‘Split Fiction’ Is a Mind-Bending 2 Player Triumph: Video Game Review

When Hazelight Studios founder Josef Fares first announced “Split Fiction” at last year’s Game Awards, he wasn’t exactly humble: “We say, ‘We fuck shit up without fucking up.’ This time, it’s some next-level shit. I know I sound cocky, but it’s really hard not to be cocky when you have a game like this!”

Now that “Split Fiction” is finally upon us, I can confirm that Fares was right: it’s some next-level shit. And if I made something as electrifying as “Split Fiction,” I’d be a little cocky, too.

Fans of Hazelight’s previous games “It Takes Two” and “A Way Out” will recognize the basics of “Split Fiction,” which I played on PS5. Like its predecessors, it’s a fast-paced cooperative two-player experience that requires you to communicate with your Player 2 in order to progress through the narrative. But “Split Fiction” isn’t just a rehash of the Hazelight formula: it pushes the limits of genre and co-op gameplay in an imaginative adventure through two wildly different worlds.

The game wastes no time getting things rolling: a brief introductory cutscene shows our heroes, aspiring writers Mio and Zoe, arriving at Rader Publishing to participate in a technology-driven form of storytelling. While Zoe quickly suits up and surrenders to Rader’s pod, which brings her story to life in a form of virtual reality, Mio senses danger. She attempts to escape, but instead falls into Zoe’s pod, creating a mash-up of their respective genres.

Decisive and guarded Mio writes stories in the sci-fi space, while idealistic and bubbly Zoe exclusively creates in the fantasy realm. The girls quickly realize that Rader isn’t actually helping them get published – they’re using their technology to steal ideas from hopeful writers’ minds (a particularly timely plot as AI art continues to surge). Zoe and Mio set off on an epic adventure in which each level alternates between their genre of choice, searching for glitches that can take Rader down for good.

The game does a great job of balancing mechanics between the two players so that one character isn’t the more desirable choice: while one chapter transforms Zoe into a flying fairy and Mio into a powerful ape, another gives Mio a soaring dragon and Zoe a climbing one. As “Wicked” would say, “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.” Zoe and Mio’s individual abilities make the game ripe for a replay so that players can experience all their unique weapons and powers.

It’s difficult to describe exactly what gameplay to expect in “Split Fiction,” because there’s such an overwhelming variety. Shooting, platforming, puzzling, whipping, flying, sneaking, sailing, driving, swimming, gravity-shifting, racing: you name it, this game’s got it. And yet these transitions aren’t jarring. Even when you’re switching from a high-speed hovercar race to a tranquil fantasy realm forest, “Split Fiction” always feels seamless. The game consistently allows just enough time to get the hang of a new set of skills (often testing your mettle in a suitably challenging boss battle), but switches it up with something new before you can get too comfortable. Suffice to say, you won’t be bored.

The game shines brightest in its side stories, optional quests which provide unique gameplay and additional insight into Zoe and Mio’s inspirations. Some allow the otherwise cooperative game to turn competitive with races at breakneck speed, while others let you take it slow and do some exploring. My biggest standout was “Moon Market,” one of Zoe’s creations that allowed us to wander through a quaint medieval village populated with potion-making moles and giant snails, all while herding mystical cats.

In case it’s not clear enough by now: this game doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it boasts a beautiful message about creativity and friendship, “Split Fiction” is downright hilarious. One side story turns Zoe and Mio into pigs, one of which farts rainbows – that is, until the piggies are put through a meat grinder (RIP) and turned into hot dogs, which are also playable. The game also features a compelling menagerie of humorous side characters to meet on the journey, like a royal monkey who breaks it down on the dance floor, and an adorable talking cat who demands cuddles – or else.

Despite the silliness, “Split Fiction” also has a sneaky way of making you care deeply about Zoe and Mio as people, with an arc that allows them to grow as both writers and friends while facing the traumas that inspired their greatest ideas.

But it’s not all perfect. While the game opts for near-instant respawns instead of lives or a health system (which is overall a great call), those respawns can often drop players immediately into danger with no brief immunity. This was particularly frustrating during a boss battle in a Metroidvania-style sci-fi level, in which nearly every respawn cornered me next to an attacking enemy with no chance to escape.

But that gripe feels like small potatoes for this sprawling adventure that’s unlike anything I’ve played before. The finale, which I wouldn’t dare spoil, features mind-bending, perspective-altering gameplay elements and storytelling that left me audibly asking, “How the hell did they pull this off?”

“Split Fiction” is Hazelight at its best, upping the ante on gameplay, story, graphics and especially creativity. It’s the new gold standard for co-op gaming – so grab your Player 2 and get ready for an adventure of epic proportions.

“Split Fiction” launches on March 6 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Score: 10/10