When I told my partner I needed her help to review Split Fiction, Hazelight Studios‘ latest co-op adventure, she was cautiously optimistic. She had loved their previous game, It Takes Two, but wasn’t thrilled about spending her weekends watching me take notes and dissect gameplay mechanics. However, after 15 hours of playing Split Fiction, her tune changed completely. By the time we reached the emotional climax, she was wiping away tears, utterly captivated by the journey.

“I’m kind of sad this is going to be over,” she admitted. Her words echoed my own feelings. Split Fiction had drawn us in with its endearing characters, imaginative worlds, and thought-provoking challenges. It’s a game that not only lives up to the legacy of It Takes Two but surpasses it in many ways, setting a new standard for co-op gaming.

Table of Contents:

• A Story That Resonates
• A Love Letter to Genre Fiction
• Gameplay: A Constant Stream of Innovation
• A Tougher Challenge
• A Generational Achievement

A Story That Resonates

Split Fiction follows Mio and Zoe, two aspiring writers with contrasting personalities and creative styles. Mio is a guarded, cynical sci-fi enthusiast, while Zoe is an optimistic fantasy dreamer. Their lives intertwine when they’re invited by Rader Publishing to test a revolutionary technology that immerses authors in their own stories. However, a mishap during the experiment traps them in each other’s narratives, forcing them to confront their fears, insecurities, and the darker intentions behind Rader’s technology.

The game’s story is a poignant exploration of creativity, collaboration, and the struggles faced by artists in a world that often undervalues their work. The antagonist, James Rader, embodies the worst of modern tech culture—a billionaire who dismisses the value of creative labor with the chilling line, “ideas are easy.” This theme resonates deeply, especially in an era where art and creativity are frequently commodified and exploited.

A Love Letter to Genre Fiction

The game’s eight chapters alternate between Mio’s sci-fi and Zoe’s fantasy worlds, each brimming with references to iconic works from both genres. One moment, you’re navigating a neon-lit cyberpunk city straight out of Blade Runner; the next, you’re nurturing dragon eggs in a whimsical fantasy realm. These worlds are not just backdrops—they’re integral to the story, reflecting the protagonists’ personalities and struggles.

Playing with a partner who shares your love for these genres adds another layer of enjoyment. My partner, a fantasy enthusiast, and I, a sci-fi junkie, had a blast pointing out references and discussing the tropes we loved (or hated). The game even sparked conversations about why we gravitate toward certain genres and what we find lacking in others. It’s a rare experience that bridges the gap between gaming and meaningful dialogue.

Gameplay: A Constant Stream of Innovation

Where Split Fiction truly shines is in its gameplay. Like Hazelight’s previous titles, it’s a co-op action-platformer that constantly introduces new mechanics and challenges. Every 30 minutes, the game throws a fresh idea at you, from gunplay and melee combat to vehicle sections and puzzles. The variety is staggering, and each mechanic feels fully realized before the game moves on to the next.

One standout feature is the Side Stories, short bonus levels that offer a break from the main narrative. These segments introduce wild, one-off ideas that are as inventive as they are fun. In one, you’re competing in a deadly game show that combines Hot Potato with lacrosse. In another, you’re piloting a spaceship in a Gradius-style shoot-’em-up. These moments are packed with surprises, and I won’t spoil them here—they’re best experienced firsthand.

The game’s creativity and sense of wonder place it in the same league as classics like Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Portal 2. It’s a testament to Hazelight’s ability to translate their joy in creating these experiences directly to the player.

A Tougher Challenge

While Split Fiction is more challenging than It Takes Two, it’s not insurmountable. The difficulty spike feels natural, reflecting the game’s more complex mechanics and deeper narrative. That said, it’s worth noting that some sections may be tough for less experienced players. My partner, who isn’t a hardcore gamer, needed a bit of help during a few tricky moments. However, she still played 95% of the game on her own, a testament to its accessibility.

A Generational Achievement

Split Fiction is a triumph in every sense. It’s a game brimming with creativity, heart, and relevance, offering a co-op experience that’s as emotionally resonant as it is fun. The fact that my partner—a casual gamer—was just as moved and engaged as I was speaks volumes about Hazelight’s ability to create games that appeal to a broad audience.

With Split Fiction, Hazelight Studios has cemented its place as one of the most innovative developers in the industry. It’s a game that will be remembered and discussed for years to come, not just for its brilliance but for its ability to remind us why we love storytelling, creativity, and shared experiences.

Final Verdict

Split Fiction is a masterpiece of co-op gaming, blending imaginative gameplay, heartfelt storytelling, and a powerful message about the value of creativity. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or just great games, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.