Split Fiction Review – An Epic Tale of Epic Tales

Split Fiction Review

Innovative games are the soul of the gaming industry. Unique, exciting experiences inspire others to step away from the mundane and find new tales to explore. Split Fiction is a co-op title that combines heartfelt storytelling, compelling characters, and imagination into a truly awe-inspiring experience. Developed by Hazelight Studios, Split Fiction is the fourth co-op title they have created and the culmination of their expertise.

Let’s start with the elephant (poor Cutie) in the room; Split Fiction is the successor to the critically acclaimed It Takes Two. While these two games appear similar on the surface, Split Fiction easily stands on its own two feet. This is not a comparison between these titles, but an acknowledgement of the predecessor’s contributions.

Split Fiction is an Epic Tale of Epic Tales

Split Fiction begins with an opportunity all new writers crave: a publishing deal. Two starkly different writers, Mio and Zoe, arrive at Rader Publishing for a unique chance to sell their stories. Rader has developed an Animus-like device – simply called The Machine – where writers may experience their stories not unlike VR. The experience is recorded and turned into an immersive adventure for their audience. As they begin the procedure, an incident forces these strangers, Mio and Zoe, into the same connection, intertwining their imaginations and ideas into one.

Mio, the avid science fiction writer, and Zoe, the bubbly fantasy author, must journey together through their stories to find a way out. What ensues is one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I have had in years. Hazelight Studios cements their grasp on engaging, captivating co-op gameplay as well as exemplary character writing. Split Fiction not only tells convincing tales of Mio and Zoe as individuals but their growth together through this event as well. Why they are going through this challenge, and even the people at Rader Publishing trying to figure it out, are brimming in both personality and subtext. Do you trust a major tech-based company to record and purchase interactive ideas from your mind? Is it worth it if it means being published?

A Plethora of Whimsical Gameplay Mechanics

Players swap between the stories of Mio and Zoe, and each story is crafted with so much to see and do. Mini-game-like challenges appear in each level, called Side Stories, from the opposite writer of the current realm. If you are playing in an epic Sci-Fi tale written by Mio, the Side Story will be a Fantasy piece from Zoe. They tend to be slightly off the main path, but our heroines will often make a comment when they spot it from afar Side Stories in Split Fiction are glimpses into unfinished ideas they had, often focusing on a single idea that branched out but never quite reached its conclusion. It is a clever way to include the real trappings of a writer into literal side content for a video game.

Just like its predecessor, Split Fiction includes a myriad of hidden references and fun, simple activities to do along the way. Waterslides, transmogrification spells, and all manner of shenanigans appear to remind the characters and players of the joy of living in the moment. I came across at least a dozen video game references hidden throughout Split Fiction, but I’m sure there are some I missed. These references range from dialogue quips to environmental jokes, even to hidden areas off the main path. While Split Fiction may be linear, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these subtle detours.

While adventuring through these stories, Split Fiction will see players become witches, sci-fi super soldiers, hot dogs (you read that right), and much more. Each story they enter reveals a little more about their respective authors and who they are. Players are given just enough tidbits about them to keep you wanting to learn more. I can’t recall the last time I found myself so invested in a game’s protagonists.

Split Fiction Offers Layers of Narrative, Character Growth, and Subtext

The visuals in Split Fiction are stunning. Each stage provides great scale and depth. Colors really pop, and the subtle visual cues for your objective blend effectively into the environment. Scenes set outside the tales of Mio and Zoe seem a little flat or bland by comparison. I’m not sure if it is by intent or design, but the real-world setting feels dull and less detailed by comparison.

Split Fiction’s basic mechanics should be familiar to those who played It Takes Two. Mio and Zoe can double jump, wall run, and have grappling hooks for swinging and platforming across a stage. Each story unlocks new abilities and features relevant to the tale. These range from having jetpacks and guns to shapeshifting and riding dragons. The creative abilities on offer, coupled with well-designed puzzles, make for satisfying progression and “Aha!” moments. Previous issues with keeping the camera focused on the task at hand aren’t an issue. Split Fiction keeps tasks and objectives at hand easy to keep track of. The one minor gripe I experienced with Split Fiction was the occasional but rare clipping issue where a character, after performing a jump or maneuver, might fall through an otherwise solid object. It happened less than a dozen times throughout the entirety of the game, so it is easily forgiven.

As always with Hazelight games, communication is key. Players need to work in tandem and time their actions well to progress. My wife and I managed to quickly find a natural rhythm together to complete these puzzles, which I feel is the point. We spent far more time laughing and engaging with the story than we have with other games. It’s a deeply satisfying combination of so many key elements that Hazelight has perfected.

A Culmination of Exemplary Storytelling and Co-Op Gameplay

We completed Split Fiction in roughly twelve hours. Every moment was engaging, impactful, and fun. As the credits rolled on screen, my wife and I were both a little sad the game was over. That is, until she suggested we play again as the opposite characters. Split Fiction is such a captivating experience – even after finishing the story – that I am immediately ready to play again from the other side because neither of us is ready to let go of that story yet.

Split Fiction is a soulful, artfully crafted experience. Mechanically, it is user-friendly, even for those who don’t play games much. It is stunning with its set pieces, character designs, and overall visual appeal that brings these tales to life. Meeting Mio and Zoe, learning their stories, and seeing who they are unfold – all within the scope of narratives they created – is a creative marvel. This all unfolds while under an overarching narrative with its own meta-subtext in a brilliantly clever feat of writing. Split Fiction is an innovative, exciting experience that is well worth every moment.

**A PS5 code was provided by the publisher**