When I first sat down to review Split Fiction, one question echoed in my mind: How do I describe this game to someone who hasn’t played it? After spending more than 14 hours with it, I still don’t have a precise answer. That’s because Split Fiction is not just one game—it’s a dozen different experiences woven into a single, explosive package that screams one thing with every pixel: enjoy video games however you want.
Hazelight Studios, led by Josef Fares, has always had a bold vision. From Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons to A Way Out and the award-winning It Takes Two, the studio has consistently pushed the boundaries of co-op storytelling. But with Split Fiction, they’ve gone beyond even their own standards. This isn’t just a follow-up—it’s a leap forward. One that positions the game as an early contender for Game of the Year.
Story: When Fiction Becomes a Battlefield
Split Fiction follows Zoe and Mio, two writers with wildly different personalities and genres. Zoe writes whimsical fantasy stories; Mio crafts cerebral sci-fi. The two cross paths at a mysterious publishing company called Radar, which uses advanced simulation devices to bring writers’ stories to life—only to secretly harvest and manipulate them using AI for profit.
Through a twist of fate, Zoe and Mio are sucked into a shared simulation where their stories merge into one unpredictable world. Their goal? Escape the simulation and take down the corrupt publisher. What unfolds is a chaotic, heartfelt adventure that juggles genre satire, social commentary, and emotional storytelling.
The narrative takes a back seat to gameplay at times, especially in terms of cutscenes and classic storytelling structure. But this is intentional. Split Fiction lets its levels tell the story—through action, contrast, and mechanics. While the supporting cast isn’t particularly memorable, the dynamic between Zoe and Mio shines. Their clashing personalities, sharpened dialogue, and emotional growth create a chemistry that keeps the plot alive.
Meta-Narrative: A Commentary on AI and Creativity
At its core, Split Fiction isn’t just a fun adventure—it’s a reflection on modern creativity. The game directly criticizes how artificial intelligence is being used in the entertainment industry to replace human imagination. It argues—boldly and beautifully—that great stories are born from dreams, not data. That message, conveyed through clever allegory and immersive gameplay, adds a layer of urgency and relevance that elevates the entire experience.
Gameplay: Genre-Hopping Brilliance
Hazelight once again proves they’re masters of co-op gameplay. Every level in Split Fiction is wildly different from the last. One moment you’re cyber ninjas racing across neon rooftops, the next you’re dancing with a groovy monkey as a tree sprite and a fish. Yes, really.
And somehow, none of it feels out of place. Every shift in gameplay, setting, and genre fits seamlessly into the overarching narrative. The game doesn’t just borrow from other genres—it celebrates them. Split Fiction is a love letter to storytelling, to world-building, to the very idea of “play.”
Each character has unique mechanics. Mio leans toward close combat while Zoe specializes in ranged abilities. As the story unfolds, they unlock new powers tailored to the worlds they enter—powers that affect how you solve puzzles and approach combat. Many puzzles require cooperation, with one player’s actions enabling progress for the other. It’s co-op at its most thoughtful and refined.
Visuals and Music: Unreal Engine 5 Magic
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Split Fiction is a visual treat. The cyberpunk cities pulse with neon energy, while the fantasy forests and villages feel lush and alive. Zoe and Mio are beautifully designed, and their personalities come through even in idle animations.
The soundtrack is just as diverse as the gameplay. Each world has its own musical identity, from soaring sci-fi synths to whimsical orchestral tracks. There were a few minor audio bugs during my playthrough, but nothing that disrupted the experience—and likely nothing a patch can’t fix.
Side Missions and Replayability: A Never-Ending Ride
While Split Fiction dials back the minigames that It Takes Two was known for, it more than makes up for it with rich side quests. These optional levels dive deeper into different genres—airship battles inspired by arcade shooters, sand-surfing sequences that pay homage to Prince of Persia, and more. They’re not just fun—they’re substantial.
Even if you only play half the game, you’ll feel like you’ve completed something meaningful. But if you finish it all? You’ll walk away with one of the most varied and imaginative gaming experiences of the decade.
Design Surprises: Two Games at Once
One of the most mind-blowing features of Split Fiction is its perspective shifts. In one level, I was navigating side-scrolling platforms as a fairy, while my partner—playing as a fish—was experiencing the same scene from a top-down view. We were playing two different games in one world, and it worked flawlessly. This kind of creativity is everywhere, and it never stops surprising you.
A Deeply Personal Vision
There’s something raw and personal about Split Fiction. It feels like Josef Fares poured his heart into this one. It’s as if he’s channeling a childhood dream—wondering what it would be like to blend fantasy with sci-fi, imagination with logic, tradition with progress. And now, with the success of It Takes Two behind him, he had the freedom to bring that dream to life.
Final Verdict: A Game That Deserves Respect
By the end of my time with Split Fiction, I found myself thinking less about comparisons to other games and more about how this game made me feel. And it made me feel a lot—joy, awe, wonder, and admiration. Hazelight didn’t just iterate on It Takes Two. They evolved the formula, raised their own bar, and created something bold, emotional, and unforgettable.
It may sound bold, but I’ll say it anyway: Split Fiction is the best game I’ve played this year. And yes, that includes any future threat from GTA VI. With a team of just 80 developers, Hazelight has made something that deserves to stand among giants.
If you love games, stories, or simply being amazed, do not miss Split Fiction. It’s not just a game—it’s a celebration of why we fell in love with this medium in the first place.
