Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Though initially it tends to be a bit on the easy side and learning when and where to use which power-plays is a case of trial and error, it’s not long before the game escalates into a nail-bitingly intense experienc
  2. Split/Second may not revolutionize the genre, but its screenfilling explosions and stunning looks are making it a title, that may not only be interesting for racing-fans, but also for everyone, who simply likes to blow stuff up - Hollywood-Style!
  3. 85
    Split/Second has so much going for it that it's easy to recommend for kart and arcade racing fans alike. The visuals are great, the sound impresses, and there's enough game between the singleplayer season mode and fun multiplayer to last you quite a while.
  4. Split/Second is an exciting, fast paced arcade racer that is ever bit as enjoyable as other franchises in this genre.
  5. I was never a fan of racing sims, of complicated control schemes and the need of a wheel attached to the desk to be able to enjoy a game. On the other hand, the Burnout series, Split/Second, even Blur, offer easy controls and focus on the thing I like: explosive shows.
  6. Black Rock has proved the concept, shown what kind of polish they can muster, and given arcade racing fans a reason to get back in the game. The explosions and thrills will certainly last until the inevitable "Split/Second 2" throws a couple of different buildings at us.
  7. It’s a lot of fun and it sounds like that, too. It’s great to race against friends again and again and there’s nothing better out there at the moment, even though it may not be a game to keep on playing in the long term.
  8. 82
    For the most part Split/Second: Velocity hits the mark like a cargo ship through your windscreen. It’s extreme fun and effortless to get into, like the best weekend party games should be, but may struggle over the longer term.
  9. Arcade driving game builds its attraction on a superb idea, speed and destruction without limits. Multiplayer limitations prevents the game from reaching a 9-point verdict. [Issue#192]
  10. There's no doubt about it, Split/Second is a finely balanced, visually stunning racer that loves the brown stuff hitting the fan.
  11. There are funnier and more satisfying racing arcades out there. But for a pure spectacular feeling, Split Second Velocity is hard to beat.
  12. There are more arcade racers than you can count, but Split/Second brings something to the pack that makes this game a must-try. Every race is a hyped-up experience full of explosions and crashes that leaves the décor in shambles, but puts you on the edge of your seat. Realism or depth is not something you can expect from this title, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
  13. A noisy, polished and suitably spectacular racer. [Aug 2010, p.84]
  14. An original, unconventional arcade that caters to the visceral needs of a modern gamer. Yes, it lets you go with ease, but every show has an ending, right?
  15. This game suffers from being a little too shallow, and after playing the same tracks over and over, it's a little too easy to tire of the game after the main story mode has been completed. Still, I would hope that there will be a sequel to this title, as the premise is solid. The execution just needs a little fleshing out.
  16. This shallow but rambunctious arcade racer may have only one trick up its sleeve, but it's a really good trick.
  17. Stability issues notwithstanding, this explosive new arcade racer is just about as compulsive as they come. [July 2010, p.102]
  18. When blowing up a car by dropping a boat on it becomes boring, you know there's something fundamentally wrong. [July 2010, p.94]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. This is a thrilling and action-packed game! All the different game modes are great and add variety. Graphics look great, especially the explosions (which are plentiful!). Unfortunately the only real progression in this game is unlocking new cars and tracks, etc., no real customization of cars, which isn't actually a big deal. It's also pretty hard to find a multiplayer match, which is a shame, but overall, this is great game, especially for the current price of $20. Full Review »
  2. 10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. One of the best racing games ever!!!! Much better than Hot Pursuit 2010 or other arcade games, i so love those awesome explosions and destruction physics... I love the drifting, i love the graphics, i love everything... Full Review »
  3. 9
    Fast, action packed, and exciting like an Arnie movie. Graphics and sound are great. Gameplay is good but the only annoyance was the way the cars lock into an artificial power slide around corners. Full Review »