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In the past two weeks, two publishers, known for other titles, released their own versions of what they think a racing game should be. I am sure that everyone knows who Disney is. If not, stop reading this, and go watch the Lion King. Got it? Okay, moving on. If anything was to be published by Disney, we would have expected some kiddie-like game. On the other hand, we have Activision, a company known to release all types of games, including: Call of duty, Guitar Hero, and Tony Hawk. I guess with new technology, comes new ideas. At least that is what went through the minds of the two companies.
Split/Second is not your average racing game. In fact, it has a very unique way of playing out. Using what the developers like to call “power plays,” it seems like it will make the game extremely electrifying, right? Well, to be perfectly honest, yes and no. Even though you have power plays, the game can get repetitive. Yeah, it’s wreck the car with the bridge, but if you do that straight for three laps, then it gets boring. Another fact is what if you are in front? How can you use a power play? Sure there are level two power plays, but they don’t come easily as level ones. The game loses its fun factor at that point. Now, don’t get me wrong, the game is fun, but once the same maps are rehashed, there is a major conflict of interest. The dynamic environment is where the game really shines. For example, when you are able to trigger a level two power play, seeing the buildings fall, or an air plane crashing, it puts that intensity inside you to play more. The effects of it, is just splendid, but doing it lap after lap, it tends to feel scripted rather than a fun game you are playing. Another thing that could help is the idea of a theater-like photo system that could record your wrecks or “split second” wins. Using the television idea was unique, similar to Death Race. When you are racing, it really feels like a live broadcast.
Then, we have a game that had the chance to have a beta. A game that reminded us of the classic title, Mario Kart. A game that has licensed cars. Yes, that’s right. I am talking about Blur. Now, even though it doesn’t look as beautiful as Split/Second, Blur sure as hell plays better than it. With six different power-ups that change any race, it really is just amazing. Each power-up can either make or break a race. Instead of your average eight, ten, or even twelve racers, Blur is able to get twenty cars on the same track. Throw in the fact that there is no slowdown. Again, the graphics isn’t that great, but you have to throw in the fact that the game is really a cartoon. The menu system could have been less-cluttering, but using it shouldn’t be a problem. One thing I personally like is the ability to use Twitter/Facebook. Sure, people may get tired of it, but you have to admit, it is interesting.
As you can see, the two racing games are very different from each other. As I sated earlier, one may look better, but it has very repetitive gameplay. ON the contrary, the latter plays better with a less-than-stellar approach to its graphics. To be honest, the detail isn’t that bad. In Disney’s game you don’t get to keep that fun factor, unlike Blur where it’s all throughout each race, especially online. Did I mention it also has four-player split-screen, as opposed to just a regular split-screen? It is obvious who the true winner is. I love the concept that Black Rock Studios tried to pull off, but after a few days I don’t see myself playing it for a while. During a few rounds, I get that “I already done this before” feeling. With Blur, you can change up anytime, and it’s not as scripted either. Sorry Disney, I know you been in the game for a while, but Activision just knows how to make a better game. Let’s hope Epic Mickey can make up it up, but I don’t see that happening.
About the Author
We all knew where did article was going from the title…
Weve seen blur all before. Split Second is a MUCH better game with trying to pull something different and suceeding.
Even though, I respect your opinion, I have to disagree. Yes, it is doing something different, but with a scripted concept, it just didn't succeed there. Sure with Blur we seen it before with Mario Kart, but sometimes innovations are better than inventions.
"Sure with Blur we seen it before with Mario Kart, but sometimes innovations are better than inventions. "
That doesn't even make sense man!
Innovation is dub as an invention. Innovation is bringing something new, therefore making it an invention.
Blur offers something we have seen before whereas Split/Second offers something new.
That is the problem with gamers, they don't like "change". You in this hand don't like Change because you are used to Mario Kart type of game. So when you see something change like Split/Second, you don't like it because you are not used to it so you label it as scripted. Whereas it's not even scripted, sure the animation are scripted just like Blur.
Again, I said Split/Second is a good game, and offers something new, but, to me, it isn't executed very well. And how can you say I don't like change? Just because I prefer Blur over Split/Second, I am not a real gamer? That is just plain silly. Again, with the scripted thing, I probably should have use another word, but using the same power play, can get boring. As for level 2 power plays, you have to WAIT to trigger it, so it almost makes it pointless. By that time, you probably used on another car. Just play Blur and you will understand. The beta has nothing over the retail game.Thanks for the comments though. I really do enjoy it.
We all knew where did article was going from the title…
Weve seen blur all before. Split Second is a MUCH better game with trying to pull something different and suceeding.
Even though, I respect your opinion, I have to disagree. Yes, it is doing something different, but with a scripted concept, it just didn't succeed there. Sure with Blur we seen it before with Mario Kart, but sometimes innovations are better than inventions.
"Sure with Blur we seen it before with Mario Kart, but sometimes innovations are better than inventions. "
That doesn't even make sense man!
Innovation is dub as an invention. Innovation is bringing something new, therefore making it an invention.
Blur offers something we have seen before whereas Split/Second offers something new.
That is the problem with gamers, they don't like "change". You in this hand don't like Change because you are used to Mario Kart type of game. So when you see something change like Split/Second, you don't like it because you are not used to it so you label it as scripted. Whereas it's not even scripted, sure the animation are scripted just like Blur.
Again, I said Split/Second is a good game, and offers something new, but, to me, it isn't executed very well. And how can you say I don't like change? Just because I prefer Blur over Split/Second, I am not a real gamer? That is just plain silly. Again, with the scripted thing, I probably should have use another word, but using the same power play, can get boring. As for level 2 power plays, you have to WAIT to trigger it, so it almost makes it pointless. By that time, you probably used on another car. Just play Blur and you will understand. The beta has nothing over the retail game.Thanks for the comments though. I really do enjoy it.
wtf!? still supporting BLUR!?
How can split second be repetitive? Son you have to understand 3 types of repetitive in games man!
We have repetitive gameplay, repetition and repetitve funplay. Every bloody game in the world has a repetitive gameplay and they can't be denied! FPS are always repetitive gameplay because you shoot down aliens, complete objectives, kill boss. It's always the same thing! Same can be said to racing game, all you do is RACE!
We have repetition, this is what some games have problem with, games like X-Men Wolverine's Origin may be fun but it's incredibly repetitive because you kill the same enemy over and over again, doing the same task/mission and limited animation. This is repetition. And finally you have Repetitive funfactors in games. Hack n Slash are known for this because you basically do the same things over and over again yet it's still FUN! Even games like MMO, you do the same thing, yet it's so fun or RPG.
Now what does all these have to do with your comparison? You said Split Second is repetitive, how so? If it's repetitive funfactory and gameplay, yes that's fine because BLUR is the same as well. Split Second, you race and try to avoid obstacles as well as cause obstacles on your opponent. Same goes to BLUR, you race, trying to avoid powerup attacks as well as using power ups on your opponent. How can you say Split Second is repetitive for this?
that's just biased and not speaking fact.
Anyway, I haven't played BLUR full game, but I know I enjoy Split Second but the game lacks content. It lacks content in game types online, no free roaming and no car customization. But as for BLUR I can't comment since I haven't played the final product.
Thank you for the comment sir. In fact, to me, it is repetitive. You deal with rehashed tracks, and the power plays are always the same. It's three taxis, one gas tank, or a bridge, etc..you see where I am going here? It feels more scripted than anything. As for Blur, you get to choose which power up you will use, and WHERE to use it, therefore creating dynamic gameplay. I hope you understand my reason now. But I respect your opinion.
I'm sorry but you don't know what scripted in games means nor repetitve.
Scripted is something that has and needs to happen, though you can't control it! Half Life Episode 2, the train wreck scene was scripted because it was bound to happen and there is no way you can avoid it without you seeing that train bride wreck!
Spilt/Second in the other hand is not SCRIPTED! You have the choice to make something explode! Unless you are talking about the dynamic animation, yes the animation is scripted because the explosions don't have a different animation, they are always the same thing.
If you say Split/Second is repetitive, that is your opininon because if you are a real gamer, you'll notice that every GAME every created in this world WILL always be repetitive! You say the power plays are always the same, so is the power ups for BLUR, it's not what you do with it, it is HOW you use the power plays!
Split/Second having certain places to use power plays balances the game man, whereas BLUR I can only use power ups on people if they are close to me. What if you are using a car that runs at 300mps, how the hell am I supposed to gain up or use my power ups on you when you are half a mile away? This sounds like instant fail to me.
In the other hand for Split/Second, even though you are half a mile away and I'm using a slow @ss car, I can still make a come back by using a level 2 power play.
Again, I respect your comment. First off, you are right, maybe "scripted" was the wrong word. Being that the power play is the same no matter where you use it, it's another word. Also, if I am ahead 30 miles in a game, it would be difficult to get a power play. Sure, I can drift, but depending on the car I have, drifting isn't always the option. As in Blur, you have a mine power up, also you earn points from dominating the race. You are twisting my words around. You are making it seem like I said Split/Second is a bad thing. Never did say that. It is a good game, but to me, Blur is better. You have to realize this all my opinion, same thing with yours
wtf!? still supporting BLUR!?
How can split second be repetitive? Son you have to understand 3 types of repetitive in games man!
We have repetitive gameplay, repetition and repetitve funplay. Every bloody game in the world has a repetitive gameplay and they can't be denied! FPS are always repetitive gameplay because you shoot down aliens, complete objectives, kill boss. It's always the same thing! Same can be said to racing game, all you do is RACE!
We have repetition, this is what some games have problem with, games like X-Men Wolverine's Origin may be fun but it's incredibly repetitive because you kill the same enemy over and over again, doing the same task/mission and limited animation. This is repetition. And finally you have Repetitive funfactors in games. Hack n Slash are known for this because you basically do the same things over and over again yet it's still FUN! Even games like MMO, you do the same thing, yet it's so fun or RPG.
Now what does all these have to do with your comparison? You said Split Second is repetitive, how so? If it's repetitive funfactory and gameplay, yes that's fine because BLUR is the same as well. Split Second, you race and try to avoid obstacles as well as cause obstacles on your opponent. Same goes to BLUR, you race, trying to avoid powerup attacks as well as using power ups on your opponent. How can you say Split Second is repetitive for this?
that's just biased and not speaking fact.
Anyway, I haven't played BLUR full game, but I know I enjoy Split Second but the game lacks content. It lacks content in game types online, no free roaming and no car customization. But as for BLUR I can't comment since I haven't played the final product.
Thank you for the comment sir. In fact, to me, it is repetitive. You deal with rehashed tracks, and the power plays are always the same. It's three taxis, one gas tank, or a bridge, etc..you see where I am going here? It feels more scripted than anything. As for Blur, you get to choose which power up you will use, and WHERE to use it, therefore creating dynamic gameplay. I hope you understand my reason now. But I respect your opinion.
I'm sorry but you don't know what scripted in games means nor repetitve.
Scripted is something that has and needs to happen, though you can't control it! Half Life Episode 2, the train wreck scene was scripted because it was bound to happen and there is no way you can avoid it without you seeing that train bride wreck!
Spilt/Second in the other hand is not SCRIPTED! You have the choice to make something explode! Unless you are talking about the dynamic animation, yes the animation is scripted because the explosions don't have a different animation, they are always the same thing.
If you say Split/Second is repetitive, that is your opininon because if you are a real gamer, you'll notice that every GAME every created in this world WILL always be repetitive! You say the power plays are always the same, so is the power ups for BLUR, it's not what you do with it, it is HOW you use the power plays!
Split/Second having certain places to use power plays balances the game man, whereas BLUR I can only use power ups on people if they are close to me. What if you are using a car that runs at 300mps, how the hell am I supposed to gain up or use my power ups on you when you are half a mile away? This sounds like instant fail to me.
In the other hand for Split/Second, even though you are half a mile away and I'm using a slow @ss car, I can still make a come back by using a level 2 power play.
Again, I respect your comment. First off, you are right, maybe "scripted" was the wrong word. Being that the power play is the same no matter where you use it, it's another word. Also, if I am ahead 30 miles in a game, it would be difficult to get a power play. Sure, I can drift, but depending on the car I have, drifting isn't always the option. As in Blur, you have a mine power up, also you earn points from dominating the race. You are twisting my words around. You are making it seem like I said Split/Second is a bad thing. Never did say that. It is a good game, but to me, Blur is better. You have to realize this all my opinion, same thing with yours
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Travis Greene and The Game Fanatics, Travis Greene. Travis Greene said: People ask: "Travis, what's better? #SplitSecond or #blurthegame?" Well here is my answer: http://bit.ly/9O6N8R [...]
I agree. I commend Black Rock Studio for doing something very different and Disney taking a huge bet (we need more of this in the industry), but Blur is better because it's obvious the fun-ness (I know that's not a word
) doesn't wear out so quick. To make Split/Second's sequel better they need to work on making it more dynamic and less scripted while still having epic disasters.
I agree. I commend Black Rock Studio for doing something very different and Disney taking a huge bet (we need more of this in the industry), but Blur is better because it's obvious the fun-ness (I know that's not a word
) doesn't wear out so quick. To make Split/Second's sequel better they need to work on making it more dynamic and less scripted while still having epic disasters.
faceit TGreene, you bent over to activision and their big boy mario kart. Why are people so quick to attack split/second simply because disneys involved? does it threaten your manhood?
finally, reading your article i dont see anywhere where you said split/second is a good game as you keep repeating in the comments, all i see is the equivalent to “hey its a good concept, but the games sucks”.
You never even mentioned it’s weak points such as it’s hacker-abundant and laggy online which leads me to believe you wrote this article without actually playing enough of the game to get bored. i’m all for you writing up your opinion, but needlessly bashing a fairly good game without actually pointing out its main flaws, justifying properly what you say (i especially like the “i’ve done ths before” comment, when comparing to blur, lulz) just makes you look silly.
peace.
I bought blur first, beat in two days…sold in little over a week. At which time I bought split second, granted beat in 3 days…but been playin for close to a year now. There’s absolutely no comparison, destroy virtually everything….or shoot a purple speck at someone….oooh. Could they make significant improvements in the sequal? Absolutely, such as car damage like nascar has to quell the no talent, online bumper car crap. Customization would also be nice. With blur I wouldnt even know where to begin….tombstone and some flowers? Split second set the bar (yes disney, Im as amazed as u are) and the only way I see it bein raised is with part 2.