"Split Fiction" is a game that refuses to sit still. Over its 17-hour runtime, Hazelight’s latest co-op adventure throws players into a whirlwind of genres, mechanics, and absurdity—all while hurtling forward with the momentum of a runaway rollercoaster. It’s a chaotic, genre-defying journey that redefines what cooperative gameplay can be, even if it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition.
A Relentless Theme Park Ride
Imagine strapping into a theme park ride that blurs the line between a sci-fi epic, a fantasy odyssey, and a slapstick comedy. One moment, you’re solving puzzles as shape-shifting apes in a candy-colored kingdom; the next, you’re blasting through a 2.5D prison break as space marines armed with plasma rifles and sarcastic banter. The game’s breakneck pacing ensures there’s never a dull second—every chapter introduces a fresh gimmick, whether it’s gravity-flipping platforming, rhythm-based combat, or even a surprise detour into a roguelike dungeon.This relentless variety is baked into the premise. Players take on the roles of Mio and Zoe, two aspiring authors with clashing personalities: Mio is a socially awkward sci-fi nerd, while Zoe is an extroverted fantasy enthusiast. After a disastrous meeting with a plagiarizing publisher, they’re magically trapped in their own stories, forced to collaborate to escape. It’s a thin narrative excuse for the game’s wild tonal shifts, but it works. Each chapter dives into one of their unpublished tales, blending genres and mechanics with reckless creativity.
Cooperative Gameplay: Chaos, Camaraderie, and Occasional Trolling
Like Hazelight’s previous hit, It Takes Two, "Split Fiction" demands true teamwork. Puzzles are designed to force collaboration, whether it’s synchronizing jumps across collapsing platforms or combining abilities to manipulate the environment. For instance, Mio might hack terminals to open paths, while Zoe uses magic to grow vines across gaps. The simplicity of these puzzles is offset by their creativity—even basic tasks feel thrilling when they require constant communication.But the real magic lies in the game’s mischievous streak. Hazelight peppers the adventure with opportunities to troll your partner: lock them in a jail cell, command a carnivorous plant to swallow them, or "accidentally" drop them into a pit. These moments are pure chaos, turning frustration into laughter. Even the optional mini-games—like a frantic race to collect floating coins—encourage playful competition.
The game also smartly integrates splitscreen, even in online co-op. Transitions between shared and individual perspectives are seamless, often punctuated by striking visual flourishes (like the screen tearing apart during reality shifts). It’s a constant reminder that you’re in this madness together.
A Weak Story Saved by Heart (and Humor)
Let’s be honest: Mio and Zoe aren’t winning any awards for depth. Their odd-couple dynamic is as subtle as a sledgehammer, and their emotional arcs—bonding over shared trauma—are telegraphed from the first cutscene. The writing leans heavily on clichés, and their stories-within-the-story range from charmingly silly (sentient robo-ball water puzzles) to eye-rollingly campy (hot dog pig quests).Yet, there’s an earnestness here that’s hard to hate. The benches scattered throughout levels, where the duo shares awkward heart-to-hearts, add moments of quiet sincerity. My co-op partner and I never skipped these—partly to mock the dialogue, partly because even cheesy bonding feels rewarding when you’ve just survived a dragon battle.
The Illusion of Endless Novelty
"Split Fiction" thrives on surprise. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game tosses you into a side story where you play as sentient teeth battling cavity monsters, or a noir-inspired detective romp with talking frogs. These detours are brilliantly disguised as "unpublished drafts," cleverly masking repetition with fresh coats of paint.But the cracks show occasionally. Boss battles, while visually spectacular, overstay their welcome with repetitive phases. The final showdown, in particular, drags on so long it borders on self-parody. Similarly, netcode hiccups—brief but jarring—can disrupt co-op flow during precision platforming.
Pros  | Cons  |
|---|---|
| Relentless variety in gameplay and settings. | Predictable story and shallow characters. |
| Brilliant co-op mechanics that encourage teamwork (and trolling). | Overlong boss battles test patience. |
| Seamless splitscreen transitions and visual creativity. | Occasional netcode hiccups disrupt immersion. |
| Charming, if cheesy, emotional beats. | Some puzzles lack depth. |
| A masterclass in masking repetition with novelty. |
Our Rating: 9/10
★★★★★★★★★☆
★★★★★★★★★☆
Verdict: A Messy Masterpiece
"Split Fiction" isn’t perfect. Its characters are shallow, its story is predictable, and some mechanics feel undercooked. But none of that matters when you’re laughing hysterically as your friend-turned-rival gets eaten by a giant Venus flytrap for the fifth time. This is a game that prioritizes joy over polish, creativity over coherence.Hazelight has crafted a love letter to cooperative play—a game that understands the magic of shared chaos. If you’ve got a partner willing to embrace the madness, "Split Fiction" is an unforgettable ride. Just don’t take it too seriously.
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