My fascination with Split/Second - Explained

So, here we are, over 6 months after release, and those that know me are probably asking - "What's up with this guy and his non-stop rant about a racing game?"

So, thought I'd provide a bit of insight.

Ever since I was a young tyke, I somehow grew attached to car racing. I remember, running around with my "red wagon"; making (and winning) my "Pinewood Derby" car in the Boy Scouts; and the awesome birthday cake my mom surprised me with showcasing a "track" and an actual race car on top.

Fast-forward a bit, and my career life intermixed with broadcast media. I've worked both the radio and television side of it performing a variety of responsibilities. One duty being "technical directing."

For those not knowing what this is - this is the individual that in most cases "switches" camera views during a TV (Live/Recorded) show. Fades to and from black, chroma/alpha keys, instructs VTR/DVR play, and so forth. In a sense, basically edits the show on-the-fly... No margin for error, especially during a live show as whatever mistake made is instantly seen.

You sit in a room, much like this:
Image courtesy of: WKYC - Channel 3

In this image, the technical director is sitting on the left side with that big monster of gadgetry (aka switcher) in front of him. (This is a more elaborate control room, but the switcher I used was similar.) For the duration of the show, you're in the "hot seat." Stress/pressure and occasional confusion is your constant companion.

This was fun, but luckily it wasn't my core responsibility - otherwise I'd be a resident of a white room with a unique jacket to wear.

So, what does this have to do with Split/Second? Given what I've said - the video below should help:


A few more S/S vids were released, much in the same fashion like this "TV/Director" feel... and well, that's all it took. It almost seems like I was destined to play S/S and it's a pretty damn good game to boot!

Disney / Black Rock - you never thought that one day, a while back, when brainstorming what is now "Split/Second" - would hit a positive nerve on an unsuspecting, but thankful fan - huh?

Split/Second: Eye (& Ear) Candy

Alas, I've spent enough time with the game to get an overall feel. Definitely, one of the best arcade racers I've played (even with its flaws).

However, along with the visual awesomeness that comes with playing, one dominant aspect is the game's audio and music soundtrack. Clearly, Disney Interactive and Blackrock Studio put some thought and effort into this.

Except for the "Intro Sequence" video, the remaining are videos I created for kicks. -Enjoy!


The game's intro sequence


Split/Second: Elite Rate Mix


Split/Second: Soundtrack Mix

Split/Second: May 18th(US) / May 21(UK)

Ever since I heard about Split/Second last year, I've been waiting with profound anticipation for its release. It was unfortunate, that my TV died before the S/S demo was released on XBL a few weeks ago. But, that problem has been resolved and I've been playin' ever since.

The demo lives up to the trailers Disney and Blackrock have been teaser throwing over the last couple of months and I'm quite satisfied.

Usually, demos are small glimpses of what the real game will offer and hope that will be the case here.

I pre-ordered Split/Second back in January. I have but a few days to wait... *drool*

Meanwhile, I dusted off my 3D program and created a Split Second wallpaper favoring the old style typeface. Click the desired image (it'll open in a new window) and right-click to save.

Enjoy!


Size: 1280 x 1024


Size: 1024 x 768


Size: 800 x 600

By the way, here's a vid of me playing the demo.

Teaser Preroll video

One day last week, my coworkers informed me of a contest that starts on April 2010. The prize giveaway was the biggest ever in the history of the radio station. I felt I needed to at least create a "teaser video" for our radio streaming product in order to peak the interest of our audience and convey some hype.

The prize involves "water" so I created some water bubble effect video to serve as the background. Then, it was a matter of finding the right music, and creating the teaser text to accompany it.

A few edits here, some effects there, and below is the result.



For some reason the text display timing is off - it should appear with the music's downbeat. Must be some Blogger encoding artifact

The life of an Xbox Ambassador™

I recently became fortunate enough to be granted Xbox Ambassador status on Xbox/Xbox Live.  To start, this is an honor and I'm happy to participate in a program devoted to helping people.

Along the way, however, I've read and heard some misconceptions about what an Ambassador actually does, is supposed to do, and what their primary duties are.

As an XA, my primary goal is to help others.  The fact that I inherently do this actually makes my role easier.  I'm no different than any other gamer/subscriber.  I yield no magical powers, I have no special privileges and most importantly, I am not a Mod(erator).

In return for my help, I'm granted a forum game card symbol (seen above) that serves as a signal to others that "I'm here to help, any way I can."

Contrary to any belief, XAs do not get discounts, prizes, games, Microsoft Points, LIVE subscriptions codes, swag (T-shirts, caps, mousepads etc.), nor do we expect any.  Individuals interested in being Ambassadors have chosen to be in the program because of their willingness to help others.

I am not an employee of or contractor for Microsoft/Xbox, yet because I can be perceived as a "representative", I obviously do my best to showcase the positives on all fronts. However, I am an individual and am encouraged to be myself on XBL and the forums.

With that said, if I come across a healthy discussion with an opposing view, my role doesn't prevent me from disagreeing - but, common sense does prevail as it always has.  I will engage a discussion in a tactful, constructive way that shows respect to both the parties involved and the company I represent.  This is how it should be anyway, and does not necessarily reflect on my Ambassador status.

I am not a Mod, as stated before, but, should I come across an issue on the Live service or forum, I report it appropriately.  But, I don't purposely "police" the service or forums.

As mentioned, no rewards, but there are some perks: Having people seek you out (and thank you) for your help and making new friends along the way.

Should you ever find yourself needing help, feel free to send me an Xbox message or forum PM (GT: JAriel) - or hit me up on Twitter - @jag731.