Split Second is a real insider tip for fans of tactical VR shooters in the style of Ready or Not
Split Second comes from just one developer, but surprises with solid gameplay and a motivating mix of tactics and action. Here is my first impression.
Tactical shooters like Ready or Not have enjoyed great popularity for some time now. No wonder because hunting down criminals and defusing dicey situations as part of a SWAT team is simply an exciting scenario. Split Second is a promising representative of this genre for VR headsets such as the Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S and Quest Pro.
Split Second tried out: What it's all about
Split Second puts you in the role of a SWAT officer who has to ensure law and order in various missions. Equipped with various weapons and tactical equipment, you storm different locations where criminals have entrenched themselves. Your aim is to arrest the criminals and protect innocent civilians at the same time. A task that requires a lot of skill and a tactical approach, as I found out.
Early access with a solid foundation
It is important to emphasize that Split Second is still in Early Access and is being created by a solo developer. However, the tactical shooter already cuts a surprisingly good figure. The basic mechanics such as movement, shooting and interaction with enemies and civilians already work well and make you want more.
Of course, not everything is perfect yet: the AI of the enemies sometimes behaves a little strangely, the graphics still have room for improvement and I occasionally encountered minor bugs. But considering that the game is being developed by just one person, the current status is remarkable. As development progresses in Early Access, many of these teething problems should be resolved.
On the hunt for criminals in VR
At the start of a mission in Split Second, I choose my equipment. I have various firearms at my disposal, such as pistols, assault rifles and shotguns. I also pack a taser and other useful gadgets such as stun grenades. Then it's off to the action.
The enemies in Split Second react quite differently to my appearance. Some surrender immediately when I shout "Hands up!". Others open fire directly at me, which is why I have to react with lightning speed and take cover. Just one or two hits can put me out of action. That gives me many thrills and tension.
If I succeed in arresting a suspect, I have to be careful that he doesn't suddenly reach for a weapon after all. This is where the Taser comes into play, which I can use to incapacitate my opponents temporarily. Of course, I must not injure innocent civilians under any circumstances. Otherwise, the mission is a failure. This sometimes requires me to be really tactful in my approach.
For night missions in Split Second, you are equipped with a night vision visor. | Image: Robertson Studio Gaming VR
Varied locations with surprises
The missions in Split Second take me to different locations such as apartment buildings, supermarkets and hospitals. Each map offers new challenges and surprises. In a supermarket, for example, enemies lurk behind the shelves and between the aisles. Only a cautious approach will help me here. In another level, I have to fight my way through a branching tunnel system — a sweaty affair that demands everything from me.
Different levels of difficulty and a day/night change provide additional challenge and replay value in Split Second. At night, in particular, things get a lot trickier and more confusing for me. The enemies are harder to spot and act more aggressively. Caution is my top priority here if I want to be successful.
Conclusion: Early access shooter with a lot of potential
Split Second surprised me positively for an Early Access production from just one developer. The mix of cautious tactical approach, quick firefights and arresting enemies works really well for me in VR and provides an immersive gaming experience. The varied locations and the day/night changes also motivate me to keep playing.
Of course, the developer definitely needs to work on the technology. However, the scope with various scenarios and difficulty levels is already decent. If more content is added over the course of Early Access and the AI and graphics are improved, Split Second could become a real VR insider tip for me.
My advice to tactical shooter fans and VR enthusiasts: Keep an eye on Split Second.
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