Split Fiction

So much fun. Thoroughly enjoyed playing this. Brought back memories of playing games with my son until we both had blisters on our thumbs from the controller. And years later when I couldn't kill the last main monster and would go get my son to come out and finish him so I could move on. LMAO. Very creative and funny, while still being a challenge. I do have one complaint though. Spoiler Alert: In my state it's illegal to put ketchup on a hotdog so you made me break the law :) Hope your next game's already in the works. Can't wait for another one... Thanks.

[h1]Sights & Sounds[/h1] [h3]Top-notch[/h3] [list] [*] You have to hand it to Hazelight; they know how to create visually interesting and often beautiful worlds to platform around in [*] [i]It Takes Two[/i], despite taking place in a mundane suburban setting, looked lively and magical from its ankle-high [i]Honey, I Shrunk the Kids[/i] perspective. [i]Split Fiction[/i] further loosens the chains binding the design to reality by setting the whole game in a virtual environment [*] Throughout the game, you'll alternate between cyberpunk dystopian sci-fi and magical high fantasy worlds springing from the minds of the two protagonists. Given the freedom provided by those two genres, environments and set pieces stay interesting and imaginative for the whole experience [*] The whole thing looks fantastic even without a world-beating setup. My hardware would have been considered top-of-the-line in 2019, but it's starting to show its age with newer titles. The game still looked fantastic, thankfully [*] The soundtrack leans into the disparate genres as well. I'd hesitate to call it generic, but you kinda already know what the auditory backdrop is going to to be. Sci-fi level? Prepare for exciting and energetic synth beats. Fantasy level? Hope you like lutes and woodwinds. Appropriate all around, but not exactly memorable [*] As with Hazelights past titles, the voice acting is top-notch. There's a lot of back-and-forth between the two player characters, so it would have been frustrating had either had been poorly acted [/list] [h1]Story & Vibes[/h1] [h3]Ehhhh...[/h3] [list] [*] If there's any blemish on what is otherwise an excellent co-op experience, it has to be the story. It's tropey, it's bland, and it's painfully uninteresting [*] The narrative setup sounds pretty good on paper. An evil corporation has begun hiring aspiring authors and plopping them in virtual reality pods that allow them to inhabit the worlds of their stories [*] That's a cool jumping off point, but there's hardly any exposition or explanation beyond that. What does the villainous CEO want to do with them? Movies? Video games? No clue, no one ever reveals that [*] Why hook up authors to machines at all? Why not just buy their stories? I don't see how a giant sci-fi machine is supposed to help any sort of production process. It feels like a big, dumb, unnecessary expense. Anyone who invested in that idea deserves to lose their money [*] And it doesn't get any better when you get into each protagonist's subplots. Without getting into the thick of it (there's no reason to), it's just to women who are bad at dealing with grief. I get it, I've lost loved ones too. It's an awful experience and things are never the same afterwards. But it's all just conveyed so poorly that both my wife and I were rolling our eyes constantly [*] I think what we found so annoying was that it felt like Mio and Zoe appear to believe that their losses are unique and not something that every human will have to endure multiple times in the course of their lives. Even my wife, who lost her father just a few years ago, was scoffing and muttering at the screen for most of Mio's backstory reveal [*] As an aside, I'm not a callous person. I'll never insist someone "get over it". Grief is labor. It is a burden you bear until you die and pass the weight onto your loved ones. You will not get over it, but you will learn to carry it better. But [i]Split Fiction[/i] seems to think that sharing your grief with another grieving person is sufficient. I promise you that doesn't always work [*] Some may also point out that the writing for [i]It Takes Two[/i] was also poor and the plot was similarly generic, but at least the co-operative gameplay played nicely with the theme of collaboration. Here, the message is just a swing and miss [*] Despite the theme of dealing with grief, most of the gameplay is exciting and fun. It feels a bit discordant [/list] [h1]Playability & Replayability[/h1] [h3]Now for the good part[/h3] [list] [*] If you've played [i]It Takes Two[/i], you have a pretty good frame of reference for what's in store. Just imagine the same slick co-op platforming, but with a much greater focus on platforming than puzzling [*] Oh, there's still plenty of puzzles, but prepare to have your reflexes, timing, rhythm, aiming, driving, and flying skills all tested to varying degrees depending on which protagonist you picked [*] The reason that it matters is that there appears to be a greater focus on asymmetrical gameplay than in Hazelight's previous offering. While this can lead to some envy when your partner's power looks way more fun than what you got stuck with, it also leads to some memorable moments [*] One such highlight was when I was dodging missiles in a building-traversing, gravity defying, [i]Distance[/i]-like chase sequence as Mio, my wife was fiddling on a smartphone with a malware resembling minigame in an effort to defuse a bomb as Zoe. We had a good laugh about that one [*] Due to that dynamic, you'll probably find yourself screenwatching from time to time. Not only does it make it a little easier to coordinate some segments, it also allows you to catch a glimpse of what you're missing out on [*] If you can get away with ignoring the bulk of the story, I'd call this an easily replayable game. Platforming through each colorful environment in this 12-16 hour title was irresistibly fun and addictive. My wife and I beat it over the course of a week or so and looked forward to playing for a bit each night [/list] [h1]Overall Impressions & Performance[/h1] [h3]Still worth it[/h3] [list] [*] I tend to have strong opinions about writing in games, so the cornball dialogue and ho-hum placed a ceiling on my enjoyment. However, if you don't care about what a game tries to say, you're in for a lot of fun [*] Even with the glaring fault, I still had a good time with the game at the end of the day. Hey, good platforming is good platforming, and it's even better when you get to share it with someone you like [*] In the first section, I alluded to how great the game looks even on somewhat outdated hardware. It mostly runs fine too, but there are a few really cool visual segments towards the conclusion that unfortunately caused my framerate to tank a bit. Nothing unplayable, but it was noticeable [/list] [h1]Final Verdict[/h1] - [b]8.0[/b]/10. Judging this game purely on the basis of its platforming mechanics, it's a stellar experience. As a vehicle for a story, it's a bit of a mess. Find something else to do during the cutscenes and you're in for a treat

TLDR: Not for everyone The game starts of pretty ... bad? The writing for the women is horrendous, they don't feel like real people, more like insane stereotypes. The scifi worlds are all shooty, the fantasy worlds all magical without much magic. It's frustrating. Especially if you've played It Takes Two, and you simply know what this studio is capable of in terms of creativity. However, for most people, the last 40% or so will redeem this. The characters get a bit better, and the worlds become much more interesting. There are really awesome levels that felt more like it came from the creators of It Takes Two. The final battle was also really fun, but some elements in it felt like it could have been introduced earlier like [spoiler] the combination of worlds.. [/spoiler]. All in, the writing simply wasn't very good (fair enough, It Takes Two also had some issues, but at least they had a reason to be angry at each other, this felt like forced drama all the way). The game felt rushed, and not story-wise but in terms of gameplay. Most levels consist of you rushing along, and if you die, no worries, you get teleported to your partner's location. There were a few levels that took it slower but I felt like I couldn't appreciate all the amazing scenery due to the rush. The abilities also weren't very interesting for the most part, but that might be due to me playing [spoiler] Zoe, who is basically a grappling hook [/spoiler]. The visuals were amazing though, especially in the fantasy worlds. I would love for them to create a game fully based in a fantasy setting. The sci-fi worlds were also pretty, but felt a bit like "baby's-first-scifi". I do want to give a shout out to the design of the characters and the outfits. They were amazing! I guess you could say my play-recommendations are: - Did you play It Takes Two? -> You might be disappointed - Do you like fleshed-out characters and great dialogue? -> This might not be for you - Are you looking for an enjoyable multiplayer? -> This will be fun - Do you want to experience different worlds without much hardship? -> You will enjoy this - Do you like pretty visuals? -> It's for you. - I want to play this with my SO who's not a gamer. -> Go right ahead, it'll be fun! - Are you looking for something challenging? -> This won't float your boat

It Takes Two was great and hard to beat as a (couch) co-op game. But HazeLight has done it again. Another intriguing story line to follow with creative and fun gameplay!

In my search for playing good games, I gave Split Fiction a go after seeing all the overwhelmingly positive reception. After playing for 5 hours, THIS GAME IS VERY DISAPPOINTING AND VERY BAD! It Takes Two varies its gameplay constantly within a singular level, while Split Fiction milks the same gimmicks for hours on end. Without the gameplay variety, you realise how shallow and boring the gameplay loop actually is: puzzles solved within seconds of seeing them, and "platforming challenges" that play themselves because the game handles the jumps for you. There is a side story level with giants, where you just walk in a straight line. Who thought this was fun? This is non-gamer's game. If you actually care about playing good, fun video games and not overhyped casual slop, avoid this at all costs. The people who gave this game a positive review can't be real.

Just like A Way Out and It Takes Two, a beautiful cooperative experience that tops EVERYTHING. It's mind blowing what they were able to achieve with this game. A definite GOTY contender for sure

Split Fiction is pretty much It Takes Two upped to x10, Hazelight is an example that should be taken by all devs worldwide. Pigs, side-scroll platforming, beautiful space scenery, dragons, explosions, and amazing boss battles are only some of the creativity this game has, because this game has it all. There is a lot of different gameplay variation from section to section, boss to boss, side story to side story. The gameplay in each section is so polished they could have easily created a bunch of different games instead of one, it's mindblowing. After It Takes Two, it is time for a new Hazelight masterpiece to get the GotY!

After [i]It Takes Two[/i], my partner and I were eagerly waiting for Hazelight's next co-op game. When [i]Split Fiction[/i] was finally announced, our excitment was mixed with a bit of hesitation, as we were worried it might not live up to our expectations. Watching the trailer, we weren't entirely sure if the story would grab us or if we'd even like the two main characters. Eventually we bought the game, a bit relactuntatly though. And I'm glad we did, cause this game is [b]amazing[/b]! Honestly, I'd say it's even better than [i]It Takes Two[/i]. The shifting storylines and hidden side-stories make sure the game never feels repetitive. The visuals and audio are top-notch, the story is clever and Mio and Zoe won us over by the end. If I had to point out one small negative, I would've like a few more puzzles that really make you stop and think. But that's a minor nitpick. Overall, this was a fantastic experience, absolutely worth the price. We had a great time playing it and as a couple we are proud we didn't have a major brawl during the process. Except for one moment: the "Space escape" side story. Let's just say that as our characters ran out of oxygen, we almost run out of patience :D [b]10/10 - An unforgettable co-op experience. Thank you, Hazelight![/b]

I remember watching this be announced and the game awards and I thought he was a little cocky when he hyped it up. After playing it, I can confidently say he was absolutely right. This is one of the best games I've ever played. The art and the music were incredible and the gameplay was unbelievably unique and incredibly fun. I wish the game was just a little harder as it felt like I couldn't get fully invested in any of the puzzles or the fights but still such an incredible time. Highly recommend!!

[h3]"My gut feeling tells me we're gonna be alright."[/h3] [h3]"Alright, or great?"[/h3] [h3]"Does it matter? At least we've got each other. Best friends forever!"[/h3] [hr][/hr] A review that feels a bit late to write, but hasn't felt more important than ever. [b]Hey, that's cool[/b] Initially, my first impressions of Split Fiction were quite critical. This is my first game from Hazelight and what little exposure I have from their other games come in the form of having seen some of A Way Out on YouTube around the time it came out. From seeing EA as the publisher, it left me very wary as it isn't difficult to look through the history of the studios and many other series they've trampled upon. It's great to say that hasn't happened here, in fact - the main antagonist is a great allegory for corporate greed and the kind of exploitation creatives go through. It's co-op all the way through, and they really cared to make it accessible. If you buy a copy, your partner can download a Friend's Pass version of the game and input a code that you provide to them to be able to play together. This even works across platforms, and has options for remote play. Just how many studios can you name do this with their games? Granted that with the nature of the game and studio, it seems only organic to do as such, but it's really quite nice to not see two companies demand another price tag for every instance of two people playing together and doubling their revenue. [hr][/hr] [b]What's witnessed[/b] Here, the two of you choose who you'd be playing as for your time together between Mio and Zoe. At first they can seem a bit uninspired and only to be representative of their respective traits - Mio having an upbeat positivity and loving to laugh at the little things while Zoe is a down-to-earth pragmatist who's cynical about everything. It seemed like that's as far as they'll go as they poke at each other for being into different genres for their stories while trying to find their way through what happens to them, but by the end of everything, I was very pleasantly surprised and awed by what we went through. I'll lightly get into how the story handles itself further below. I remember when we first saw the perma-split screen and realized it was going to be like that all the way through. That was really cool. In a strange way it helps you feel more connected to who you're playing with since you constantly have their perspective in view, what they're looking around at, following their inputs and what they get up to in case you two need to separate for an encounter. I'm not one to care too much about graphics, but they are phenomenal here. Even with the main conventional sci-fi and fantasy environments you run through, there's chock-full of interpersonal detail scattered through the linear levels that help keep it fresh and there's little hidden things you can find together. The sound design is crisp and there's as many impactful, action-packed scenarios as there are relaxing and comfortable moments to have and enjoy the scenery with. Color plays a heavy role here, and the side stories are so creative and lovely that I didn't realize I was having genuine carefree fun until way later. The last few levels of the game especially [i][u]blew[/u][/i] our minds away. [hr][/hr] [b]The Game[/b] That leads me back to my main criticism I had for Split Fiction, and why I didn't grow to genuinely appreciate everything I just went through with my partner until a little bit before or around the middle part of the game. There's a lack of depth within what you actually get to do in-game. Each level is a sequence of being giving your character's solution for obvious problems from the start, and/or controlling one half of a thing you're riding together on. Due to how linear the levels are built, you can't utilize what's at your disposal to traverse the environment or defeat enemies any quicker and there's just one way to solve each puzzle you encounter. Admittedly, the beginning of the game had been difficult for me to stay engaged with. In comes the magic of not being alone, though, and I especially did not want to abandon who I was with. As we played through, it dawned on me you didn't need anything to go past being as simple as they are to end up enjoying the fullest of it. What makes up for lack of depth, is the variety of things you get to do and see. You're constantly treated to cinematic spectacles and minigames from different video game genres. And everything you get to do, you get to do it [i]together[/i]. Split Fiction never misses a moment to reinforce cooperation, and wonderfully blends with the story's progression to feel organic. Here, we're lead to what many would pin as a weak point for Split Fiction: the narrative. I actually really got to enjoy how straightforward of a villain the main antagonist is, as it lends to what Hazelight wants the game to be - a fun adventure with whoever you have accompanying you in a lighthearted story that comes with heavy-handed moments that touch upon the emotions. Loss is involved, and for some of those that play, it can be extremely personal. In avoiding spoilers the best I can, I'd say how they portray loss in the game and dealing with everything grief can make you feel is pretty realistic. At least, for me, anyways. I wasn't expecting anything like it in a game such as this and it left me tearing up. It's an incredibly sweet story and it was a joy to see Mio and Zoe warm up to each other over the course of the hardships they face in-game. Their actors absolutely nailed their voices and roles, and, to be frank, it was hard not to draw parallels with how they began to feel for each other towards the someone I was playing with. [hr][/hr] [b]Companionship[/b] In truth, for most of those that get through the game, one playthrough would be it. But it's certainly going to be more than enough. Not only did I generally have a fun and comfy time, Split fiction helped me to touch back upon the subtleties of a human connection and what someone means to me through simple gameplay and just doing things together. If you're reading through these reviews and have a sibling, child, parent, friend, close partner, or anyone really to give it a try with, I couldn't give a stronger recommendation. When you do, cherish them and each moment in tandem, as you never know what's going to become a memory for you two to keep forever. I'll definitely be looking forward to It Takes Two when them and I get to have the chance for more heartbound cooperation again.

I loved It Takes Two but this game is just... bland. TLDR get this on sale but not full price. We were looking forward to this game because It Takes Two was incredible, but unfortunately this follow up doesn't work for me. - I really don't like the setting - it's so bland and shallow. Each 'story' you go through is for the most part a brief exploration of a cliche of a genre - there's no depth in the worldbuilding. You spend a long time for example exploring a Blade Runner style sci fi area and I just hated it because it was a pile of cliche sci-fi visuals with no depth or meaning. - The characters are so uninteresting and unlikable. I miss the Book of Love from It Takes Two- there's nothing like that in Split Fiction. (Also, visually they look exactly the same, so I keep getting them mixed up on screen - where's the excellent silhouette difference like ITT had?) - The gameplay is generally not that fun. In ITT each area was delightful to explore with fun new abilities and never overstayed their welcome, but in this I'm finding that sequences that should be fun just feel like chores to get through - a mix of poor controls, uninteresting setting and unlikeable characters. For example a car chase sequence in the sci-fi area just had me struggling to barely control it because they inverted camera vertical for the duration, so I wasn't enjoying the sequence, just trying to get through it. Another example is a motorbike chase, where I was playing a character whose job was to attack the enemies, except there was no aiming reticle so I was missing all my shots - which made me realise me playing during this mode had no effect on whether we got through the level. I put down the controller for the rest of this sequence and it changed nothing. - I think my biggest issue is the dire lack of humour, which was so amazing in It Takes Two - that game is hilarious. And it's not that this game had to be funny to be good - and in fact there are a few good moments (I loved the pigs level), but it just feels like it has nothing else going for it, and I know from ITT that humour is where this studio shines. It's not totally fair to constantly compare this to ITT, but I bought this because of ITT and it just feels inferior in every way. I wouldn't recommend this game at full price. At discount maybe. But I'm finding it a chore to play unfortunately.

The coop and gameplay mechanics are varied, fun, and fabulous throughout 10/10 The writing and characterization is weaker but still fun to rag on with your buddy 7/10 Taking the two together, it's an 8.5 and a strong recommend. Find or make a friend and play this.

Solid game, very fun and engaging storyline.

This game has a very mediocre story and the gameplay repeats itself in every chapter. The special mechanics for each chapter are never expanded in meaningful ways and the puzzles are pretty boring and hand holdy. The last chapter has some cool visuals and the game probably would have been more intriguing if they did more of the game like that. This game is a solid 5/10 at best and I don't think the story is compelling enough to recommend even for co-op. You're honestly better off playing it takes two again than playing this.

good game, slightly disappointed at the lack of a dark fantasy themed ARPG soulslike level

Split Fiction can, at least spiritually, be mostly summed up under More It Takes Two. I need to be clear here, that is not a dig at all. I adore It Takes Two, and I am confident that if you liked that, it is almost a guarantee you will enjoy this too. I will never get over how decadent, almost wasteful, Hazelight can be when they design their games. Much like It Takes Two, there are sections in Split Fiction that lesser studios would make an entire 6-8 hour game out of, but here these sections are 10 minutes long and then dropped entirely, never to be seen again, to make way for the next equally cool idea. The result is a head-spinning pace of adapting to new gameplay styles, and the almost giddy excitement of learning the new rules with your friend, brother, partner, whoever. It's a trick that never gets old. One part of the game that has received some critique is the narrative and dialogue. I thought these were... fine? Like, the tale of Zoe and Mio isn't exactly taking up residence in my brain next to 1000xRESIST and Death Stranding or anything, but it wasn't anywhere near bad enough to detract from the experience, or even register in my brain as a negative whilst I played. It did what it needed to do - create context for a ton of cool, innovative gameplay set-pieces to make sense - and it does this well. If you're reading this there's a good chance I won't be the first person you've heard gush over the ending. Without going into specifics, the final hour or so of this game delivers an experience that I, in my 30ish years of playing videogames, have [i]never[/i] seen before. I'll have you know I was LOSING MY MIND the entire time, and the fact that my relatively-new-to-gaming partner got to be a part of that experience was pretty special. Just an absolute firehose of creativity. Nobody does it like Hazelight, honestly. Split Fiction is another raging success, another joyous celebration of videogames as a whole, and one of the best co-op games ever made.

Fun, trippy, great game mechanics.

[h1]Review After 100% Completion[/h1] [h2]Recommendation: Strongly Recommended[/h2] [h3]What I Liked (Pros):[/h3] - Mind-blowing level design and variety, every stage feels like its own world, with unique mechanics, visuals, and storytelling. - Fantasy-themed levels were personal favourites, but the cyberpunk cityscape was also a standout. - Final sequence is jaw-dropping, a real “how did they even do this?” moment. - Side levels are absolutely wild and hilarious, constantly surprising. [h3]What I Didn’t Like (Cons):[/h3] - Strictly co-op, solo players are out of luck. - Mio is super unlikable at the start, though she does grow on you by the end. - The game’s ambition kind of ruins other games for a while—not really a con, but worth noting. [h3]Wishlist - Things I’d Love to See Added:[/h3] - Solo Mode – Even with AI, just being able to play through it alone would be awesome. - Photo Mode – The visuals are too good not to capture. - More Accessibility Options – Especially for colorblind players and those with motor impairments. - Bonus Content or Dev Commentary – Would love to hear how some of these levels were made. [h3]Achievements:[/h3] Overall, the achievement list is very manageable thanks to the chapter select, which makes it easy to go back and clean up anything you missed. Most achievements are tied to level completion, finding side missions or benches, and nothing is missable. That said, a couple of achievements really stand out in terms of difficulty: - Cold Potato – Requires perfect timing and coordination in a chaotic mini-game. - You Are Not a Robot – Complete the entire bike chase without failing the CAPTCHA input. It’s hilarious, but brutal. If you're going for 100%, expect a mostly smooth ride with a couple of spicy skill checks. Still feel like the hidden laser level should have been an achievement to make it even more challenging. [h3]Standout Levels:[/h3] [spoiler]Rise of the Dragon Realm - Dragon eggs hatch and grow into massive rideable dragons. Hopes of Spring - Shapeshifting into animals like a giant monkey and an ent-like tree. The Hollow - Owl companion creates stunning light bridges. Neon Revenge - Parking inspector chaos and a CAPTCHA bike chase that’s both genius and ridiculous. Octo Rush - Jet ski madness with a giant octopus. Pig Out - Pigs literally cook themselves and jump into hotdog buns. Unhinged. [/spoiler] [h3]Easter Eggs We Found:[/h3] This game is packed with clever nods, some subtle, some hilariously in-your-face. A few favorites: [spoiler] Alita: Battle Angel, Assassin’s Creed hay bale dive, Dr. Hakim waffle, A Way Out prison cells, Hogwarts castle, Metal Gear Solid box, Mega Man, Portal cake, Bowser-like boss, Dark Souls bonfire, Sailor Moon transformation, Sonic loop, Fall Guys course, Donkey Kong barrels, Dead Space suit, Halo Johnson speech, Akira slide, Dune sandworm, Star Wars trash compactor, Zelda puzzles and deku tree. [/spoiler] We probably missed a bunch more. [h3]Final Thoughts:[/h3] While It Takes Two was an incredible co-op experience, Split Fiction completely eclipses it in scope, scale, and mechanical depth. Everything, from level complexity to visual storytelling, feels like an evolution rather than just another iteration of cooperative gameplay. This is gaming innovation at its absolute peak. Split Fiction isn’t just a game, it’s an experience. If there was ever a title that felt like it redefined what games could be, it’s this one. These devs are absolutely goated

This game is hands down the most unique experience I have ever had playing any video game. The game play is bonkers. Hilariously fun from start to finish.

Another masterpiece. This game is more difficult than It Takes Two and doesn't borrow any of the mechanics. Somehow, they managed to create all new mechanics. Brilliant writing, plot, character development, and gameplay. Full of action - guns, motorcycles, snowboarding, rafting, lasers, and tons more. Loved every minute of it and look forward to replaying this every year. Bravo!

Game of the year contender, Best bonding activity with friend.

Every single part of this game requires teamwork! A fun game with an impressive set of game mechanics. The developers for this game did a fantastic job in that aspect. Definitely worth ago if you are looking for a fun co-op game.

Amazing concepts and fun with a friend. Couldn't have asked for a better co-op game!

I don't know of a better Co-Op experience in the gaming world. This is so much fun and each mechanic is well thought out. The story is also excellent and very engaging, the devs have done an amazing jobs with this game.

Amazing game to play as a couple. Great stories that you'll play through with beautiful environments. Especially a great game for a book lover...

[b]GOTY 2025[/b] Amazing, just amazing. Decided to buy this to play with my sister because we both enjoyed playing the demo a lot together and since it's the summer season, decided to try it out with her to spend our free time. The graphics, the ost, the creative platforming stages, bosses and story. Chef kiss. Despite having only played the game for nearly 10 hours and haven't completed it yet, I am having a blast with it. As someone who played and finished It Takes Two few years ago, this game never failed to hit and revive the itch of a challenging, fun and enjoyable multiplayer experience. As for rooms to improve on, maybe if possible, there can be an option for singleplayer mode (2'nd character can be AI-controlled) for people who want to play these kinds of games but don't have a real-life friend, sibling or family member to play with. That would cater for a more inclusive approach :). Other than that, I look forward to more games like this!

Phenomenal game. The new gold standard for coop. Refreshing and creative gameplay. Wish it had a bit more of a challenge, but it's a great game to play with a loved one or significant other that way.

Josef Fares' latest co-op masterpiece doesn’t just test your skills — it tests your friendship. You’ll find yourself: - Trusting your friend… - Immediately realizing that was a mistake - Getting a bomb tossed at you seconds before it explodes - Screaming "WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME BEFORE THROWING THE BOMB?!" while playing the victim card like a pro Then things get weird: - You fly using your pig’s fart propulsion - Your buddy glides through chaos on a dragon - You ride the same dragon like a runaway barrel This game isn’t just a co-op experience — it’s emotional warfare disguised as fun. 10/10 – Thanks, Josef, for making trust issues a gameplay mechanic.

the mini game during the end credits was really challenge, but after a few minutes we finally got it.

Split Fiction, true to its name, has completely split my friendship apart. 10/10, least optimised game ever

Very nice game, but the boss fights are all crap. Could do well without them!

the difficulty is higher, the story beats are more spread out, but this entire game is absolutely stunning genuine recommendation, please play

[h1]Overall Rating: [9/10][/h1] [h2]▶ Gameplay – [10/10][/h2] This game has like a hundred different games packed into one, and they're all beautifully executed. It's just a breeze of fresh air. [h2]▶ Story – [9/10][/h2] The story is not something that you find in an RDR2, but it is a good heartwarming story that perfectly ties everything together. And they got some tears out of me, so yeah, its good. [h2]▶ Graphics/Visuals – [10/10][/h2] The visuals are also very good. Just like the 100 different games, they're a lot of different visual styles for each side story. And the base game also looks and feels great. Stunning settings and everything. And the visuals also sell the deep emotional feelings of the protagonists. [h2]▶ Sound/Music – [10/10][/h2] Sounds are satisfying and fit with each story. And the soundtrack can be low, slow and emotional or big and epic. [h2]▶ Performance & Bugs – [10/10][/h2] We encountered no issues whatsoever. [hr][/hr] [h2]▶ Final Verdict[/h2] Hazelight Studios have done it again. This game is just a coop masterpiece. Don't miss out. [b]✔ Pros:[/b] [list] [*] Beautifully executed game [*] Heartwarming story [*] Lots of different things to do in that game, and it doesn't get boring [*] Great pacing [/list]

This is one of the best games I've ever played but it has THE WORST dialogue/story I've ever heard. I logged about 8 hours of reels through my 16 hour play through, deafening my headset several times along the way. Nothing has ever made me feel so euphoric yet so severely upset simultaneously, this must be what being bipolar feels like. Anyway you should definitely maybe get this game.

I continue to be in awe of Hazelight: it's incredible how they're able to craft these games and stories that work so well for two people. My fantasy-loving girlfriend and I (who's been begging her to watch Battlestar Galactica) played It Takes Two together, and were a level away from finishing it when we saw Split Fiction announced at The Game Awards. There's very few cases that I preorder games nowadays, but based on Hazelight's pedigree, I did so instantly. I could spend time talking about the gameplay, which was incredible, but I instead want to focus on two other important aspects: first, the music. The music felt supremely well-timed and paired with what we were doing in the game. And the ending song, [i]Echoes[/i] by Loreen (a Eurovision winner!), hit me emotionally when paired with the beautiful ending. Finally, the technical work done on this game was nothing short of flawless. I'm going to avoid spoiling anything, but the very last level blew me away. As a software engineer myself, I was geeking out the entire time that I was platforming - almost enough that I was drawn out of the story! I'm so glad that Hazelight is filling this niche of games for two people - and not pulling out any stops while doing so. The Friends Pass is such a great benefit, and made - and continues to make - supporting them easy.

I enjoyed playing with my wiwti, the story was lackluster tbh but the game-play was top notch

Split Fiction was an amazing game! from the creators of "It takes two"! My wife and I had lots of fun! The graphics are amazing and super smooth gameplay. We enjoyed the puzzles aswell. We hope they make another game just like this one soon! 10/10!!!!

What an outstanding story! Wonderfully fun co-op mechanics/teamwork. Can't wait for them to create another co-op game.

Good but not as good as a way out, it takes two, or chickentest3. Why did the side stories just end they were the best part of the game.

One of the best split-screen coop games I've played. The team behind this game has really nailed what makes a coop game genuinely fun to play with every chapter offering new and distinct abilities. The writing and dialogue can be cheesy but it honestly adds to the game's overall charm and I really did feel for Mio and Zoe by the end. The entire end segment in general was wild and a fantastic way to finish off such a unique game. Will probably be in my top 5 at the very least for my gotys.

Absolutely loved this game, hazelightstudios makes the best co-op stories!! have played it takes two and a way out and now this game with the same person and we have both laughed so much together playing it! we cant wait for future releases!! so many fun little details to spend time looking at or moments to sit and play with the fun abilities!!

Played through the game with my brother and I think if you can you really should play the game in couch-coop as I think it's much more fun. The whole game was the best I have experienced in the year of 2025 and I hope it will get GOTY this year.

Hazelight continues to be the uncrowned kings of co-op games. It's even better than It Takes Two in my opinion. Another Best Multiplayer Game winner for sure.

Without any exaggeration, the best co-op game of all time. This game does pretty much everything it attempts to do extremely well and is an absolute blast start to finish. If I had any criticisms whatsoever, it would be the fairly demanding hardware requirements, occasionally predictable and trope-y writing, and the (sometimes) difficult gameplay sections for a partner that's new to video games altogether (Split Fiction offered only the occasional challenge to my friend & I, but was consistently very difficult for my gf who doesn't play games). 10/10 highly recommend.

THIS CO-OP GAME IS DEFINITELY WORTH PLAYING. Split Fiction delivers a bold and refreshingly chaotic take on story-driven action, but it’s the co-op mode that elevates this game from “well done” to “very entertaining”. At its core, Split Fiction is built around dual protagonists with wildly contrasting abilities and personalities. In co-op, you and your partner must work together, each handling your character’s unique skills. The split-screen mechanics (local or online) are smooth and smartly implemented, never feeling like an afterthought. Puzzles and combat scenarios are clearly designed with two minds in mind. Many set pieces feel tailor-made for hilarious miscommunication—or brilliant synergy. In some ways, the game has a good plot, but being honest I didn't notice it so well. Realization could have done much better because I can't name it as an unforgettable plot. Besides that, the writing walks a clever line between pulpy sci-fi and sharp emotional beats. Visually, Split Fiction is stylized but striking, the gameplay is polished and consistently engaging. There are some levels, that can be very similar to the previous ones, but even that is not a problem because every chapter brings a lot of emotions playing with your friend. Final Verdict: Split Fiction is more than just a clever title—it’s a great dual-protagonist game with one of the best co-op experiences in recent memory. Whether you’re in it for the intense action or the layered narrative, bring a friend along. This is where Split Fiction truly shines. + Incredible co-op mechanics + Asymmetric gameplay that feels balanced and fun + Exciting mechanics + Beautiful visuals – Unnoticeable plot as for me Overall: 9/10

The game was lots of fun loved the different stories in it. I only wish there was an option to play single player.

Brief Overview at the bottom! SPOILER FREE - DIFFICULTY - 🔲 Not difficulty based 🔲 Easy ☑️ Normal 🔲 Hard 🔲 Insanity 🔲 Varying - GRAPHICS - 🔲 Pixels 🔲 Bad 🔲 Graphics don't matter in this game 🔲 Good 🔲 Beautiful ☑️ Masterpiece - MUSIC - 🔲 Bad 🔲 Music ☑️ Good 🔲 Beautiful - STORY - 🔲 This game has no story 🔲 Very mind numbing 🔲 Available if people want it ☑️ Well written 🔲 Epic story - PRICE - 🔲 N/A 🔲 Underpriced 🔲 Perfect price ☑️ Could be cheaper 🔲 Overpriced 🔲 Stupidly priced - REQUIREMENTS - 🔲 You can run it on a calculator ☑️ Mid Spec ☑️ High end 🔲 Top of the Range - LENGTH - 🔲 Very short (0 - 3 hours) 🔲 Short (3 - 15 hours) ☑️ Average (15 - 50 hours) 🔲 Long (50 - 90 hours) 🔲 Extremely long (90 - 110 hours) 🔲 Continuous - FUN - 🔲 Dead 🔲 Hard to enjoy 🔲 Repetitive ☑️ Actually pretty amusing 🔲 Ride of your life - REPLAYABILITY - 🔲 None 🔲 Only for achievements 🔲 If you wait a few months ☑️ Definitely 🔲 Infinitely replayable - WORTH BUYING - 🔲 No 🔲 Wait for sale ☑️ Yes 🔲 Free ⏰ How long to beat Split Fiction: - Main Story - 13 Hours - Main + Extras - 14 Hours - Completionist - 15½ Hours ⭕ - Conclusion -: Split fiction is a fantastic game similar to it takes two but with a different style of gameplay and a whole new chapter of fun and exciting adventures. The characters are great to play as and gain cool mechanics throughout. The story is good but a bit generic with a lot of it just lacking substance outside of the gameplay. The characters themselves are also unbalanced, nobody wants to play the green character its just not as fun. Other than those two points the game is an amazing experience you should all have!

In Hazelight's realm, where co-op games shine, "Split Fiction" emerges, a tale intertwine. Mio and Zoe, writers ensnared, In stories of sci-fi and fantasy paired. Each level unveils a novel delight, Mechanics that shift, keeping gameplay tight. From dragons to lasers, the challenges vary, A testament to Hazelight's visionary. Side stories abound, twelve in all, Mini-adventures that enthrall. From game shows wild to cosmic quests, These detours stand among the best. Yet, compared to "It Takes Two" of yore, Some feel the minigames offer less lore. But the narrative depth and creative flair Make "Split Fiction" a game beyond compare. A contender for Game of the Year, Its innovation and heart are clear. In the tapestry of co-op play, "Split Fiction" leads the way.

Awesome game! The devs deserve every praise there is for this! I have one issue, (maybe just an opinion) with the game. Me and my friend felt like the balancing between interactive gameplay was more focused on Mio then on Zoe. Especially towards the end it was kind of weird and we automatically compared it to "It takes two" where this wasn´t an issue or something we noticed at all. That´s the only reason why we liked "It takes two" more than "Split Fiction". Personally i would say i liked the story of ITT better but that is just a matter of taste and something everyone has to decide for themselves. 100% recommend this one and everyone who loves Co-Op games will be served by one if not the best in the industry right now. Worth it´s money! Split it between your friend who you want to play with and have a good time!

Story is not bad, but the visual is so stunning. Game play is also super creative. A good game to play with friends. 9/10