Split Fiction Reviews

Split Fiction feels like a gift. Its sole aim is to entertain and bring players together by testing them at every turn. Hazelight gives us two distinct worlds, each filled with a huge array of activities for co-op partners to enjoy and argue over. It serves as a surprising visual showcase for the Switch 2 and enhances the Friend's Pass feature, allowing our original Switch buddies to join in the fun.

Split Fiction is a masterclass of game design, and is yet another instant classic from a team who have, across a span of three games, rewritten the handbook on how to develop fun and insanely inventive stories that’ll be remembered for one thing, among others: spotlighting the power of friendship.

Split Fiction is another fantastic co-op adventure from Hazelight Games, one that is well worth your time. The great level design and varied gameplay mechanics result in a very fun experience. I just couldn’t help but feel like it was something I had seen before, and the somewhat corny dialogue does a disservice to an otherwise interesting narrative.

Hazelight Studios is fast becoming one of my favourites out there. After the flawed but entertaining A Way Out showcased a true cooperative adventure, I was intrigued. Then It Takes Two came out and blew us all away with a touching story and exceptional cooperative gameplay. We were wondering just how Josef Fares and the team would top this. Now we have Split Fiction, which, somehow, does just that.

In the realm of cooperative gaming, few studios have managed to capture the imagination quite like Hazelight Studios. Their latest offering, Split Fiction, arrives with high expectations, following the massive success of critically acclaimed titles like A Way Out and It Takes Two. This review of Split Fiction will dive deep into a game that promises not just cooperative gameplay, but a narrative experience that blends genres, challenges player expectations, and delivers a unique storytelling ...

Split Fiction is another wonderful co-op adventure from Hazelight Games. While the story is forgettable, the level and gameplay design is smarter and more ingenious than I could ever have imagined. The variety and quality only improve as you progress, seeing the game throw things at you that you’ll never have seen before. It’s a joy from start to finish.

I expected nothing less than a masterpiece with Split Fiction, and yet my expectations were still exceeded. Play this game immediately.

Split Fiction creates many different worlds to explore, all of which are as fleshed out and fun as the characters you experience them with. If you have a partner to coop with, it's a game you can't miss playing.

At the end of the day, my fiance and I both enjoyed our time with Split Fiction. While it definitely has some narrative issues and the pacing can be a bit uneven, it’s still a great time for two players who want to experience a fully fleshed-out co-op adventure. Its highs are arguably higher than It Takes Two thanks to its numerous setpieces, and outside of a few puzzles that made us a wee bit angry, our relationship is stronger for it.

Split Fiction is a best in genre co-op experience filled with some of the most creative ideas in the medium. While the story leaves a bit to be desired, you're guaranteed an experience that is filled with laughs, tense moments, and sequences you will never forget. Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios once again prove that having fun is what matters most in this industry.

Split Fiction is a superb platformer. Hazelight has managed to deliver once again with varied and exciting gameplay, featuring a story that will make you laugh, cry, and get completely emerged in.

Following on from A Way Out and It Takes Two, you know what you’re going to get from Hazelight Studios’ latest game, Split Fiction. Given their popularity, it’s a wonder why nobody else has really sought to imitate their particular brand of co-op gaming, with its forced split-screen, endlessly inventive gameplay combinations, and fractious character partnerships that gradually work their way together over the course of a dozen or so hours.

Hazelight Studios has outdone itself with Split Fiction by innovating and expanding upon its earlier work. Mio and Zoe’s worlds are fully realized locales that pay loving homage to their real-life inspirations, and the optional Side Stories prompt many a smile. It's an impactful look at the creative writing process and an essential co-op adventure.

Split Fiction follows the story of Zoe and Mio, two aspiring young writers who are being brought into Rader Publishing, along with other young hopefuls, for the chance at getting one of their stories published. However, things go south pretty quickly as the girls are told that they’ll be placed into simulations of their stories, something Mio is outwardly uncomfortable with. While trying to fight to avoid the simulation, Mio accidentally stumbles her way into Zoe’s instead, beginning their journey together to escape a combined simulation of both of their stories before Rader Publishing can hijack their creativity and steal their ideas.

Hazelight Studios is back at it again, doubling down on their love for cooperative play with Split Fiction, a game that’s basically what happens when you take a sci-fi epic and a fantasy novel, mash them together in a blender, and crank it to eleven. Following in the footsteps of It Takes Two, this latest adventure throws you into a world where stories quite literally collide. With ever-evolving mechanics and some of the most inventive level designs in recent co-op gaming, Split Fiction is ...

Building off the strong foundation that is It Takes Two, Split Fiction is a consistently charming and entertaining co-op adventure that doesn't take a single second to rest between its frankly insane number of unique and well-designed gameplay mechanics.

Josef Fares is the king of co-op adventures, capturing hearts with Brothers* and cementing his status with a Game Awards win for It Takes Two. Fares’ Hazelight is back with its next co-op EA Original in Split Fiction — and while it will certainly entertain, it doesn’t take co-op hijinks to new heights.

Split Fiction is one of the most creative, inventive and downright delightful action-adventure games I’ve ever played. The team behind It Takes Two has once again crafted a genre-defying cooperative romp. However, the overly earnest and clunky story grates and acts as a barrier to all the madcap fun.

Split Fiction is a masterpiece. Between engaging emotional storytelling and wildly experimental gameplay mechanics that manage to stay fun start to finish, everyone should play Split Fiction.

Split Fiction is another jewel in Hazelight Studio’s ever-growing crown of co-op adventures. This game constantly introduces new mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh, and each new story feels unique, despite continually returning to the same two genres. There are random difficulty spikes that can easily trip up inexperienced players and lead to frustration, but this was some of the most fast-paced, light-hearted fun I’ve had in a long time.

Fantastic from start to finish, Split Fiction is one of the most inventive and joyful co-op games to date, and a testament to the power of human imagination.

Split Fiction is a triumph in game design and the best co-op experience you can play today, full stop. It’s a work that cements Hazelight Studios as one of the medium's most inventive and ingenious developers making games today. And like the few games great enough to reach these heights before it, we’ll undoubtedly be talking about Split Fiction’s brilliance for years to come.

Split Fiction is truly a blast to play and is one of the only games this year that I recommend to everyone. Needless to say, 2025’s Game of the Year discussion just got even more complicated with Split Fiction.

As someone who has played thousands of video games, there are times when it feels like I've seen it all. But Split Fiction literally made me gasp because I was blown away by what I was seeing. The game surprises, delights, shocks, and endlessly entertains. Split Fiction is one of the best co-op games ever made and something that every gamer should experience. Josef Fares and his team at Hazelight are batting 100, with Split Fiction easily on the short-list for Game of the Year nominees come award season.

An expertly crafted co-op adventure that pinballs from one genre extreme to another, Split Fiction is a rollercoaster of constantly refreshed gameplay ideas and styles – and one that’s very hard to walk away from.

Split Fiction is a soulful, artfully crafted experience. Mechanically, it is user-friendly, even for those who don’t play games much. It is stunning with its set pieces, character designs, and overall visual appeal that brings these tales to life. Meeting Mio and Zoe, learning their stories, and seeing who they are unfold – all within the scope of narratives they created – is a creative marvel. This all unfolds while under an overarching narrative with its own meta-subtext in a brilliantly clever feat of writing. Split Fiction is an innovative, exciting experience that is well worth every moment.

Split Fiction is the third co-op game from Hazelight Studios and arguably its largest and most imaginative to date. It packs an array of captivating mini-games into a linear, yet highly rewarding platformer, laced with Hazelight’s trademark storytelling to keep you on your moral toes. Players will have fun recognizing the vast pop culture references that have been peppered throughout Split Fiction, which deliver a unique twist whilst nostalgically returning us to the early days of gaming.

Jump into mind-blowing moments as you experience the many worlds of Split Fiction, a boundary-pushing co-op adventure from the studio behind It Takes Two. Play together with couch co-op or remotely with Friend's Pass. PC version reviewed.

Split Fiction is visually streets ahead of its predecessor It Takes Two, but mechanically the two games are very similar. The game is occasionally in danger of verging into repetitive territory with its constant shifting between two main environments, but its healthy selection of varied side-stories and its constantly changing mechanics ensure its gameplay remains engaging and entertaining throughout, even if the same can't always be said for its story.

Split Fiction pretty much nails it on the gameplay front, but falters regarding its predictable and flawed story. The one-dimensional villain and cliche character dynamic between Mio and Zoe can't be ignored due to their presence through the adventure. Don't miss the Side Stories, as these supply some of the game's most memorable and charming moments.

Opposite attraction, or the unlikely pair, might be a bit of a cliché, but there’s still charm and solid storytelling in there if it’s weaved with good hands. Hazelight Studios have been masters of cinematic co-op experiences for years now, so it should come as little surprise that Split Fiction is in good hands. This is an interesting platforming journey into fantasy, sci-fi, corporate greed, unlikely friendship, alongside a massive variety of interesting worlds that barraged us with interesting gameplay, and it ends up being another Hazelight instant classic.

Riding on the heels of their massively-successful co-op adventure It Takes Two, the winner of several awards including the Game Award for Game of the Year, Hazelight Studios and their director Josef Fares have finally released their next project. Another two-player co-op adventure, Split Fiction follows two aspiring writers as they are transported into the many worlds of their own stories, forced to work together as they find a way to escape the simulation they are now trapped in. The concept falls in line with past Hazelight projects: a two-person "Hero's Journey" following two distinct characters that butt heads and learn to work together and understand each other as they venture through a series of strange locations. The game continues to follow the previously-successful format and structure of It Takes Two, providing a familiar gameplay experience that is a near-carbon-copy of its predecessor. Thankfully, Split Fiction manages to recreate the fun and entertainment of their last game as well.

From a pure gameplay perspective, what I experienced shouldn’t be possible, and yet, they pulled it off seamlessly. Split Fiction is an outstanding commentary on friendship, opening up, and creativity that everyone must experience.

Hazelight Studio's Split Fiction elevates the co-op experience to new heights while telling a touching story about loss and friendship.

As far as co-op games go, you certainly can't get much better than Split Fiction so invite a friend over and let's watch this epic story unfold.

It Takes Two set the bar for co-op excellence, and while Split Fiction doesn't necessarily raise it, Hazelight has succeeded in delivering another stellar two-player experience, packed with a variety of superlative set pieces and clever gameplay mechanics.

Split Fiction goes beyond just another great co-op game from Hazelight; it reignites the importance of couch co-op. It's a reminder that truly memorable co-op experiences are built in the living room, sharing laughter, brainstorming, and emotional moments together. This game is a grand spectacle of co-op.

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Nic: Despite my gripes, I can't see anyone playing this with a mate or partner and coming away feeling they'd wasted the weekend. That's as long as you're both up for it in the first place - I doubt it's going to convince anyone who isn't already into Hazelight's schtick. And it's not like I'd say "this is a wonderful videogame and you'll miss out if you don't rope someone in to play it with you". It's a joy facilitator, rather than a joy generator. A fun bridge, not a fun spout. (Remember wh...

Split Fiction is hokey, muddled, and needlessly self-defeating. It’s also lively, inventive, and so earnest that it’s hard to be mad at it for long. These aren’t opposing forces that tear Hazelight’s latest apart; the clumsiness is inseparable from the delight. Both are born from the ambitious vision of artists who still believe in the magic of creativity and are willing to take big swings in its honor. Sometimes it absolutely whiffs. We all do. Fail again. Fail better. But it’s those moments where it connects, where simple ideas turn into unforgettable spectacle, that remind us why art can’t be automated. Even the most advanced machine can never dream bigger than a human with a heart.

Split Fiction is yet another triumph for Josef Fares. In the area of co-op experiences, nobody has even come close to what Hazelight proposes. No one can top this brilliant and incredibly difficult to execute gameplay formula. I can’t wait to hear the developers fiery speech at this year’s Game Awards, when he will undoubtedly receive another trophy.

Split Fiction is one of the most ambitious games ever made. Despite its lofty goals, the team at Hazelight has put together a solid character narrative, with so many fun gameplay mechanics to help the protagonists on their big adventure.

Everything couch co-op fans want and more, Split Fiction is a smorgasbord of belly laughs and references to cult classic media that will likely make you cry.

In recent years, Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios have established themselves as the masters of a certain unique brand of co-op-focused games, including 2018’s prison-escape adventure A Way Out and 2021’s family-drama-infused multi-genre extravaganza It Takes Two. The latter ended up becoming a surprise smash hit, selling over 23 million copies worldwide, so anticipation and expectations are high for Hazelight’s latest co-op venture, Split Fiction.

Split Fiction goes beyond offering the greatest co-op adventure this year. It is a love letter to many game genres and franchises that reminds us that games can, again, be all about having fun with someone else.

Split Fiction has proven that Hazelight is simply the best modern studio in the co-op business. Constantly full of excitement, beauty, joy, and downright absurdity, this title earns its place alongside its spiritual predecessor as arguably the best two-player experience on current-gen hardware. Split Fiction is a technical marvel that pushes the boundaries of design without ever sacrificing the notion that video games are fun and should be experienced alongside our friends and loved ones. The narrative isn't always perfect and doesn't climb quite as high as I may have hoped, but the fact remains that there is so much love and care poured into this title, and it's infectious as each subsequent chapter is completed. With a slightly higher level of difficulty, duos of players will have to stay on their toes. The reward for this perseverance and collaboration is a gorgeously presented, bizarre, creative video game that pulls from an unprecedented number of genres and is sure to win you over by its masterful final act.

Split Fiction is a stunning and emotional buddy co-op adventure that kept us fully invested until the very end. Jumping between Zoe and Mio's different worlds was executed flawlessly, with unique gameplay, storylines, and details for every chapter. It's also the first of Hazelight's games to feature cross platform play, which performed superbly. This is how co-op games should be!

it's safe to say Split Fiction is a fun game for anyone who's got another player ready to try it out. Whimsical, lighthearted, action-packed and thoughtfully-made, it feels ready for any co-op team from strangers to best friends

Split Fiction, like Hazelight Studios' previous titles, is only playable in local or online co-op. To match this collaborative direction, the Push Square review is a back-and-forth between the pair who played through the game, as has become tradition. This time, assistant editor Stephen Tailby had a helping hand from video producer Aaron Bayne. Enjoy thoughts from both in this joint review!

Split Fiction is more than a hilarious, compassionate, and delightful new benchmark for multiplayer experiences--it is a remarkable love letter to creativity, video games, and companionship.

Hazelight returns with yet another heartfelt couch co-op adventure.

An incredibly inventive, rapid-fire co-op adventure that never breaks its stride, despite its dull protagonists.

Split Fiction feels like the culmination of what Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios’ team have learned since making Brothers and A Way Out. Both were solid games, and It Takes Two’s success was our first glimpse at what the studio was truly capable of. Split Fiction is everything I could ever ask from a cooperative game and more, easily making it another solid game of the year contender. I wish I could go on about each level and its intricacies since I could easily ramble on numerous incredible moments for a while. This is one of those games that thrives on surprising you at every corner, and hearing my friend’s reactions was just as fulfilling as experiencing my own.

Split Fiction is pure gaming brilliance. It’s the type of experience only this medium can afford, and one only true masters of their craft can cultivate. At times utterly charming while in other moments deeply profound, the endlessly creative adventure will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dive in with no preconceptions and be swept up by its genius.

Full of hilarious moments and incredible cinematics; Split Fiction is a couch co-op powerhouse, perfect for those looking for endless fun and the ultimate escape.

Another cracking co-op extravaganza that successfully blends collaborative puzzling and spectacular action sequences into a breathless, occasionally moving and often hilarious, two-player-only experience.

Split Fiction is a damn good time. It has problems inherent to the gameplay, like checkpoint issues and overly taxing boss fights that don't visually work well in split screen. There are ways around it if you have the hardware, and the game does help keep things moving forward.

Rarely ever putting a foot wrong, Split Fiction has set a new standard for co-op gaming. This is an absolute delight from start to finish, packing in some of the most wacky and creative ideas you'll have ever encountered in a game. It's as endearing as it is joyous, and providing you've got someone to play with, you'll love every minute of it.

Split Fiction is one of the best genre crossing, action packed, adrenaline rushing, heart wrenching games both Jason and myself have ever played. A few hours in, we were dodging ogres and shooting down ships. By the end of the game, our friendship became stronger, our hearts grew three times larger, and we realized that Split Fiction is one of the best games of this era. Anyone saying otherwise, is spitting fiction.

Split Fiction raises the bar for co-op adventure games and will surely be in the 'Game of the Year' conversation come the end of 2025. Its increased difficulty will put some players off, but those who relish the challenge will discover a magnificently varied, inventive and ambitious gameplay journey that's bound to stick long in the memory. My wife's already asking when the next one's coming out.

The most impressive element of Split Fiction is how well it ties everything together. Its disparate locales and subplots all share a beautiful, unified art style with a story that melds perfectly with its gameplay.

Split Fiction is, at its heart, a celebration about how wonderful, imaginative and downright clever videogames can be when they choose to embrace what they are – an art form that thrives on interactivity, creativity, and boundless possibility. Hazelight have proven that once again, when it comes to building distinct experiences that blend storytelling, mechanics, and player agency – they have no equal.