Split/Second is an easy-to-play and over-the-top racing game that combines realistic graphics with frequent and massive explosions and stunts.

When you play Split/Second for the first time, you’ll immediately play the game’s tutorial, which teaches you the basics of driving and the game’s “Power Play” system, in which you earn points for driving activities such as drifting or drafting.  You accelerate and brake by using the left and right triggers on the Xbox controllers, and when you’ve accumulated enough energy from drifting and drafting, you can unleash “Power Plays” with a simple push of the button to take out the drivers in front of you. 

The overall premise of the game is that these races are all taking place as part of the Split/Second television show, which features the best drivers in the world.  The game has a fun single-player mode which plays through 12 episodes of the Split/Second season.  You can also compete in any tracks you’ve unlocked with two-player split-screen multiplayer.

In addition to the standard Race mode, where players try and finish first, there’s also a fun Elimination mode, in which the goal is to not be last at various times throughout the race.

Split/Second only uses a few different buttons, making it fairly simple to control and perform the game’s explosive “Power Plays” on other drivers.   However, there’s still a high degree of precision and coordination needed, so we recommend this one for families with tweens and up, who are looking for a fun, competitive racing experience.