Don't panic!
There are very few games that genuinely make you feel panicked or tense, but Split/Second is certainly one of them. Essentially a kart-racer, Split/Second's unique gameplay has the actual track and environment providing the weapons: you can detonate the various track objects and scenery in order to slow or crash your opponents. These "power plays" are earned by drafting, drifting or successfully dodging attacks on you. The risk-vs-reward mechanism is brilliantly implemented and makes for some extremely dramatic racing: for example, a fully powered power play can actually change the entire track or take out the whole field.
Additional race events provide a bit of welcome variety; including time trials and a sensational seat-of-the-pants explosive barrel dodging event. The incredible surround sound effects and sumptuous graphics complete the package. The only thing holding Split/Second back from Burnout greatness is the sometimes unfair rubber-banding and occasional reliance on luck.
