”Split Fiction,” developed by Hazelight Studios and released on March 6, 2025, is a cooperative action-adventure game that has garnered significant attention for its innovative gameplay and engaging narrative. Building upon the success of their previous titles, “A Way Out” and “It Takes Two,” Hazelight continues to refine the co-op gaming experience, offering players a fresh and dynamic adventure.
The setup.
In “Split Fiction,” players assume the roles of two writers, Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, who find themselves trapped within the worlds of their own creation due to a peculiar experiment. Mio, a science fiction author, and Zoe, a fantasy novelist, must collaborate to navigate through diverse environments that blend elements of both genres. The game is designed exclusively for cooperative play, supporting both local and online modes, and utilizes a split-screen mechanic to emphasize teamwork and communication. This game is coming for “the co-op guys” and it shows. Having the backing of EA I am pleasantly shocked how easy it is to play the game with friends. If have a friend that owns the game, you can play entirely free no matter which consoles you are playing on. A fantastic addition keeping the couch co-op genre alive.
Playing Split Fiction with my non-gamer partner was an experience that exceeded my expectations in so many ways. We often struggle to find games that cater to both our preferences—something engaging enough for me while still being accessible and enjoyable for someone who doesn’t spend hours mastering mechanics. Split Fiction delivered an experience that allowed us to play, explore, and laugh together without one of us feeling left behind. Though not without flaws, particularly in its sci-fi segments, the game shines as a cooperative journey that celebrates both players.
An Engaging Co-Op Experience
From the very start, Split Fiction establishes itself as a game meant to be played together. The split-reality mechanic, where one player experiences a fantasy world while the other navigates a sci-fi setting, forces teamwork in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Puzzles require communication, platforming sections demand coordination, and story moments resonate more because we’re both living different sides of the same tale.
For my partner, who rarely plays games, the controls were intuitive, and the game introduced new mechanics in a way that never felt overwhelming. We had moments of genuine teamwork triumphs—solving puzzles by combining our abilities, syncing up on timing-based challenges, and helping each other navigate through unfamiliar mechanics. The game finds that rare balance where I could still feel engaged as a seasoned player while my partner never felt like they were just tagging along.
Fantasy vs. Sci-Fi: A Tale of Two Worlds
The biggest surprise for both of us was how much we adored the fantasy half of the game compared to the sci-fi sections. The fantasy setting is rich, full of life, and bursting with creativity. The environments feel like they’re straight out of a beautifully illustrated storybook, and the world-building is compelling. Magic-based mechanics felt intuitive and rewarding, encouraging experimentation in a way that kept us both excited.
In contrast, the sci-fi setting felt… underwhelming. It wasn’t bad, per se, but it lacked the same depth and vibrancy. Where the fantasy world had intricate lore, fascinating creatures, and breath-taking vistas, the sci-fi side often felt sterile. The mechanical puzzles were amazing and the abilities/ equipment were extremely fun to use all through out those levels. But The world-building also felt a bit undercooked—while the fantasy setting was brimming with culture and mythology, the sci-fi sections often felt like they were ticking genre checkboxes rather than creating something truly immersive. Now I know that is the point given the story. But I just did not enjoy the sci-fi parts as much as I wanted to. Especially because the fantasy levels just blow it out the park for reasons I wont spoil.
Storytelling that Connects
One of Split Fiction’s greatest strengths is how it weaves its narrative between the two players. While some co-op games treat the second player as an afterthought, here, both perspectives matter. The emotional core of the story—two characters from vastly different worlds struggling to understand each others needs. The way each characters personality would bleed into their stories made getting to the next part so much more exciting.
That said, the sci-fi story beats felt less impactful. The fantasy world’s themes of destiny, magic, and legacy had weight, while the sci-fi side often fell into clichés. As I mentioned before, I understand this is reflecting the characters personality. It makes sense but that wasn’t my issue. I just cant help but feel that the Sci-Fi could of been done different. My partner found themselves more invested in the fantasy worlds, and even I, who typically love a good sci-fi narrative, felt that it paled in comparison to its fantasy counterpart.
When I complain about the Sci-Fi I am mostly referring to the second Mio world. I loved the puzzles in that world but it just felt very straight forward with a real lack of “things” to find. All the other levels had easter eggs and little details, mini games and interactable objects that emphasised exploration. Even with he heavy topic at hand I wish there were more to encourage us to slow down and look around. The level felt short due to us speeding through it unintentionally.
A Game Worth Playing Together
Despite my small complaint, Split Fiction is an incredible co-op experience. The seamless blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and platforming ensures that both players have a role to play, and neither one feels like a sidekick. The game succeeds where so many others fail—it makes both players feel equally important and engaged, through out all its levels and side stories.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. The joy of solving puzzles together, the rich fantasy world, and the rewarding teamwork elements make Split Fiction a game that stands out in the co-op genre. Weather you’re enjoying the game with a partner who isn’t typically into gaming, or a friend that you’ve been gaming with for years, this is one of the best options out there.
