Split Fiction Review
In the constantly changing landscape of co-op games, Hazelight Studios (Makers of It Takes Two) has once again broken new ground with its newest title, Split Fiction. Released on March 6, 2025, this 15-hour experience whisked players away on an exhilarating ride through the creative minds of two aspiring authors, Mio and Zoe.
The game's concept is as innovative as it is intriguing. Mio, a reserved sci-fi enthusiast, and Zoe, a sociable fantasy enthusiast, are trapped in their book worlds by the evil corporation Rader Publishing, something that I believe to be a metaphor for the dangers of AI in modern-day creative work. This setup is the perfect backdrop for the game's genre-bending gameplay.
Split Fiction's technical genius is exposed almost immediately through its seamless transition between vastly different gameplay types. The game engine, made with Unreal 5 Engine, easily handles the shift between 3D exploration and 2.5D side-scrolling, chugging at 60 frames per second. The dynamic split-screen capability that was a hallmark of Hazelight's previous title has been refined to perfection and changes in real time based on the players' positions and activities.
The players are subjected to various gameplay mechanics as the unlikely pair travels through their fantasy worlds together, side by side. In many parts of the game, players can transform into other forms with unique abilities and methods of interacting. At other times, players fly around in flying spaceships, with the match smoothly transitioning between land and zero-gravity physics.
The game's art direction is vital across all its different themes and scenarios. Every environment is rendered gorgeously, from the neon-drenched, luminous cityscape cyberpunk environments of Mio's science fiction universes to the vibrant, mystical forests of Zoe's fantasy worlds. Dynamic lighting and particle effects give each one a feeling of depth and atmosphere.
At the absolute core of Split Fiction is its cooperative aspects, deeply integrated into its fundamental game design. Players of its predecessor, It Takes Two which won Game of The Year in 2021, will be happy to find that the playstyle is similar but also a lot smoother. Puzzles frequently need cooperation from both players, much to the chagrin of particular couples, while the game's networking code manages accurate timing, even in the online sphere. In addition, the crossplay capability provides seamless cooperation across platforms, a substantial technical achievement that makes the gameplay more accessible. During my playthrough I played on PC with mouse and keyboard while my husband played on console and controller - while at certain times we each had an easier time depending on the game mechanic, the co-op play was pretty seamless.
As the game progresses, players witness Mio and Zoe getting closer as they solve increasingly sophisticated cooperative puzzles. Through many parkour moments, evil dentists, and even grilling yourself as a hotdog, the story still finds time to invoke a deep emotional connection with its players.
The other stunning aspect of the game is its compelling audio design. A dynamic soundtrack genre-hopping with ease, reacting to the mood of each world. For sound enthusiasts, the plethora of diverse scores that perfectly sync with the moments will be a delight. The 3D audio enhances immersion, especially for the more intense action pieces.
Split Fiction comes to a head in a climactic final chapter that pushes the game engine to its limits, with a proper show-stopping finale. This was definitely my favourite part of the entire game. Without giving away the twist, the conclusion demonstrates Hazelight's narrative abilities and technical prowess. Visually and mechanically, it was indeed a unique experience.
Overall, Split Fiction is a clear testament to Hazelight Studios' ambition and growth, and after my time in the game, I have rated it a 9.5/10. It's more than a game, however. Instead, it's an exercise in the strength of imagination coupled with the strength of human connection wrapped up it a technologically advanced package that stretches the limits of co-op gameplay.
