s.p.l.i.t
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for s.p.l.i.t
s.p.l.i.t is a tough game to write about, as at heart it is just a simulation of a textual file interface wrapped up in a dark and oppressive environment, but it is also so much more than that. The perfect fusion of themes and mechanics makes for an experience that is almost suffocatingly immersive and the darker aspects (although absolutely not for everyone) elevate s.p.l.i.t to be one of the most harrowing games you'll find. Aside from the essential content warning, I'd recommend going in as blind as possible and just playing out your The Matrix and Sneakers fantasies.
Don’t ask me how, but Mike Klubnika once again commands attention with s.p.l.i.t., an idiosyncratic terminal hacking game aimed at old-school tech romantics with a taste for the grim and uncanny, delivering an uncomfortably intense half-hour experience that—despite its brief runtime—gets under your skin fast, provided you remember to brush up on your command-line skills before facing that so-called 'unethical superstructure'... or else, well, you know the drill.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
s.p.l.i.t is a brutal, immersive hacking sim from Buckshot Roulette’s Mike Klubnika, dropping you into a terminal of dread, raw commands, creeping paranoia, and moral decay. It's a short and intense experience, but the intentional lack of clear objectives and overall narrative leaves a bit to be desired.
S.P.L.I.T is full of confusing and complicated moments due to some of its gameplay, but these moments feel gratifying once completed. The story, as well, is full of dark twists and turns that nobody could ever see coming, making it a showstopper.
Despite its brevity – the game should take no more than one to two hours to complete – s.p.l.i.t offers a tightly woven narrative that instills a strong sense of dread and inevitability. You enter a world where victory feels almost impossible from the outset. The only real downside is the desire for more content.
Split is short. After about 45 minutes, you can reach the first ending. If you want to see both endings, you'll have to replay the game, which, thanks to the terminal interface, is worth it. However, don't expect deep replayability or hidden sidetracks. This is a small experience, meant to be experienced once or twice. Split isn't a game that impresses with its technique or length, but it does boast strong game design. It's an atmospheric, cleverly designed experience that does something quite different from most games. For fans of horror, Half-Life, The Matrix, or similar worlds, this is highly recommended. It's a small slice of digital horror that really gets under your skin.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
s.p.l.i.t is a brutal and powerful game unlike anything else I've ever played, but its dark themes will be too much for some to experience.
