Split Fiction is one of the most unique games I’ve played in recent memory. It’s no surprise that Hazelight has delivered another co-op masterpiece after hitting it out of the park with It Takes Two. Each of their games feels like it’s raising the bar, not just in storytelling but also in gameplay innovation. Split Fiction takes the concept of split-screen co-op to new heights, adding cross-platform play support so players on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series S|X can team up without needing to be on the same platform. I tested this myself, playing on PC while my partner played on a PS5, and it worked seamlessly—the only catch being the requirement of an EA ID.
The game’s name, Split Fiction, ties directly to its core concept: a world divided into two realities—Science-Fiction and Fantasy. The levels alternate between these two distinct settings, creating a dynamic and visually striking experience. The story follows two aspiring writers, Mio Hudson and Zoe Festor, who are seeking a breakthrough in their careers. They’re invited to participate in an experimental simulation for a device called “The Machine” by a company named Rader Publishing. The experiment promises to let users experience their submitted stories as immersive simulations. However, after an accident traps Mio and Zoe in a shared simulation bubble, their fictional worlds begin to glitch and merge, revealing that Rader Publishing’s intentions are far from what they initially seemed.
Split Fiction is primarily a split-screen experience, even when playing online. Two players control the two leads, Mio and Zoe, who offer entirely different gameplay experiences. The developers have given each character a distinct color scheme, which is especially noticeable in the science-fiction levels—Mio sports a pink palette, while Zoe has a green one. These colors aren’t just cosmetic; they also guide players through the levels. For example, Mio can use her sword to cut through plugs and wires, while Zoe uses her green-coded beam to lift and throw objects. When the setting shifts to the Fantasy world, the characters gain new powers, often unique to specific levels. This keeps the gameplay fresh and ensures that each level feels distinct. To fully experience everything the game has to offer, two playthroughs are essential, as each character’s perspective adds depth to the story.
The story, true to Hazelight’s style, is deeply engaging and uses the game’s concept to explore the personal histories of the characters. Zoe reflects on her past, crafting stories that are more upbeat and cheerful, while Mio comes across as more reserved and distant, dealing with her own inner struggles. These struggles are woven into the narrative, like Mio’s financial difficulties and her landlord’s constant demands for rent. These moments feel genuine and help players connect emotionally with the characters. It’s a hallmark of Josef Fares’ games—creating relatable, human characters and putting them through real-life challenges that resonate with players. This emotional depth is what makes Split Fiction stand out, just like Hazelight’s previous titles.
The gameplay in Split Fiction fully embraces Hazelight Studios’ philosophy of continuous reinvention, ensuring players never settle into a predictable routine. Each chapter introduces new mechanics, fresh challenges, and entirely distinct settings, making every hour feel like a whirlwind of unique adventures.
Mio and Zoe seamlessly transition between cyberpunk cityscapes, desolate alien worlds, enchanted medieval towns, and lush forests. The level design is consistently impressive, featuring gravity-defying platforming, fast-paced vehicle chases, shape-shifting puzzles, and physics-based interactions. At its core, the game is about fostering cooperative synergy, demanding flawless coordination between both players. While the duo shares basic moves like double jumping, dashing, and swinging, their individual abilities change dramatically depending on the level. For instance, in one level, Mio might wield a cybernetic katana to slice through obstacles, while Zoe uses a whip to manipulate objects. In another, they transform into different animals, each with unique traversal mechanics. This constant evolution keeps the gameplay exciting and ensures no two moments feel the same.
While Split Fiction demands a high level of coordination and precision, it remains accessible for the most part. Frequent checkpoints help minimize frustration, and a range of accessibility features—like key remapping, camera assistance, and optional difficulty adjustments—ensure that a wider audience can enjoy the game.
Hazelight’s mastery of pacing shines throughout Split Fiction. Intense action sequences, such as escaping a supernova explosion or engaging in a high-speed motorcycle chase, are balanced by quieter moments of exploration and puzzle-solving. Boss fights cap off each chapter, requiring quick reflexes and strategic teamwork to overcome. The game also experiments with different perspectives, seamlessly shifting between 3D and 2.5D viewpoints, which adds even more variety to the experience.
Scattered throughout the adventure are twelve side stories—self-contained mini-adventures that introduce bizarre and inventive scenarios. These moments are some of the most memorable in the game, like transforming into pigs only to be turned into sausages or competing in a surreal game show with bombs. While these diversions don’t impact the main story, they add extra layers of humor and creativity, making the world of Split Fiction feel even more vibrant and unpredictable.
Split Fiction runs on Unreal Engine 5, though it doesn’t fully utilize the engine’s key graphical features like Lumen and Nanite. Despite not being a technical showcase, the game’s visuals still manage to deliver impactful and chaotic action sequences. The surreal art style beautifully captures both sci-fi and fantasy elements, whether it’s a neon-lit metropolis filled with flying cars or a mystical woodland alive with ancient magic.
The game’s audio design further enhances the experience, featuring a dynamic soundtrack that adapts to each setting. While there’s no single standout theme, the music effectively complements the action and exploration. Voice acting is another strong point, with Mio and Zoe delivering natural, engaging performances that highlight their evolving partnership throughout the story. That said, the dialogue can occasionally feel a bit cheesy.
Overall, Split Fiction solidifies Hazelight Studios’ reputation for innovative cooperative gameplay. Its relentless creativity, constant reinvention of mechanics, and seamless blend of action, puzzles, and humor make for an exhilarating experience. Whether navigating intricate platforming sections, tackling chaotic boss battles, or diving into the absurdity of its side stories, co-op fans are in for an unforgettable ride.
Split Fiction Game Information
- Price: $49.99
- Publisher: EA Originals
- Developer: Hazelight Studios
- Platform: PC/PS5 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
