Found 5 ratings (with comment) on this game

Im not a fan of clowns. . . or the circus for that matter. That did not deter me from giving this game some dedicated play time though and I'm glad I overlooked the theme.

Early Solid States are some of my favorite games to play, and Split Second did not disappoint. I enjoyed the layout highlighted by the upper playfield. Three banks of drop targets, the spinner, the horseshoe, and the ramp back to the upper playfield give the player plenty to shoot for. The ball lock and trapeze (?) that drops the ball down from the upper to lower playfield and features I've not seen before on a Classic Stern and are implemented well.

I could deal with less robotic voice calling out the numbers but I have to remember the era when just having that was probably a big deal. Of course as mentioned the theme does not have much appeal for me, but I will not hold that against a great playing game. For what its worth I'd probably prefer a space theme over the circus, but I'd rather own/play Split Second than Flight 2000!

Absolutely great game with a great theme. Upper playfield and the split second loop are a lot of fun. I particularly like the rules with the stars on the lower drop targets. You have to hit the outside drops first before the star in the middle in order to light extra ball/special.

For a long time, I have admittedly never been a fan of widebody titles. However, a recent trip to PAPA changed my outlook and I came away desiring several titles. Among those was Split Second. I'm a big fan of this games upper playfield, the drops are nice and the timed multiball area is a lot of fun. The rubber to the left of the upper right, big flipper allows for some fun nudging to keep the ball in play in the upper area, and a tough, but makeable ramp allows for reentry to the upper area. I can see how some make take issue to the lower area and especially the left side of the playfield, but the 2 banks of drop targets, spinner, and horseshoe, are a target shooters dream. The circus artwork is very well done and classy as opposed to some of the other circus themed machines. I can state for a fact that I dropped most of my tokens in this machine and the Embryon at PAPA. A great widebody game from Stern that has helped broaden my pinball taste and enjoyment.

I think a lot of people pass on this game because of the artwork. Truth be told, it's a really fun game. When I'm looking through my pins, deciding which to play, I often end up at this one first. It's fun and straightforward, but difficult to master.
A keeper in my collection.

Split Second is an unusual game in it's design. Fortunately, Harry Williams makes this one work and it's a challenge to play.

The Pros:
Cool shots all over. Multiball is hard to accheive and is over quickly, but this game requires your skill on both pf's to make your shots. The loop shot on the left hand side of the lower pf is innovative with how it times your shots (hence the name split second). The delivery device from the upper to lower pf is simple, unique and fun to watch it see-saw fo a 1/4 second before it screams down towards your flippers.

The Cons:
The upper right hand side of the pf seems a bit strange/dead and since you are trying to get into the upper pf at all times, it feels a bit neglected.

The Takeaway:
Stern's best multi-pf table (still waiting to get my hands on and play a good copy of Lighting!). You'd better master the ramp on the left hand side of the pf to get to the targets up there. Have fun!