​”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.

​”Memory Lost” is a cyberpunk-themed, top-down, twin-stick shooter developed by Magic Hazard and published by ESDigital Games. Released on March 6, 2025, an atmospheric cyberpunk twin stick shooter that grew on me the longer I played.

Addicting combat

In “Memory Lost,” players navigate a dystopian world, utilizing a distinctive “shifting” mechanic that allows them to possess enemies, adapting their weapons and skills to combat ruthless corporations. This feature offers a dynamic approach to encounters, encouraging strategic thinking and adaptability. The game emphasizes fast-paced combat, requiring players to swiftly switch between host bodies to overcome challenges.

Admittedly I found my self struggling at the beginning of the game to get my self into grips with the Hotline Miami at 10x speed style combat. The shifting mechanics allows you to possess enemies that took enough damage. Except sometimes the enemies don’t give the player this opportunity. I never figured out why that is, whether they have a damage threshold or simply a % chance of it not happening. When the you reach 0 health the game goes into slow motion allowing you to quickly switch and get back in the fight so leaving vulnerable hosts around the arena was my number one strategy. The weapon and “host” ability variety and very limited ammo keeps the player on their toes and forces to adapt.

Dystopian setting

Set in a cyberpunk universe, “Memory Lost” immerses players in a world filled with technological marvels and corporate intrigue. The storyline revolves around themes of identity and memory, challenging players to uncover secrets and shape their own fate within this lore-rich environment. While the game’s atmosphere and setting have been praised for their depth and detail, some reviews have pointed out that the narrative execution falls short, lacking the engagement found in its world-building.​

Mixed reception, for a good reason

The game has received mixed reviews from critics and I must say throughout the entire game, I could not decide where I stand either. I have to commend the game’s innovative gameplay mechanics and atmospheric world, these elements make it a worthwhile experience for twin stick shooter enthusiasts. However, there are narrative shortcomings and technical imperfections that prevent the game from reaching its full potential.

The game is atmospheric and does have a very unique feeling to it. But I was completely disjointed from the gritty dystopian world as the game doesn’t take it self seriously at all. Don’t get me wrong the constant, almost borderlands non stop humour sure did get a laugh out of me. Even if sometimes it was a bit too on the nose. For the most part these easter eggs are put in with love and effort. One instance, a non surprising dark souls reference that surprised me with actually overhauling the way checkpoints work in the game.

Art direction

Visually, “Memory Lost” captures the essence of the cyberpunk genre with its neon-lit environments and detailed character designs. The isometric perspective enhances the tactical aspects of gameplay, allowing players to plan their movements and attacks effectively. The soundtrack complements the game’s setting, featuring electronic and synth-heavy tracks that immerse players further into the dystopian atmosphere.

But the the actual graphics are pretty bad. I don’t mean that it doesn’t compete with huge AAA studios, it’s just ugly. This is the reason I found myself not enjoying the game at first, until I realised it’s on purpose. I bumped into a very chatty NPC and that’s when it clicked. As his text went past the dialog box I realised the the graphics weren’t a budget compromise , it was a choice.

Conclusion

“Memory Lost” offers a unique and joyful ride through a dystopian world, particularly for fans of the cyberpunk genre. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and atmospheric design stand out as its strongest features. However, narrative shortcomings may hinder the experience for some players. Despite this, the game provides a distinctive take on the twin-stick shooter genre, making it worth exploring for those intrigued by its premise.

It is very hard to out right recommend or shun the game. Is it the next Hotline Miami? no. But did I have fun, and laughed out loud? Yes. If you want the experience of borderlands humour at its peak and a challenging combat experience then you can pick up “Memory Lost” on steam right now. With the intention to bring it to all major platforms later this year.

Introduction

Centum is a point-and-click psychological horror game developed by Hack The Publisher and published by Serenity Forge. The game has quickly gained a cult following, thanks to its eerie atmosphere, cryptic storytelling, and challenging puzzles. With a “Very Positive” ratings, Centum has made an impression on players looking for a unique horror experience. But does it deliver on its unsettling premise? Let’s dive into what makes Centum a standout entry in the genre.

A great setting

From the get go, Centum immerses players in a surreal and disorienting world. The narrative is deliberately unreliable, forcing players to question everything they see and experience. While some horror games rely on jump scares, Centum takes a more psychological approach, using ambiguous storytelling and disturbing imagery to create a persistent sense of dread. The game leaves much up to player interpretation, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Some will appreciate the mystery, while others may find the lack of clear direction frustrating.

The game’s art direction is another highlight. While simplistic in execution, the visuals are meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of unease. The environments feel corroded and decayed, reinforcing the game’s themes of psychological unravelling. Sound design is equally impressive—ambient noises, distorted voices, and unsettling music enhance the game’s immersive quality. With every change of setting feeling familiar yet even more uneasy than the previous.

With great puzzles

As a point-and-click adventure, Centum requires players to solve intricate puzzles to progress. These puzzles are well-designed, often requiring outside-the-box thinking and careful attention to detail. However, they can also be incredibly opaque, leaving some players feeling lost. This will deter some people. while I enjoyed the difficulty and praise the depth of these puzzles and a punishing “game over”, others may find their complexity can verge on frustrating. If you enjoy games that don’t hold your hand and challenge your problem-solving skills, Centum delivers in spades.

However, it’s not without flaws. As I mentioned some players may be frustrated with its opaque narrative and puzzle design, feeling that the game leans too heavily on ambiguity. If you prefer a more structured horror experience, Centum might not be for you. However, if you enjoy unravelling complex, unsettling stories, the game is an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

Centum is not a game for everyone, but for those who appreciate psychological horror, esoteric storytelling, and challenging puzzles, it’s a must-play. With its eerie atmosphere, thought-provoking design, and compelling mystery, Centum proves that horror doesn’t need to rely on cheap tricks to be truly terrifying. If you’re looking for a game that will haunt you long after the credits roll, Centum is worth your time. Note that I only want to include screenshots from the very first scenes as they portray the style and atmosphere that is set throughout the experience without spoiling anything ahead of you if you wish to experience it yourself.

Eternal Strands, developed and published by Yellow Brick Games, is an action-adventure game. As someone who deeply appreciates immersive storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and expansive worlds, I am delighted to share my experience with this remarkable title. Although I see the flaws and will expand on them below, I would recommend this title to anyone looking for a story driven vibrant game to relax and immerse yourself in.

A World of Wonder and Exploration

From the moment I stepped into the world of Eternal Strands, I was captivated by its rich and vibrant environments. The game’s art style, influenced by European visual novels, breathes life into every corner of the expansive landscapes. Each region is meticulously crafted, offering diverse biomes that invite exploration and reward curiosity. The freedom to climb any surface, reminiscent of titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, adds a layer of verticality that enhances the sense of discovery. Though the breath of the wilds inspiration does not end here.

Physics based magic and combat system

One of the standout features of Eternal Strands is its dynamic magic system. As Brynn, the protagonist, players can manipulate elements such as fire and ice through a magical cloak. This ability not only serves as a combat mechanic but also profoundly affects the environment. For instance, frequent use of fire magic can render areas arid, with fires spreading rapidly through vegetation, while ice magic can create bridges over chasms or freeze enemies in place. This interplay between magic and the environment fosters a sense of improvisation and strategy, making each encounter unique.

Combat in Eternal Strands is both challenging and rewarding. The game features multiple distinct bosses that roam various parts of the world, each requiring a strategic approach to defeat. Drawing inspiration from games like Shadow of the Colossus, these encounters often involve climbing towering creatures to strike at their weak points. The sense of scale and spectacle during these battles is exhilarating, providing some of the most memorable moments in the game.

Exploration and gameplay loop

Bosses will roam around different locations. When that happens the weather may change adding a new twist to the landscape. This encourages players to come back for needed materials used in the extensive crafting system. One of the many goodies to look out for are blueprints. This will give the player a template, but depending on the materials used it may resistant or strong against certain elements. This not only allows players to find use for materials that seem unremarkable, but also pushes for having multiple sets at the ready.

Defeating bosses will also grant new magic. This will open a magnitude of possibilities to play around with as so many spells compliment each other in spectacular ways. I for example found that a spell resembling a gravity orb will hold in the flames caught in it’s range that can then be used for a high damage explosion. As players make their way further into the story finding new biomes, they find new bosses. New bosses result in new and upgraded spells. New spells go into more combinations. In turn making the world a massive playground limited only by the players creativity.

After every expedition, Brynn will return to camp to empty her inventory. This will advance time and in turn change locations bosses, weather and enemy locations/variations. But it is also the time to wind down and talk to your allies at the camp to progress the story or simply get to know them.

On point narrative and characters

The narrative of Eternal Strands is richly woven, with a storyline that delves into the secrets of a long-lost civilization known as the Enclave. The characters are well-developed, each with their own backstory and motivations that intertwine with the main plot. The dialogue is thoughtfully written, making learning of the world and its inhabitants a pleasure. This level of storytelling kept me invested throughout my journey, eager to uncover the mysteries that lay ahead.

The attention to detail of characters is not only in the dialog, but also the design. The art style is beautiful, characters are unique and their amazing designs are accompanied by immaculate voice acting. Exploring the world, uncovering what happened and discovering new bosses was an absolute joy every step of the way. Eternal strands honestly feels like 2011’s Bastion with a breath of the wild twist added to it, which is a combination I never knew I wanted.

Nothing is perfect

Technically, Eternal Strands performs admirably. The game runs smoothly, with minimal bugs or glitches encountered during my playthrough. The developers’ attention to detail is evident. The soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory, complements the game’s tone perfectly, adding emotional weight to key moments.

That being said the game is not without its flaws. With almost everything in the environment being interactable in some way or another it is bound to cause some funky situations. It did take away from the immersion when climbing a shadow of colossus style titan I got stuck flailing on an armour piece uncontrollably before I got flung into space. With the extensive physics system it can also get overwhelming, where a bad placed spark can set and entire area on fire, main character included. The enemies later on in the game can get repetitive due to the lack of variety. Those that are there can also feel unfair at time with very unforgiving tracking and a badly placed parry can lead to a chain of attacks that shred the players health in an instant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eternal Strands is a stellar addition to the action-adventure genre. Its captivating world, innovative mechanics, and engaging narrative combine to create an experience that is both immersive and rewarding. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the game, I can confidently say that the only reason Eternal Strands is being held back from a perfect score is only a few minor details. Highly recommend the entry to anyone seeking a rich and fulfilling adventure. My personal game of the year contender so far.