain number of seconds. These are fun as well but you aren't likely to find anyone playing these modes online, presumably because their is no real incentive to do so in terms of trophies or unlockable content.

    The soundtrack is pretty good, alternating between a frantic orchestral score and some bass-driven electronica type music. The latter group does have one or two beats that can grind on the nerves after a while, especially if it's playing while you continually lose a difficult race against the computer.

    Lastly, there are 12 tracks overall, but several of them share segments with one another leading one to feel there is little overall variety. Some portions are so similar, right down to the lighting, that you may think you are on one particular track only to find out the hard way as you take a wrong turn and crash.

    Overall, Split Second is a fun game with a great sense of speed, but the negatives I mentioned clearly need to be addressed if there is to be a sequel.    … Expand
  7. Vapor96
    Jun 17, 2019
    6
    A graphically beautiful and undeniably intense arcade racer. However, the environmental traps gimmick and constant blockbuster movie -esque explosions quickly wear out their welcome and leave behind a somewhat hollow feel.
  8. untermench__
    Oct 30, 2018
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In this game good all. Graphics, gameplay and all in this game. It's the best racing game!… Expand

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best PS3 Game of 2010
43
#43 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
27
#27 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Game Informer
    83
    This game has plenty of edge-of-your-seat racing and thrilling moments. Some of the repetition, however, slows it down. [Issue#206, p.89]
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  2. Gamereactor Denmark
    90
    This is like a wet dream thought up by James Cameron and Michael Bay. Forget realism and go for mindless fun. The powerplay-function is great fun when mastered. While the amount of tracks on offer is less than impressive and the car-models unimaginative, there is lot of fun to be had racing against friends online or offline.
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  3. IGN
    85
    In the end though, Split/Second has so much going for it that it's easy to recommend for kart and arcade racing fans alike.
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