Disney Interactive’s Split/Second: Velocity is set to introduce a fresh take on the racing genre, and from what we’ve played, it definitely is doing just that.
Similar to the likes of Burnout or the upcoming Blur, Split/Second is a high-adrenaline arcade racer set through a reality TV racing series. It may seem familiar at first, but the title is bringing in something completely new, as players have the ability to detonate explosives in the environment and track in order to take out the opposition. Imagine racing through the set of a Michael Bay movie – it’s kinda like that.
There’s a little more to that though as players also get the chance to alter and change the track midway through races to open up short-cuts, which will give the player an advantage while trying to eliminate others from the race. These environmental explosions and route changes are known as Powerplays, but they don’t come for free.
Players will need to execute drifts, drafting and avoiding other players Powerplays to fill up their gauge to release some havoc of their own. What makes this incredibly fun is that the feel of the game is perfect for the driving you’re required to perform. The handling is similar to that of Burnout, giving an arcade, yet controlled feel to drifting and accelerating through corners.
As for the visuals, Split-Second is immediately striking as its unique look of the cars, tracks and environment shine against the gorgeous lighting the game has to offer. While the graphics are sharp, the game will also deliver some visual treats you may have never seen before. Midway through our race on the Airport track, an AI player triggered their Powerplay and sent an airplane crashing into the track taking out half the field while we narrowly escaped. Everything in Split/Second is done with Hollywood action movies in mind.
After getting a taste of Split/Second, we can’t be more excited for this title. So far, it seems to have all the elements to make a memorable and exciting arcade racer. It may not appeal to all simulation racer fans, but there’s no way you can ignore Split/Second.
Keep checking GamesCastLive for the full review of Split/Second very soon.
