Split Fiction is a thrilling new story from acclaimed Swedish developer Hazelight Studios. Protagonists Mio and Zoe are both fiction writers who are forced into a virtual reality simulation made up of their own story ideas. Mio writes sci-fi, while Zoe prefers fantasy, making Split Fiction a fun combination of the two genres.
A video game giving equal focus to both sci-fi and fantasy is uncommon, and that’s one of the many aspects that make Split Fiction so appealing. Both genres present exciting ways for the developers to craft unique and engaging mechanics, and Split Fiction offers something new and exciting with every level. While Split Fiction‘s blend of these two genres is a great selling point, it isn’t the only game set to play around with the two genres this year. For those who have been enjoying Split Fiction‘s genre-bending story, an upcoming action-adventure title may prove to be a great follow-up: Hell is Us.
Related
Split Fiction: Every Side Story, Ranked
The main story will be the draw for many co-op duos in Split Fiction, but the game’s side stories are just as enticing, if not more so.
Just Like Split Fiction, Hell is Us Brings Two Opposing Genres Together in One World
Everything Known About Hell is Us, So Far
- Set to launch on September 4, 2025
- Releasing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S
- Third-person action-adventure
- Features a semi-open world where exploration and intense melee are key
On the surface, Split Fiction and Hell is Us couldn’t be more different, especially with the former being strictly co-op while the latter is fully single-player. However, despite these differences, Hell is Us takes the same approach when it comes to combining both sci-fi and fantasy together in a single story. A world entrenched in civil war and supernatural creatures, Hell is Us is promising a fresh take on a sci-fi post-apocalyptic world.
Hell is Us is developed by Rogue Factor and is published by Nacon.
One of the most intriguing features showcased in the game’s trailer, though, is the use of a sword as the main weapon. The sword in question looks like it was taken directly out of a major fantasy game like Baldur’s Gate 3 or Elden Ring. Considering that the visuals of Hell is Us are otherwise incredibly reminiscent of games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Death Stranding, the use of a fantasy-inspired broad sword is a compelling contrast.
Also, the gameplay appears to be taking the Soulslike route, which is a fascinating choice for a world that clearly has a more futuristic aesthetic. Melee weapons aren’t usually the go-to for sci-fi stories, but thanks to Hell is Us‘ interesting blend of fantasy elements, the upcoming game could be a special experience.
In addition to swords, Hell is Us will also feature spears and axes as melee options, too.
Split Fiction Hopefully Inspires More Collaborations Between Sci-Fi and Fantasy
While Hazelight Studios’ co-op title didn’t inspire Hell is Us, it’s possible that Split Fiction could inspire more experimentation in the industry. Only time will tell, of course, but between the success of Split Fiction and the approach of Hell is Us, there could be an exciting gaming trend waiting on the horizon. Sci-fi and fantasy can be a fascinating combination when balanced well, and it will be exciting to see how Hell is Us approaches such a blend after Split Fiction has introduced players to what is possible with the combo.
Now that Hell is Us has locked in a release date, it will be intriguing to see how this smaller game holds up against this year’s upcoming heavy-hitters. Visually, Hell is Us looks beautiful, but how it plays at launch will determine its success. Split Fiction and Hell is Us may be different in many ways, but the two embracing the power of mixing genres is an exciting feature shared by the two.
The co-op masterminds are back, pushing the creative limits with their new action-packed buddy adventure, Split Fiction. From the studio behind 2021 Game of the Year Winner It Takes Two, venture into a world that jumps between Sci-Fi and Fantasy to overcome varied and unexpected gameplay challenges with a friend. Split Fiction’s vast array of ever-changing mechanics keeps you on the edge of your couch with surprising moments. Find out what happens when two radically different worlds collide in this fortuitous story of friendship.
Story
Mio and Zoe are contrasting writers who become trapped in their own stories after being hooked up to a machine designed to steal their creative ideas. To escape with their minds intact, they’ll need to overcome their differences to crash the system that holds them, uncovering secrets and personal struggles hidden within their own fiction.
Key Features
● True Co-Op Adventure – Split Fiction is an adventure tailored for two. As Mio and Zoe, you’ll experience split screen co-op gameplay where you have to coordinate your actions and timing, as well as work together to overcome challenges through unique worlds of fiction like lush Fantasy environments and Sci-Fi skylines. This wild ride comes to you from Hazelight, the co-op thrill-makers that brought you It Takes Two and A Way Out.
● Unparalleled Variety – Discover new mechanics and abilities in every level of your adventure, which will alternate between sci-fi and fantasy settings. Escape a sun that’s going supernova, challenge a monkey to a dance battle, try out some cool hoverboard tricks, fight an evil kitty, and ride everything from gravity bikes to a sandshark. Experience worlds that are entirely different from each other, unexpected new abilities, and a range of gameplay that includes platforming, puzzles, and more. There are surprises waiting for you and your partner around every corner.
● The Power of Friendship – Mio and Zoe don’t get along at first, but soon enough they become each other’s only hopes. This journey will throw unexpected twists at them and if they want to make it through, they’ll need to have each other’s backs. They’ll encounter both bizarre situations as they traverse stories born from their own wild imaginations. Most importantly – they’ll face it all together.
● Sci-Fi and Fantasy Worlds – Venture through fantastical realms and discover idyllic villages and mystical sanctuaries filled with magical beings in Zoe’s world of fiction. Board a flying train and explore Mio’s imaginary realms of futuristic space stations, intense battlefields and more. Engage in hidden “side stories” – vivid snapshots extracted from the depths of Mio and Zoes’ minds that go beyond Sci-Fi and Fantasy – where you can learn more about their past and the roads that led them to by Rader.
● More Ways to Play Together – Friend’s Pass – Hazelight’s staple feature that allows one player that owns the game to invite a friend to play for free – is back and makes playing with friends even easier with crossplay options enabled for PlayStation, Xbox and PC (via Steam).
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Fantasy
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OpenCritic
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Top Critic Rating:
90/100
Critics Recommend:
98%
- Released
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March 6, 2025
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Language, Violence
- Publisher(s)
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Electronic Arts
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Engine
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Unreal Engine 5
- Steam Deck Compatibility
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Unknown
- X|S Optimized
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Yes
- Number of Players
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2
- Local Co-Op Support
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Yes
- OpenCritic Rating
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Mighty
- Cross-Platform Play
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Yes – all platforms
- PC Release Date
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March 6, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
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March 6, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
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March 6, 2025