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SPLIT/SECOND: VELOCITY (X360)
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a.k.a. Split/Second
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios. Developer: Black Rock Studio. Released: May 2010 (Europe). Genre: Racing. Other versions: X360; PC; PSP. Posted 9th September 2023. By Shane Battams © 2023 |
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As racing games trended towards simulation in the 2010s, Split/Second: Velocity would prove something of a last hurrah for AAA arcade racers. This impactful racer ticks most of the requisite boxes to satisfy fans of the genre: tight handling that makes driving fun, challenging A.I. that keeps you on your toes and a ton of races to partake in. While a few small troubles would keep Black Rock Studio’s final title from the summit of the racing genre, those with an interest in high-octane driving games will likely enjoy this one, and like any good blockbuster movie, there are enough explosions to entice the uninitiated.
Channelling the developer’s eight years of racing experience to that point, the driving and handling feel great in Split/Second, focusing on feathering the trigger and wheel to perform drifts around corners. It makes getting behind the wheel enjoyable no matter what car you use. Its unique selling point comes from Power Plays. As you drift, overtake cars and avoid hazards, a meter fills. Rather than nitrous, this can be used to trigger special events on the track. Level 1 plays are usually smaller scale, such as blowing up a nearby tanker. Level 2 plays up the stakes with bigger destruction, while a full meter allows you to open up Route Changers by destroying the track with a catastrophic event, such as a tower falling and sending drivers down below. The immense potential for destruction, seeing you wrecking opponents with glee, adds an adrenaline-fuelled edge to driving, and it helps Velocity stand out next to other racers.
Split/Second is perfect for fans of destructive racing, as well as those chasing a stern challenge
Split/Second sees you driving a bevvy of fictional cars inspired by real-world vehicles, as you partake in the titular TV show. They run the gamut of usual suspects, from heavy muscle to sport. Along with traditional races, a few unique events pop up. Elimination sees you avoiding last position lest you get blown up, Survival tasks you with overtaking tankers as they sling barrels at you and Air events force you to dodge missile attacks and eventually later events let you deflect missiles back. There are 12 episodes with six races a piece, meaning there’s quite a lot of meat on the bones just for solo players. There’s also split-screen multiplayer, something of a rarity this generation, allowing you to play against a friend on all the courses and events from the Season. Online ups that number to eight, which naturally adds more fun to the proceedings.
Split/Second Velocity only suffers a few noticeable missteps. The A.I. proves a double-edged sword, as while the challenging racing keeps things interesting, the rubber banding can become grating in later events, with the last episode, in particular, proving extremely gruelling. The whole game suffers fatigue towards the end, as although the destructive tracks are breathtaking to destroy, it leads to you racing across a lot of similar-looking courses even outside of general races. While more courses are added with progress, including the particularly challenging Dam stage that has boulder and water hazards aplenty, events start to feel stale towards the final quarter of the season. It’s a shame there weren’t just a couple more tracks to spruce up the line-up.
Split/Second Velocity only suffers a few noticeable missteps. The A.I. proves a double-edged sword, as while the challenging racing keeps things interesting, the rubber banding can become grating in later events, with the last episode, in particular, proving extremely gruelling. The whole game suffers fatigue towards the end, as although the destructive tracks are breathtaking to destroy, it leads to you racing across a lot of similar-looking courses even outside of general races. While more courses are added with progress, including the particularly challenging Dam stage that has boulder and water hazards aplenty, events start to feel stale towards the final quarter of the season. It’s a shame there weren’t just a couple more tracks to spruce up the line-up.
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That said, what is here looks and sounds great. Utilising an in-house engine, Split/Second boasts excellent lighting that tints each stage with a unique hue, great car models that boast lovely reflective shine and – perhaps the highlight – superb destruction that sees concrete fly, explosions aplenty and incredible vehicular damage which sees your machine crumpling into a mess. Performance is generally steady despite some chaotic action, though some moments do see a dip in frame rate. The sound sees Black Rock eschew licensed tracks in favour of original scores that beautifully build as you progress in races, with heightening orchestral scores adding weight to your racing. Cars sound the part, while the occasional voicework is fittingly over the top. The bombastic stingers between episodes from Tom Clarke Hill are particularly awesome.
Explosive set-pieces lend Black Rock Studios' racer a satisfying, big budget feel
Split/Second: Velocity is a adrenaline-pumping racer that perhaps leans on its unique tricks too heavily. It’s very good fun, with explosive power plays and challenging racing hooking you in, leaving your jaw dropped as you plunge a skyscraper onto the track or derail a train to change the route. It’s only a shame that, perhaps due to the explosive destruction each track showcases, the courses lack variety and thus fatigue sets in towards the end. The A.I. sometimes crosses the line, which can frustrate, with latter events suffering noticeable rubberbanding. However, those with patience and a penchant for destruction should find plenty to like here. It’s a shame the planned follow-up would be canned, as this is the perfect example of a title that could have benefited hugely from a refined sequel.
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VERDICT
"Split/Second: Velocity is a challenging, adrenaline-pumping racer that hooks you with its challenge and explosive power plays, though it perhaps leans on its unique tricks too heavily." OVERALL: 7/10 |