Split Fiction – Review
OUR RATING: 10/10
From the moment you boot up Split Fiction, you’re in for a treat. The game follows Mio and Zoe, two aspiring writers with wildly different styles and personalities. Mio’s all about gritty sci-fi, while Zoe’s head is firmly in the clouds of fantasy. When they’re offered a chance to bring their stories to life through a mysterious publishing company’s high-tech machine, things quickly go sideways. Suddenly, these two strangers find themselves trapped in a mash-up of their own creations, forced to work together to escape and save their stories from being stolen.
What follows is a 12-15 hour journey that had me and my co-op partner laughing, gasping, and occasionally yelling at the screen (in the best way possible). Split Fiction takes everything that made It Takes Two great and cranks it up to eleven, delivering a co-op experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind. But don’t just take my word for it – let’s dive into what makes this game so special.
The heart of Split Fiction lies in its protagonists, Mio and Zoe. These two couldn’t be more different on the surface, but watching their relationship evolve throughout the game is a joy. Mio starts off as a bit of a cynic, skeptical of the whole situation and initially resistant to working with the bubbly Zoe. But as they navigate the bizarre worlds of their combined imaginations, you see genuine growth and connection forming.
What I love about the character development in Split Fiction is how organic it feels. There’s no forced drama or contrived conflicts – just two people learning to understand and appreciate each other through shared experiences. The voice acting deserves special praise here, bringing Mio and Zoe to life with nuanced performances that capture every emotion.
The story itself is a clever commentary on creativity, the publishing industry, and the fears many writers face about their ideas being stolen or exploited. Without spoiling too much, the villainous Rader Publishing company and its eccentric founder serve as perfect foils for our heroes. The way the game explores themes of artistic integrity and the value of original ideas feels especially relevant in today’s world of AI-generated content.
If there’s one thing Split Fiction excels at, it’s variety. The game constantly throws new mechanics and scenarios at you, ensuring that you’re never doing the same thing for too long. One moment you might be engaged in fast-paced sci-fi combat, the next you’re solving whimsical fantasy puzzles. This constant shift between genres and gameplay styles keeps things fresh and exciting throughout the entire adventure.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly Split Fiction blends these different elements. The transitions between Mio’s sci-fi worlds and Zoe’s fantasy realms are smooth and often unexpected, creating moments of genuine surprise and delight. And the way the game plays with perspective and screen-splitting is nothing short of genius – there were times when my partner and I were literally seeing different versions of the same environment.
The core gameplay loop revolves around platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat, but each world puts its own unique spin on these elements. In Mio’s sci-fi sections, you might find yourself piloting futuristic vehicles or hacking computer systems. Zoe’s fantasy realms, on the other hand, involve things like shapeshifting into magical creatures or manipulating the environment in impossible ways.
As with Hazelight’s previous titles, Split Fiction is built from the ground up for co-op play. The puzzles and challenges are designed in a way that requires genuine teamwork and communication. There’s no way to progress by going solo – you and your partner need to be in sync, coordinating your actions and abilities to overcome obstacles.
This focus on cooperation leads to some truly memorable moments. I lost count of the number of times my partner and I cheered after finally figuring out a particularly tricky puzzle or defeating a challenging boss. The game does an excellent job of making both players feel equally important, with each character having unique abilities that are crucial for success.
One of my favorite aspects of the co-op gameplay is how it encourages experimentation and discussion. Many of the puzzles have multiple solutions, and figuring out the best approach often led to fun debates and “what if we try this?” moments with my partner. It’s the kind of game that not only strengthens your problem-solving skills but also your communication and teamwork.
Split Fiction is, quite simply, a gorgeous game. The attention to detail in both the sci-fi and fantasy worlds is staggering. Mio’s futuristic cityscapes are filled with neon lights and sleek technology, while Zoe’s magical realms burst with vibrant colors and fantastical creatures. The way these two distinct visual styles clash and blend creates some truly breathtaking scenes.
The character animations deserve special mention. Mio and Zoe feel incredibly lifelike, with expressive faces and fluid movements that bring them to life. This level of detail extends to the environments as well – everything feels dynamic and reactive, adding to the sense of immersion.
Audio-wise, Split Fiction knocks it out of the park. The voice acting, as mentioned earlier, is top-notch. But it’s the music that really stands out. The soundtrack seamlessly blends sci-fi synths with orchestral fantasy themes, creating a unique auditory experience that perfectly complements the genre-bending nature of the game.
While the main story of Split Fiction can be completed in around 12-15 hours, there’s plenty of reason to come back for more. The game is packed with optional side stories that flesh out the world and characters. These mini-adventures are often some of the most creative and entertaining parts of the game, offering unique gameplay challenges and hilarious scenarios.
What’s more, Split Fiction encourages replaying with a different partner. Since Mio and Zoe have distinct abilities and perspectives, swapping roles on a second playthrough can feel like a whole new experience. The Friend Pass feature, which allows a second player to join even if they don’t own the game, makes it easy to share the fun with others.
No game is perfect, and Split Fiction does have a few small issues worth mentioning. The difficulty can spike quite suddenly in some sections, particularly during boss fights. While checkpoints are generally generous, there were a few moments where my partner and I felt frustrated by repeated failures.
Additionally, while the story is engaging overall, there are times when the dialogue feels a bit forced or on-the-nose, especially early on. This improves as the game progresses, but it’s noticeable in the opening hours.
Lastly, some players might find the constant genre-switching and new mechanics overwhelming. While I personally loved the variety, I can see how it might be too much for those who prefer a more consistent gameplay experience.
Despite these minor issues, Split Fiction is an absolute triumph. It takes the foundation laid by It Takes Two and builds upon it in creative and exciting ways. The blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, the constantly evolving gameplay, and the heartfelt story of friendship and creativity make for an unforgettable experience.
If you have a friend or partner to play with, Split Fiction should be at the top of your list. It’s the kind of game that reminds you why co-op gaming can be so special, creating shared moments of joy, frustration, and accomplishment that you’ll be talking about long after the credits roll.
Hazelight Studios has once again proven themselves as masters of the co-op genre, delivering a game that’s not just fun to play, but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Split Fiction is more than just a game – it’s a celebration of imagination, friendship, and the power of storytelling.
