Blast Annual


Split Second

Author: Andy O'Flaherty
Publisher: Skadiet
Machine: Nintendo (US Version)

 
Published in Blast Annual 2020 Volume 1

Split Second

Split Second is a video game re-creation of an old 1980's handheld electronic game by Parker Brothers. Now I must admit I have never played the original handheld game myself, but thanks to the wonders of modern internet I was able to watch a few videos of the game in action to properly adjust myself to what this title is trying to achieve This is quite a tough game to review, as the quality of the title is largely restricted by the original device, and being a piece of electronics from 1980 it is quite basic to say the least.

The device features eight games that can be cycled through upon starting up, and the idea is to complete each one as quickly as possible. Once finished your time is displayed, and the overall objective is to beat your best score, or you friends scores. The games range from moving the ball to the exit to trapping a moving ball with a 'snake'. Considering what the device has to work with, the games are actually quite addictive, and no doubt would have provided adequate entertainment at the time.

As far as this NES port goes, Skadiet has absolutely nailed how the game looks, plays and sounds almost perfectly. Each of the eight games is represented as they are on the real device, and the game is responsive and intuitive to play. It's a pity that the NES wasn't taken advantage of though, in ways such as having a scoreboard, or explaining how to play each game (I'm still not entirely sure what's going on in game #4), but in terms of re-creating a long lost gaming device this succeeds on every level.

Andy O'Flaherty

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