Hazelight Studios has carved a remarkable niche in the gaming industry as the leading developer of cooperative video games, with titles such as A Way Out and It Takes Two exemplifying its commitment to creating enriching multiplayer experiences. Unlike many developers that treat co-op gameplay as an ancillary feature, Hazelight ingeniously constructs its games around the essence of collaboration. The result is a series of inventive and immersive journeys that single-player modes simply cannot replicate. Their latest release, Split Fiction, builds on this legacy, presenting an exhilarating adventure that positions itself among the finest co-op games ever produced. Following the high standards set by the acclaimed Game of the Year winner, It Takes Two, Split Fiction not only meets but may even surpass the expectations.
The narrative revolves around two aspiring authors, Zoe and Mio, who dare to test a groundbreaking machine developed by Rader Publishing, allowing them to delve into their imaginative stories as full-scale experiences. However, their ambition leads to chaos as they become ensnared in buggy, intertwined realms of their narratives, oscillating between Mio’s dark sci-fi escapades and Zoe’s enchanting high-fantasy environments.
Split Fiction: The Pinnacle of Co-Op Gaming
While the storyline of Split Fiction may not rival that of literary classics, it ultimately serves as a backdrop for the game’s standout feature: the engaging gameplay. Players navigate through a series of innovative mechanics that continuously refresh the gaming experience. Much like It Takes Two, the gameplay flows dynamically from one creative concept to another, ensuring players are always entertained. Highlights featured in promotional trailers—such as nurturing dragons and transforming into pigs—merely scratch the surface of its gameplay potential. The variety of inventive ideas keeps players on their toes, with the vast majority landing with aplomb.
Initial chapters of Split Fiction present challenges that lack real stakes, particularly in the sci-fi segments focused on action and platforming. Although these scenarios are visually stunning and enjoyable, they often resemble a buildup lacking substantial substance. As players advance, experiencing more complex puzzles and engaging challenges, the gameplay escalates in excitement and thrill. Specifically, the fantasy levels are immediately interesting, resonating with a unique charm that captivates players.
The contrasting sci-fi and fantasy realms of Split Fiction are brought to life through distinct art styles and tailored musical scores. Mio’s segments exude a gritty cyberpunk ambiance accentuated by pulsating soundtracks, while Zoe’s fantasy zones offer a spectacular orchestral score reminiscent of beloved franchises like Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter series.
At its core, Split Fiction is a puzzle-platformer, emphasizing cooperation as the essence of nearly every challenge presented. However, its multifaceted nature defies strict categorization. While it primarily operates as a platformer, the gameplay also incorporates elements of isometric action, third-person shooting, and even exhilarating jet skiing. This constant variation provides a refreshing divergence that ensures no two moments feel the same.
In its design, Split Fiction skillfully balances extended explorations of its primary sci-fi and fantasy universes with interspersed side stories that allow players to experience the alternate genre. These bonus chapters, set in Zoe’s fantasy or Mio’s sci-fi narratives, frequently deliver some of the most memorable co-op gaming moments imaginable. The creativity presented in these side stories showcases Hazelight’s ingenuity and experimental flair, adding further layers of enjoyment to the game.
Side Stories that Steal the Spotlight
The side stories enable Hazelight to unleash its creativity, diverging from the main storyline to deliver innovative gameplay mechanics and artistic styles. Notably, the game’s visual appeal remains consistent, rendering at a smooth 60 frames per second across consoles, a feat that speaks volumes considering the frantic action transpiring during gameplay. The seamless split-screen functionality without performance hitches is a remarkable achievement in the realm of cooperative titles.
Though players can complete Split Fiction in roughly 12 hours, a wealth of hidden secrets and Easter eggs awaits for those seeking to achieve full completion.
Potential players should note that Split Fiction mandates cooperative play; there is no standalone single-player mode. However, Hazelight and EA facilitate the search for co-op partners, allowing local split-screen or online gaming, with only one player requiring a copy of the game through the Friend’s Pass feature. This time, cross-play functionality enhances the experience, ensuring that players are not hindered by their gaming platform choices. Our testing confirmed that the cross-play capabilities performed seamlessly, matching the quality of couch co-op.
As a seasoned gamer who has experienced countless titles, I can genuinely state that Split Fiction took my breath away with its imaginative and astonishing visuals. The game offers a constant flow of surprises, excitement, and entertainment. Positioned as one of the premier co-op games of all time, Split Fiction is an essential experience for any avid gamer. With Josef Fares and his talented team at Hazelight hitting it out of the park once again, this title is primed to be a front-runner in upcoming Game of the Year discussions.
Split Fiction launches on March 6 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. Game Rant received an Xbox Series X code for this review.
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