Introduction
It is not every year that a game challenges the very concept of what cooperative play can be. Split Fiction, the final entry in Hazelight Studios acclaimed two-player trilogy, does precisely that. Released in March 2025 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 and PC, this imaginative adventure invites two fiction authors - science-fiction enthusiast Mio and fantasy lover Zoe - into a virtual world where their chosen genres collide.
Each chapter becomes an homage to either science fiction or high fantasy, delivering wildly different mechanics and aesthetics while intertwining the duos relationship and creative struggles. Hazelight built its reputation with A Way Out and It Takes Two, but Split Fiction is their magnum opus.
Story and Setting
The story starts with Mio and Zoe, two authors competing to write the best interactive fiction. Their antagonistic banter reflects common genre debates; one favours the hard science of cyberpunk worlds while the other dreams of dragons and high fantasy.
When a mysterious AI invites them to co-author a virtual novel, they accept, only to be pulled into an ever-shifting digital universe where genres blend and reality bends. The narratives heart lies in the tension between individuality and collaboration - mirroring the real-world challenge of creating a story together.
Each environment is inspired by a different literary trope - cyberpunk metropolises, enchanted forests, space opera starships, and comedic western towns. The plot unfolds like a playable novel, with chapters leading to a satisfying climax that underscores the power of teamwork.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Hazelights trademark is creative co-op design, and Split Fiction fully commits to this philosophy. No two sequences are alike. One moment players are controlling a gravity bike together - the driver dodging obstacles while the passenger solves mini-puzzles on a smartphone to disable digital bombs.
Later, players might become pigs on a farm, performing rhythm-based mini-games. Each chapter introduces new mechanics appropriate to its genre. High-fantasy levels feature sword combat and magic spells, while the sci-fi chapters use hacking, stealth, and platforming.
Level design is equally ingenious. Puzzles require lateral thinking and often integrate narrative elements. In one memorable section, the authors must physically edit a digital manuscript by rearranging floating sentences to unlock passages. The games roughly 12-hour campaign is filled with surprises and innovations.
Graphics and Art Direction
Each chapters visual style suits its narrative theme. The sci-fi sections are drenched in neon lights and angular architecture, reminiscent of classic cyberpunk films. High-fantasy sequences bloom with saturated greens and shimmering magical effects.
Switching between these aesthetics showcases the developers range, and the transitions are seamless. Character animations are fluid, with expressive facial cues that emphasise comedic and dramatic moments. On next-gen hardware, the game targets 60 FPS with dynamic resolution scaling.
Sound and Music
Split Fiction features an eclectic soundtrack. Sci-fi levels pulse with synthwave beats, while fantasy chapters weave orchestral themes. The music adapts dynamically to the on-screen action, heightening tension during boss encounters and relaxing during calmer puzzle segments.
Voice acting is stellar; the banter between Mio and Zoe feels natural and adds depth to their relationship. Sound effects, such as the crackling of magic spells or the hiss of gravity bike thrusters, are crisp and memorable.
Co-Op Experience and Replayability
The games co-op design shines whether you play locally or online. Local co-op uses a split-screen view to encourage constant communication. Online play includes voice chat and context-sensitive prompts to aid collaboration.
Each chapter contains hidden collectibles and optional puzzles, encouraging replayability. After completing the main story, a bonus authors commentary mode unlocks developer interviews and behind-the-scenes facts.
Strengths
- • Inventive level design that continually introduces new mechanics
- • Deep, character-driven story exploring creativity and collaboration
- • Gorgeous visual diversity reflecting each genre
- • Tight co-op gameplay requiring communication but never punishing failure
Weaknesses
- • Switch 2 version suffers occasional frame rate drops
- • Some puzzle solutions can be obscure
- • Limited single-player support; requires a friend or online match
Verdict: 9.5/10
Split Fiction is more than a sequel - it is the culmination of Hazelights expertise in cooperative storytelling. For couples, friends, or families seeking the ultimate shared gaming adventure, Split Fiction is an essential purchase.