PAX 2010 Split/Second Impressions

Ever since last year when we highlighted  Split/Second, it’s been on my “To Play” list. Unfortunately up until now I haven’t had the chance and all we could go by is pure speculation. Today, that speculation changes to concrete impressions.

With a few races under my belt and spectating a few more, I have a good sense that some of my concerns regarding the repetition of “power plays” will be quelled. As we had mentioned before, the main feature that splits (OMG PUN ALERT) Split/Second apart are the power plays. Big or small, these suckers can change the course, blast opponents into a wall, collapse bridges, and cause all sorts of mayhem on the track. It’s something you have to see to really get the full effect. Watching some of the explosions is simply draw dropping. In fact, I made sure to get footage of bringing down the space needle for those who haven’t seen the power plays in motion. Not only does it look mind blowing, it also changes the entire track and any concerns we had about spawning a clean new track every lap have been laid to rest.

Finding out a little bit more regarding the title and asking how the repetition of the power plays can be avoided, I was told that there will be some sort of ranking system that will effect the power play system. So those who go through a race early on might only be able to trigger certain power plays until a certain rank or car is obtained. I couldn’t get specifics, but after asking multiple times, I was assured that new power plays could be unlocked on previously raced tracks. When asked if this could effect online races, I was told that the playing field would be leveled and only the single player mode will feature the ranking system.

Take a look at the video for yourself and we dare you to not to get excited. The easiest way to describe Split/Second would be a mix of Burnout meets Need for Speed. I was impressed enough that I might have to go take a few more spins around the track before the day is over.

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