One of the most anticipated video games of 2010 is now available with Split/Second arriving at retail outlets throughout North America today. Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Black Rock Studio, the dynamic game is releasing on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC and iPhone and iPod Touch.
Winner of the prestigious Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2009, Best Racing Game award from the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2009, Split/Second is one of the most anticipated video games of 2010 with a highly successful demo on Xbox LIVE online entertainment network (rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by users) and PlayStationNetwork.
In Split/Second, players don't just race to the finish line to beat their opponents, they build up their power meter through deft driving and trigger "power plays," explosive moments that take out opponents or alter the track. The game takes place within a hyper-competitive reality television show with city-sized sets rigged for destruction. Each track has numerous power plays that can be strategically triggered by skilled drivers. Competitors in Split/Second don't just collide with other vehicles to knock them from the track — they can trigger blockbuster action film-like explosive events that drastically alter the dynamics of the race. Players must use strategy and pinpoint timing to derail opponents, tactically alter the track or create entirely new routes.
"With massive environments that players can dynamically change to take out opponents and alter the track, Split/Second redefines the action racing genre and provides a whole new level of fun for all video game fans," said Craig Relyea, senior vice president, global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "Black Rock Studio is among the world's best game development studios and Split/Second is an incredible entry in their impressive portfolio."
As many as eight players can compete online in Split/Second through Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network and online on Windows PC. Also, two players can race against each other on the same system in the same room through split-screen features.
Black Rock Studio pioneered the innovative heads up display (HUD) affixed to the back of the player's vehicle. The Split/Second HUD showcases the player's relevant information (place, lap number, etc.) on the back bumper of the car, the area of the screen where players primarily focus during racing games.
"When we were early in development on the concept, we expected racing fans throughout the world to be passionate about Split/Second but the feedback since we announced the game has far exceeded our expectations," said Nick Baynes, game director, Black Rock Studio. "We wanted to create something really fun that had never been done before in the racing genre and Split/Second accomplishes that."
Black Rock Studio has an impressive heritage in the racing video game genre. The studio became the first developer to win consecutive Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 in the racing category with two different franchises after having won with PURE in 2008 and Split/Second in 2009. Split/Second was also selected Best Racing Game of E3 2009 by G4TV and featured on the cover of PlayStation: The Official Magazine's Hugest Games of 2010 issue. Also, Black Rock's first game after joining Disney Interactive Studios, the action racing game PURE, won numerous awards. Along with the Game Critics Award, PURE was named among the top 10 video games of 2008 by Entertainment Weekly.
The Split/Second App for iPhone and iPod Touch, available via iTunes, was conceived and designed with help from Black Rock Studio. The game mirrors the console version and features diverse locations, including the airport, downtown, ports and power plant. A Black Rock Studio-designed entertainment district also appears exclusively in the app. The game includes 19 vehicles to select and a six-person network multiplayer over Wi-Fi and locally through Bluetooth.
Split/Second is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The game has a suggested retail price of $59.99 (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3), $39.99 (Windows PC) and $6.99 (iPhone/iPod touch) from the App Store or www.itunes.apple.com.
Split/Second: Velocity, the console and PC game's title in Europe only, will be available across Europe beginning on May 20.