Hazelight Studios is no stranger to cooperative storytelling, having already delighted gamers with acclaimed hits like A Way Out and It Takes Two. With Split Fiction, Hazelight once again thrusts players into a dynamic, cooperative adventure that promises laughter, suspense, and a healthy dose of imaginative mayhem. The concept alone—two writers trapped within their own creations, one fantasy and the other sci-fi—is intriguing enough to capture anyone’s attention. But does the premise live up to the gameplay, or are we stuck in a loop of tired tropes?

Split Fiction centers around Mio and Eli, two writers trapped within their own stories by a nefarious invention that steals creative ideas. What follows is an inventive journey that pushes the boundaries of imagination, blurring genres with remarkable ease and ensuring each segment feels delightfully fresh. As expected from the team behind the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, the game’s narrative seamlessly integrates humor, emotion, and fantastical set pieces into an unforgettable journey about friendship, creativity, and escapism.

The game is a cooperative-only experience, meaning teamwork isn’t just encouraged—it’s mandatory. For some, this could be seen as a limitation, but it allows Hazelight to craft meticulously designed experiences tailored to two players, ensuring each level offers unique mechanics that genuinely rely on collaboration. Indeed, if you’ve ever dreamed of slinging magic spells while your partner blasts away with futuristic laser rifles, this title has you covered.

Overall, Split Fiction arrives with enormous potential, and Hazelight’s proven track record makes it easy to anticipate something special. So, grab a co-op buddy—preferably someone you trust won’t sabotage your efforts—and prepare for a wild ride through the realms of fantasy and science fiction, blended together in a package brimming with charm, wit, and creativity.

Setting and Story

Split Fiction creatively places players in the shoes of Mio and Zoe, two distinctly different writers whose artistic rivalry becomes a little too real. The game begins with the duo unwittingly connected to a peculiar machine designed to siphon their creative ideas, thrusting them deep into their respective literary universes—one rooted in futuristic sci-fi, the other grounded in high fantasy. The juxtaposition of these two drastically different worlds not only makes for striking visuals but also cleverly feeds into the narrative and gameplay, providing ample opportunity for humorous dialogue and witty commentary on genre clichés.

Trapped inside their creations, Mio and Eli must navigate the elaborate landscapes of their imaginations to uncover the sinister agenda behind the machine that ensnared them. This dual-world scenario feels both fresh and immersive, seamlessly transitioning players between neon-lit cyberpunk cities and mythical kingdoms inhabited by dragons and enchanted creatures. Split Fiction confidently revels in its ability to bounce between surreal futuristic skyscrapers and lush, medieval-inspired forests—always ensuring the storytelling complements the aesthetics rather than competing against them.

The narrative is skillfully balanced, blending comedic moments with genuine heartfelt interactions between Mio and Eli. The dialogue frequently pokes fun at writing tropes, gently mocking clichés while simultaneously celebrating them. The writers’ gradual realization that collaboration, rather than competition, is key to their escape beautifully mirrors the gameplay, as players must equally rely on their partner to overcome challenges. It’s hard not to smile when Eli sarcastically questions Mio’s overly complex sci-fi plot twists, or when Mio rolls her eyes at Eli’s insistence on another magical quest.

Throughout the game’s journey, players encounter numerous eccentric side characters—such as overly dramatic elves and sarcastic AI assistants—that enrich the storytelling experience and keep things refreshingly lighthearted. The narrative never takes itself too seriously, yet still manages to explore deeper themes of friendship, creativity, and mutual respect. By the time the credits roll, players will feel not only the satisfaction of completing an epic adventure but also the rewarding emotional journey shared between two characters whose relationship feels truly authentic and earned.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Split Fiction boldly blends genres, giving players a diverse and ever-changing gameplay experience that constantly reinvents itself. At its core, this is a cooperative action-adventure game similar to Hazelight’s previous hit, It Takes Two. However, the team at Hazelight Studios pushes their winning formula even further by integrating varied gameplay styles that reflect the distinct narrative worlds of Mio and Zoe. The result is a delightful mix of playful fantasy mechanics—such as dragon-riding and spell-casting—and futuristic sci-fi sequences featuring cyber-enhanced combat and hovercraft chases. Just as players settle into one style, Split Fiction cleverly throws them into another, keeping the gameplay feeling fresh from beginning to end.

Teamwork remains the heart of Split Fiction. Like its award-winning predecessor, this game requires two players to collaborate closely to solve puzzles, defeat bosses, and progress through the story. The developers have fine-tuned cooperative interactions to feel meaningful without ever growing tiresome or repetitive. Mio and Zoe each have distinct abilities that complement one another, and learning to coordinate these effectively is vital. For example, Mio might hack into electronic security systems while Zoe employs magic to distract guards or manipulate the environment. These thoughtfully designed scenarios result in puzzles that feel intuitive yet challenging, demanding genuine communication between partners rather than simply coordinating button presses.

Each character comes with a set of unique skills that evolve throughout the game. Players can unlock and enhance these abilities by progressing in the story and completing optional side tasks. Mio’s tech-focused skills feel straight out of a cyberpunk dream: she can deploy hacking drones, teleport short distances, and execute spectacular stealth takedowns. Conversely, Zoe’s fantasy-themed toolkit includes summoning magical allies, conjuring protective barriers, and even charming enemies temporarily. The extensive array of upgradeable powers lets players tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle, encouraging experimentation and replayability.

Movement and combat mechanics strike a commendable balance between accessibility and depth. The controls are responsive, intuitive, and inviting for newcomers, yet offer enough nuance for seasoned gamers to sink their teeth into. Battles are thrilling, with fluid dodging and combo attacks, enhanced by a dynamic camera system that fluidly adapts to each scenario. The game smartly keeps a steady difficulty curve—moments of relaxation, exploration, and puzzle-solving provide breathing room before launching players into intense battles that require quick thinking and seamless cooperation. Simply put, Split Fiction’s gameplay feels as satisfying as it is imaginative, effortlessly capturing the thrill of experiencing two vastly different worlds in a single cohesive package.

Multiplayer and Replayability

Split Fiction continues Hazelight’s well-established tradition of mandatory cooperative play, reinforcing its stance that gaming experiences are best enjoyed alongside friends. Just as in It Takes Two, there is no single-player mode available; instead, the game strictly requires you to partner up—either via local couch co-op or online multiplayer. Thankfully, Split Fiction offers an impressive and seamless cross-platform multiplayer experience, meaning friends can play together whether they’re on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S. This robust support encourages teamwork, communication, and coordination in ways that enrich both the game’s challenges and its narrative.

The cooperative gameplay in Split Fiction not only deepens engagement but also creates countless moments of hilarious chaos and triumph. Whether strategizing in combat, synchronizing stealthy takedowns, or tackling mind-bending puzzles, players must work in unison or face the amusing consequences of miscommunication. The constant requirement to cooperate pushes players to learn their partner’s strengths and weaknesses intimately, forging memorable gaming sessions filled with laughter, occasional frustration, and ultimate satisfaction. If friendship is about overcoming adversity together, then Split Fiction serves as a rigorous (and highly entertaining) test of your bonds.

One of the standout aspects boosting replayability is the variety of scenarios and gameplay mechanics that encourage repeated playthroughs. The unique set of skills for Mio and Zoe offer diverse strategies and outcomes in combat and exploration, which encourages swapping characters in subsequent playthroughs to experience the game from a fresh perspective. Furthermore, optional side missions, collectibles, and hidden secrets scattered throughout the various worlds provide additional incentives to dive back in, making each revisit rewarding.

Split Fiction also features a rewarding progression system that enhances longevity. With unlockable cosmetics, customization items, hidden collectibles, and story-driven achievements, there’s ample reason to dive back in, particularly for completionists. The clever addition of leaderboards and timed challenges within certain minigames adds a competitive edge, pushing friends to compete for the best scores or fastest clear times. Ultimately, these factors combined make Split Fiction an appealing game to return to multiple times, either with new partners or old friends seeking another ride through its whimsical, chaotic adventure.

Graphics and Sound

Split Fiction showcases Hazelight’s distinct flair for cinematic storytelling with striking visuals and imaginative artistry. Each world—be it the neon-lit cyberpunk metropolises, whimsical fantasy forests, or futuristic dystopian megacities—is rendered with vibrant color palettes and detailed environments, making exploration a visual treat. The seamless transitions between these drastically different settings, often occurring mid-level, underscore the game’s imaginative ambition, all while maintaining consistently smooth performance on PS5, even in the heat of frenetic action sequences.

Character designs are equally charming, mixing quirky fantasy and sleek sci-fi aesthetics to create a memorable cast of heroes, villains, and sidekicks alike. From the cuddly yet mischievous dragons you encounter in fantasy segments to menacing cybernetic bosses in sci-fi scenarios, each character feels distinctly realized, both visually and narratively. Subtle details, like Mio’s sci-fi-inspired cybernetic enhancements or Zoe’s fantasy-styled adventurer garb, showcase the thoughtful attention to visual storytelling, highlighting the characters’ contrasting backgrounds and personalities.

Sound design in Split Fiction is top-notch, capturing the essence of its eclectic worlds with impressive attention to detail. Ambient environmental sounds help bring each scenario to life, from the mystical twinkling of fairy-infested forests to the mechanical buzz and hum of futuristic neon-lit metropolises. Combat audio is suitably punchy, with satisfying weapon sounds and crisp, responsive effects adding weight and impact to each strike. Additionally, the voice acting is superb, with Mio and Zoe’s playful banter and well-delivered dialogue enhancing the sense of companionship and humor throughout the narrative.

Musically, the game oscillates effortlessly between genres, underscoring its creative blend of fantasy and sci-fi. Epic orchestral arrangements dominate fantasy-themed sequences, while electronic synth-wave tracks energize futuristic scenes, reinforcing immersion. The shifts between these styles are seamless, complementing the tonal shifts in gameplay and providing players with an auditory experience that’s as dynamic and varied as its visuals. Overall, the audio-visual presentation significantly elevates the experience, complementing its unique gameplay to deliver an unforgettable co-op adventure.

Final Thoughts

Split Fiction masterfully delivers another triumph for Hazelight Studios, proving once again that they understand precisely how to blend storytelling, gameplay, and creativity into a cohesive, thrilling package. This ambitious co-op journey doesn’t just build upon the strengths of its acclaimed predecessor, It Takes Two, it boldly carves out its own identity, making the experience equally memorable and exhilarating. The seamless fusion of contrasting narrative worlds—science fiction and fantasy—not only captivates the imagination but reinvents the way stories can unfold within video games.

The exceptional variety in gameplay keeps the experience fresh and thrilling, ensuring that monotony never has a chance to settle in. Just as you think you’ve grown accustomed to taming dragons or hacking through enemy waves as cyber-ninjas, the game eagerly whisks you off to another adrenaline-pumping scenario, always encouraging cooperation, creativity, and quick reflexes. Hazelight Studios has a knack for ensuring every mechanic is more than just a gimmick—it’s an integral part of the storytelling, adding layers of depth and emotional resonance to Mio and Zoe’s evolving friendship.

Where Split Fiction truly excels is its commitment to accessibility, proving that challenging gameplay doesn’t have to come at the cost of broad appeal. Its clever co-op design makes this the kind of game that can be enjoyed equally by seasoned gamers and newcomers alike, all while preserving the thrill and satisfaction that veteran players crave. Whether laughing through goofy mishaps with friends or mastering difficult encounters after multiple tries, there’s always a reason to dive back into its colorful worlds, strengthening replayability significantly.

Ultimately, Split Fiction is not just another excellent co-op adventure—it’s a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the infinite possibilities that storytelling holds within interactive media. It not only demands to be played but also shared, discussed, and remembered. It’s a rare gem that reminds players why gaming can be such an emotionally rewarding medium, and undoubtedly one of the year’s standout titles.

We prepared this review with a digital copy of Split Fiction for the PlayStation 5 version provided by Electronic Arts.