Split Fiction is finally here, and it’s proven to be another hit from developer Hazelight Studios. After 2021 Game of the Year award winner It Takes Two, it was hard to imagine a follow-up that could hit the same high notes as its predecessor. Split Fiction has seemingly done the impossible, though, meeting – and sometimes even exceeding – the expectations set by It Takes Two.
One of the best parts about playing Split Fiction is enjoying its incredible balance of story and gameplay. Between the inventive and surprising mechanics and the strong narrative, Split Fiction can be the full package. Game development is one of the most challenging artistic mediums there is, and creating a world that boasts both satisfying gameplay and a compelling story is no easy task. While some games favor one over the other, Split Fiction is a terrific example of how the two can coexist equally.
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Split Fiction: How Long to Beat
The time it takes to beat Split Fiction can vary depending on how long it takes you to complete levels – and how much of a completionist you are.
Split Fiction is a Showcase in Approaching Gameplay and Story With the Same Amount of Love
Hazelight Studios’ Talent For Co-Op Stories Continues to Grow
It’s important to note that Split Fiction isn’t the first game to offer a blend of strong gameplay and narrative. Titles like The Last of Us, God of War, Uncharted, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Cyberpunk 2077 are just a few examples of games that boast both. However, there are plenty of fans and critics who would still say some of these aforementioned titles favor one over the other. It’s subjective, of course, but it still seems rare to come across a game that checks off both boxes so well. The experience of Split Fiction is one steeped in creativity. When playing, it’s easy to feel the attention and care that went into crafting both the world and the story, which helps add depth to each level and setting.
Mio and Zoe meeting as opposing personalities mirrors the conflicting characters of It Takes Two, but instead of a couple on the brink of divorce, Split Fiction explores strangers learning about one another on a more meaningful level. Each level is used as a way to dive deeper into this relationship, bringing both characters to a wonderful place of growth by the end of the story. Just as the levels help tell the game’s story, the story gives each larger-than-life level a sense of groundedness.
Split Fiction was built with Unreal Engine 5.
Using Co-Op Mechanics as a Stage For Storytelling
Hazelight Studios has made co-op experiences the heart and soul of the studio. Seeing cooperative mechanics as its own means of storytelling instead of just a way for players to get from point A to point B is one of the developer’s most powerful tools. Director Josef Fares and the rest of Hazelight Studios seem to have a love for creativity above all, and that’s wonderfully reflected in Split Fiction.
Split Fiction was announced at the 2024 Game Awards.
Split Fiction Could Hold Influence Down the Road
So far, Split Fiction has proven to be quite a big success, but it’s unclear if it will have the same hold on the industry that It Takes Two did. If anything is to be learned from Split Fiction, it’s that deeper stories of trauma and past regrets can still be fun, too. The bright worlds of Split Fiction contrast with the darker backstory of Mio and Zoe, and it makes for a truly unique game.
Creating a world that boasts both satisfying gameplay and a compelling story is no easy task.
As the year continues, it will be interesting to see how Split Fiction manages against the onslaught of fierce competition. 2025 is one of the biggest years in gaming history, and having such a strong and well-crafted co-op game among the long list of releases is a thrilling shake-up.
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