After It Takes Two, Hazelight delivers another standout co-op experience with Split Fiction.
While many consider it a must-play for co-op enthusiasts, it’s not without its flaws.
So, we’re breaking down seven key aspects to help you decide if it’s the right game for you.
Unlike It Takes Two, which had a divisive storyline about a crumbling marriage, Split Fiction introduces two strangers: Mio, the action-loving strategist, and Zoe, the imaginative dreamer. Their contrasting personalities lead to great comedic and dramatic moments, and you can swap between them freely. However, if neither clicks with you - or you and your co-op partner want to play the same one - you’re stuck with the default pairing, with no customization options.
2. Gameplay That’s Bigger and WilderNo spoilers, but Split Fiction takes gameplay diversity to the next level. Instead of staying within one setting, you’ll travel through sci-fi cities, surreal dreamscapes, and even childhood memories, each tied to Mio and Zoe’s past. Expect boss fights, puzzles, platforming, and genre-bending mechanics that keep things fresh. But be warned - the pacing can feel relentless, jumping from quiet exploration to chaotic, high-intensity action without much breathing room.
3. Co-Op at Its Core - For Better or WorseMany games treat co-op as an add-on. Split Fiction builds everything around it. You need your partner to progress, making teamwork deeply rewarding. However, that also means it’s not exactly a casual experience. If you’re tired or not in sync, constant communication and puzzle-solving might feel exhausting rather than fun.
4. A More Personal, Emotional StoryThis time around, Hazelight leans into character-driven storytelling. Mio and Zoe’s journey is shaped by their personal stories, leading to stronger emotional stakes and organic conflict. The voice acting and human-like models help sell the drama, making their struggles feel more real. However, some early-game tension drags on a bit too long, and players might get frustrated waiting for Mio to finally let her guard down.
5. Humor That’s a Love Letter to GamingPacked with genre parodies, witty dialogue, and clever gaming references, Split Fiction doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re a longtime gamer, you’ll be grinning non-stop. But if you’re not into gaming culture, some of the jokes might fly right over your head.
6. Difficulty That Adapts to You - MostlyWith boss fights and fast-paced action, Split Fiction is more intense than It Takes Two. Thankfully, adjustable difficulty settings let you tweak challenges, making it more accessible. However, some puzzles rely too much on trial and error, and while there’s a skip feature for tricky sections, it can be frustrating if your co-op partner skips past moments you wanted to experience
. 7. Fun, But Not the Most ReplayableAt around 15 hours, Split Fiction isn’t long, but its character-swapping mechanic and free friend pass give you some incentive for a second run. Crossplay also makes teaming up easy. However, the single save file can be a hassle if you plan to play with multiple people, requiring manual chapter tracking.
So, Should You Play Split Fiction?
This game isn’t for everyone - but for the right players, it could be one of the best co-op experiences of the year.
We go in-depth on all 7 points (with no spoilers!) in our video!