Hazelight Studios has certainly established itself as a trailblazer in narrative-driven co-op adventures, and Split Fiction continues that legacy on major platforms including the PlayStation 5. It delivers another ambitious mix of storytelling and gameplay variety, centering around Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped within their own creative worlds. The game explores their contrasting personalities and artistic visions, forcing them to work together to escape the chaos unfolding around them. With a blend of sci-fi and fantasy themes, the adventure is both visually diverse and thematically engaging, though the narrative doesn’t always achieve the emotional depth seen in It Takes Two.
As you’d expect from Hazelight, co-op gameplay always remains at the heart of Split Fiction, with split-screen play ensuring that both players are constantly engaged. The game introduces a near-constant stream of new mechanics, from platforming and puzzles to stealth and action-heavy sequences. This constant evolution helps keep things fresh, but it also leads to some uneven pacing. Some sections feel tightly designed and intuitive, while others seem a bit rushed, making the experience feel slightly inconsistent. Nevertheless, the sheer variety ensures that players are rarely doing the same thing for long, which together with the story helps sustain engagement.
The controls are responsive and well-tuned to the diverse gameplay elements, adapting smoothly to each new mechanic introduced. Whether it’s precision platforming, timing-based challenges, or cooperative puzzle-solving, Split Fiction ensures that both players need to contribute in meaningful ways. However, the reliance on tight coordination can lead to occasional frustration, especially when one player struggles with a particular sequence. The inclusion of cross-platform play via the Friend’s Pass is a welcome addition, allowing players to team up regardless of platform, making it easier to find a co-op partner without requiring two copies of the game.
One of the game’s standout elements is its imaginative world design. By jumping between sci-fi and fantasy settings, Split Fiction presents visually distinct environments that make every new level feel like a fresh adventure. The game isn’t afraid to embrace bizarre, unexpected scenarios – whether it’s escaping a dying sun, hoverboarding through surreal landscapes, or battling an evil cat antagonist. This level of creativity keeps the experience lively, even if some set pieces feel more polished than others. The mix of art styles and level variety ensures that the game never settles into a repetitive rhythm.
The audiovisual presentation further enhances the experience. The art direction is vibrant, with striking contrasts between the technological and mythical elements of the story. Character animations are expressive, and the environments are filled with small details that add depth to each setting. The soundtrack shifts to match the tone of each new world, helping to reinforce the ever-changing atmosphere. However, while the music is effective, it lacks the standout, emotionally charged moments that could elevate the overall storytelling impact.
Despite its strengths, Split Fiction isn’t without its drawbacks. While the rapid-fire introduction of new mechanics keeps things interesting, not all ideas are fully explored or refined. Some sections feel like they’re over too fact, with mechanics that appear briefly and then disappear before reaching their full potential. Additionally, while the dynamic between Mio and Zoe is entertaining, the overall narrative could have benefited from stronger emotional beats and deeper character development. Hazelight has proven its ability to craft deeply resonant stories in previous titles, and while Split Fiction has its moments, it doesn’t quite match the narrative impact of It Takes Two.
Ultimately, Split Fiction is another strong entry in Hazelight’s catalog, offering an imaginative and varied co-op experience that’s not to be missed for fans of their previous work. The game’s willingness to constantly reinvent itself makes for an engaging adventure, even if some ideas don’t fully stick the landing. Fans of co-op gaming will find plenty to enjoy here, especially when playing with a dedicated partner. While it may not surpass the studio’s previous masterpiece, Split Fiction stands as a creative and entertaining addition to the co-op genre, proving once again that Hazelight knows how to craft memorable shared experiences.
Score: 8.8/10
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