Over the years, I’ve played countless racing games, but very few have stuck with me the way Blackrock Studios’ Split/Second has. Thanks to my love for the Burnout franchise, I have a soft spot for arcade racers, and this explosive, over-the-top racer hits all the right notes even fifteen years after its release.

A Racing Game Like No Other

When I first got the Xbox 360 version, I played it straight through without stopping. That’s how hooked I was. Split/Second isn’t just a racing game; it feels like being part of a high-stakes television show where every race is about creating the most spectacular chaos possible. The tracks aren’t just tracks—they’re dynamic arenas. You can sabotage the environment to literally block your opponents, which leads to some jaw-dropping moments.

Why It Still Works Today

Three elements make Split/Second shine. First, the graphics still hold up incredibly well, even fifteen years later, immersing you in the high-speed carnage. Second, the bombastic soundtrack perfectly complements every explosion, crash, and drift. Third, every race is balanced in both challenge and excitement, so the tension never drops. Every lap feels like a thrill ride.

Rediscovering Split/Second on PC

Now that I mostly play games on my Steam Deck, I decided to grab the PC version on Steam. For just a few euros, I can relive the adrenaline of these races and maybe even enjoy them more than I did back in the day. Let’s be honest: in recent years, very few games have captured the same wild, cinematic energy. Only titles like Ridge Racer Unbounded, Burnout Paradise, and MotorStorm come close, but nothing new matches the quality or spectacle of Split/Second.

Essential Experience

If you love arcade racing, sabotage mechanics, and pure, unfiltered chaos, Split/Second is an essential experience. Fifteen years on, it still delivers some of the most thrilling races you’ll ever play. Grab the game, hop into the driver’s seat, and let the explosions begin.

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