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Split Fiction Review

A Masterpiece of Co-op Storytelling

Hazelight Studios, led by visionary director Josef Fares, has built a reputation for delivering unique cooperative experiences with A Way Out and It Takes Two. Split Fiction, their latest release, takes this legacy to new heights by blending two distinct genres—science fiction and fantasy—into one cohesive, engaging adventure. Featuring deep cooperative mechanics, inventive gameplay, and a heartfelt narrative, Split Fiction is another triumph for the studio.


Gameplay and Mechanics


A Fusion of Genres

At its core, Split Fiction is a two-player cooperative adventure where each player controls one of the protagonists: Mio, a sci-fi author trapped in a futuristic dystopia, and Zoe, a fantasy writer lost in a world of magic and myth. Their stories intertwine as they navigate each other's narratives, requiring teamwork to solve puzzles, combat enemies, and escape their literary prisons.


The game's dual-genre approach creates a dynamic contrast in mechanics. Mio’s sections focus on technology-driven gameplay, utilizing gadgets and laser-based combat, while Zoe’s world embraces magic-based abilities, spellcasting, and mystical puzzles. These mechanics evolve throughout the campaign, preventing repetition and keeping the gameplay experience fresh.


Cooperative Challenges and Pacing

As expected from Hazelight, Split Fiction is designed exclusively for co-op play, either locally or online. Players must work together to progress, with mechanics that demand synchronization and communication. Some sequences require asymmetric cooperation—one player manipulating a sci-fi console while the other deciphers a magical rune, for example—making for inventive puzzle design.


The game’s pacing is well-balanced, alternating between high-stakes action sequences and more introspective, puzzle-solving moments. The challenge is engaging but never frustrating, with a steady difficulty curve that encourages teamwork without feeling overly punishing.

Narrative and Characterization


A Story of Rivalry and Understanding

The premise of Split Fiction explores the often-debated rivalry between science fiction and fantasy through its two protagonists. Mio and Zoe, initially sceptical of each other's genres, must learn to appreciate their differences and combine their strengths. Their character arcs are compelling, driven by witty dialogue and moments of genuine emotional depth.


The narrative structure unfolds across multiple chapters, each influenced by the genre the characters find themselves in. While some moments lean into playful genre tropes, the game’s writing avoids falling into clichés, offering a fresh and engaging story about collaboration and creativity.

Visuals and Design


A Stunning Contrast of Worlds

Using Unreal Engine 5, Split Fiction delivers breathtaking visuals that perfectly differentiate its two central worlds. Mio’s environments are sleek, neon-lit cityscapes filled with towering AI constructs and high-tech machinery. In contrast, Zoe’s world is a vibrant, medieval fantasy land teeming with enchanted forests, mystical ruins, and grand castles.


The transition between these worlds is seamless, with stunning set-piece moments that highlight their visual juxtaposition. The art direction is distinct and purposeful, reinforcing the game’s central theme of bridging seemingly opposite creative realms.


Critical Reception


Praise for Innovation and Execution

Since its release, Split Fiction has garnered widespread acclaim. Critics have highlighted its seamless gameplay variety, strong character development, and stunning visuals. Some minor critiques point to the story’s occasional predictability and a few sections where cooperation feels slightly forced, but these do little to detract from the overall experience.

Final Verdict

Split Fiction is a masterclass in cooperative storytelling, seamlessly blending sci-fi and fantasy into an unforgettable adventure. Its inventive mechanics, heartfelt narrative, and stunning visual design make it one of the best co-op games in recent memory. Hazelight Studios continues to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling, proving once again that cooperative play can be both innovative and deeply emotional.


Score: 9/10

Pros:

✔ Engaging, genre-blending gameplay with varied mechanics.

✔ Strong cooperative design that requires teamwork.

✔ Stunning visuals and distinct art styles for each world.

✔ Well-written characters and emotionally resonant storytelling.

✔ Fresh and evolving puzzles that prevent repetition.


Cons:

✖ Some predictable narrative beats.

✖ A few forced cooperative moments that feel less organic.


Have you played Split Fiction? Share your thoughts on this innovative co-op experience in the comments below!

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