From Hazelight Studios, the studio behind such co-op hits as Brothers, A Way Out and It Takes Two, comes their latest potential hit Split Fiction. From the filmmaking and game-directing mind of Josef Fares and Co, the tale of two writers trying to get published whilst dealing with the pitfalls of AI, bloodsucking CEO’s and a crisis of faith should be enough to get anyone interested, and it’s safe to say that after my time with it, I’m here to recommend it to absolutely everyone.
Split Fiction is at the Top of Its Game
Getting the basics out of the way, Split Fiction is the story of two writers Mio and Zoe on the road to completing their shared dream; getting published. A few minutes into Split Fiction and you and your partner (the game HAS to be played with someone else, the signature of Hazelight Studios) will quickly realise this isn’t going to go as planned. The prickly Mio causes an understandable scene that results in herself and Zoe sharing what shouldn’t be shared; and the events of Split Fiction get underway.
Hazelight Studios’ previous games have always pushed the envelope when it comes to co-op gaming, but Split Fiction is something else. It’s the sort of game that comes along once in a generation, and that’s not necessarily all hyperbole either. During my 16 hours (and counting) with it, I lost track of the amount of times myself or my co-op partner said one of, or a combination of “What the fuck”, “How have they done that?”, “This is insane”… well you get the idea.
Split Fiction‘s platforming is some of the finest I’ve seen in recent times. Not only does the game excel in standard 3D, over-the-shoulder fun, it throws in a mixture of genres, with fantasy and sci-fi dominating. Throughout the story you’ll be thrown from one genre to the next at a moment’s notice, and on top of all that, Split Fiction regularly changes perspective on you, but it all feels so natural and earned. One moment you’re playing over-the-top, next it’s a 2D Metroidvania style side-scroller, then it’s a top-down puzzle game, and without fail, every single mechanic and feature has been tested and polished to an inch of its life. Split Fiction isn’t just one great game, it’s twenty great games.
Beyond just throwing us for a loop with the change-ups, Split Fiction treats its co-op play with utter respect. There’s a hearty level of handholding to keep the pace of the level going, whilst also allowing players to figure out the puzzles for themselves. There was a few times where we seemed stuck, but after a few seconds of surveilling our surroundings and the explanation/solution became clear.
The game’s genre switch-ups, design principles and co-op play don’t do all the heavy lifting though, that’d be a huge disservice to the writing team at Hazelight Studios. Without giving too much away, both Mio and Zoe go through the wringer in their own ways, and the story of Split Fiction goes from being a fun-loving, enjoyable ride of insanity into one of loss, sadness, grief, acceptance and facing our own roles in other’s lives, and how some things just aren’t controllable. It’s a very adult experience, and has so much to say that it will undoubtedly prove a cathartic experience for many playing it.
It wouldn’t be a complete review if I didn’t mention the final hour or so of the game. Whilst I don’t wish to spoil it, it needs to be included, as it’s one of, if not the most astounded, dumbfounded, excited and all-over giddy. I felt like a kid again, and in the same way I remember playing four-player Goldeneye on the N64 with my friends or playing Pokemon Blue twenty five years ago, or loading up a match of Search and Destroy on Call of Duty 4 back in the day with the lads, Split Fiction’s ending will stick with me for years, not just for what it accomplishes in-game, but what it felt to play, what it had to say and how it pushed the envelope. It’s not just one of the best games of the year (it is), it’s also catapulted itself into my top five games ever, and sits among some of my favourite memories of gaming full stop.
Split Fiction is a two-player co-op adventure set in the many worlds of Mio and Zoe’s creativity. From fantasy to sci-fi and everything combined, step into these worlds and uncover a twisting story of love, loss and acceptance, all wrapped up in some excellent platforming action.
Summary
Hazelight Studios have crafted an adventure that almost transcends what it is, a video game, and goes a long way to prove that games are as much art as books and films. Split Fiction is one of the best games of the year, this generation of gaming and potentially ever, with equal measures of finesse in its execution and brass balls to take some big risks. It’s one of those games you don’t want to miss.
HOURS PLAYED: 16
PLAYED ON: PS5
- Envelope-pushing platforming and co-op play.
- An impactful story told in a unique way with a beautiful art style. Some incredible-looking set pieces too.
- An impactful story that folds into the gameplay seamlessly, creating an incredible experience.
- It had to end.
Split Fiction released March 6th and is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
For more Thumb Wars Reviews, check out our thoughts on Monster Hunter Wilds, or how long it takes to beat Split Fiction. This and every Thumb Wars review is featured on OpenCritic.
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Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
