Split Fiction

Split Fiction's greatest strengths are its sheer variety and wonderful unpredictability. It's an incredibly fun experience, perfect for sharing hours of enjoyment with a friend or partner. This game is a clear demonstration of refinement; Josef Fares and the Hazelight team have delivered the most polished and inventive version of their unique co-op formula yet.

Calling Split Fiction a roller coaster of a game does it a disservice. We’ve yet to ride any real-life track that rebuilds its layout and even the attraction type more than a dozen times as you’re on it. Split Fiction is the entire theme park, condensed into an inventive, explosive, and unmissable experience for two.

Split Fiction is an explosion of creativity that does not compromise fun for anything. The story amazingly compliments the various gameplay styles and approaches that never go stale. If It Takes Two was revolutionary, Split Fiction is an amazing step up in the genre and a showcase of amazing gameplay ideas. It’s proof that when creativity is allowed to flourish, exceptional games follow.

Split Fiction breaks free from the shadow of It Takes Two, blending story and gameplay with unmatched creativity. It's a heartfelt tribute to gaming that everyone should experience.

Split Fiction is a genre-defying co-op adventure that shatters expectations at every turn. Blending sci-fi and fantasy with ever-evolving gameplay, it throws players into a seamless, fast-paced world where creativity knows no bounds. With stunning visuals, razor-sharp mechanics, and a co-op experience that rivals the best in gaming, Split Fiction isn’t just a game—it’s a bold, next-gen statement that demands to be played.

Another triumph from Hazelight. Split Fiction is nothing short of a co-op masterpiece, with excellent pacing and plenty of memorable gameplay moments. It’s amazing that the developers managed to continuously craft new and unique situations every 10 minutes or so, without any sign of repetition in its 15-hour runtime. Not only is it an early GOTY contender, but it also stands as one of the finest co-op experiences in gaming history.

Split Fiction has an infectious, humorous energy that rarely flags. Even if the gameplay ingredients feel like a greatest-hits compendium, the enforced co-operation brews them into a heady cocktail of entertainment.

There are hundreds of games that can be played with friends, but few are going to deliver as memorable an experience as this one.

Such creativity, inventiveness and irreverence, characteristics that define Josef Fares and Hazelight, make Split Fiction a formidable experience on every level. It's no exaggeration to say that this is the best game of the generation so far. With a touching narrative, captivating characters and a very entertaining gameplay, the game is the culmination of several lessons learned by the developer who mastered the cooperative games and proves that the clamor for It Takes Two is no coincidence.

It’s an incredibly fun game of ideas and possibilities, on both screen and sofa. Because virtually every battle, puzzle and chase sequence requires close collaboration between the differently-attributed characters, the two-player co-op experience becomes one of collaboration and bonding as intense as that between Mio and Zoe. And believe us, this is a brain-frying ride you’ll want to share – not least, come the ultra-meta final throes, to have a witness confirming it’s all actually happening.

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.

It’s rare that a story this nuanced can be experienced co-operatively in a game, particularly in a way that feels equal between the participants. But we were truly partners in this game. We did this together, as Mio and Zoe did, and it added a layer to the time spent playing this game that makes it all the more unforgettable.

Josef Fares has envisioned a brilliant cooperative action-platformer whose ingenious design method, easy to interpret but hard to overcome, is a glorious tribute to the creators, players and video game industry. Multifaceted, graphically phenomenal and full of gameplay moments that will always leave you wanting more.

What makes these dichotomous chapters so engrossing, however, is their sheer scope. Where throughout It Takes Two you were largely traversing smaller, indoor areas and keeping to confined spaces, Split Fiction feels like a bold statement of what Hazelight can really do with an expanded budget. Some areas are bewildering in size, while others pack in so much detail you can’t help but ponder where all the loading screens have been hidden.

Split Fiction is an exceptionally triumphant moment for players. Hazelight Studios has created another cooperative masterpiece but this time around, pulled out every trick in the book. Endlessly dazzling, profoundly inventive, and impossibly fun, it’s hard to imagine anyone topping this kind of synergy. But Hazelight continues to prove they can one-up themselves every time.

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.

Hazelight Studios is far and away the preeminent studio for co-op storytelling. There has never been a game like Split Fiction before and, frankly, it’s hard to think of one that could match this creative quality ever again. Split Fiction is an example of director Josef Fares’ ability to capture the child-like creativity of storytelling and continue to curate the best cooperative games to date. The scale for Split Fiction is massive and there is no shortage of dullness in this colorful display of one’s imagination gone wild. Being able to play a co-op game with someone else feels right as it provides a sense of togetherness that is rare to come across these days. Split Fiction reiterates this need to tell stories that can be experienced and enjoyed alongside others.

Josef Fares' biggest project to date puts him among the industry's biggest names as a developer we should keep an eye on. After the 2021 GOTY, the Swedish-Lebanese has outdone himself with a project that once again shows his growth as a creative mind. Split Fiction may not reach the trophies that its predecessor won, but it will end 2025 as many people's favorite game.

Split Fiction is a party from start to finish. You go through beautiful and completely unique game worlds that always manage to surprise in different ways with new game mechanics, puzzles and ways to play together. Some games are a rollercoaster ride, but Split Fiction is the whole amusement park.

Hazelight Studios gained more attention after It Takes Two, a fully co-op game, surprised the world by winning the 2021 GOTY. Split Fiction is an evolution of that model that made Josef Fares' studio stand out, more refined and much more varied aesthetically and in terms of mechanics, interspersing antagonistic magical worlds with problems and challenges from different gaming genres, all very well structured in a story with a huge heart, that celebrates creativity and friendship.

Split Fiction has a wow factor that’s surprisingly hard to come by, despite how advanced consoles now are. Hazelight didn’t just set out to make a great game; it’s a great game that dares to push the boundaries of what this generation can be. It’s a triumphant tour de force that aims to be so much, from a commentary on the state of the creative arts to a love letter to gaming, and manages to succeed in every area. I’d even go as far as saying it’s now firmly one of my all-time favourite games, and there’s little praise higher than that.

I could write about Split Fiction for another few thousand words and still not cover everything that made me smile. As with 2024's Astro Bot, it's bursting at the seams with a Nintendo-like playfulness, an excited child opening a toybox to show you everything it can, and yet with a more measured pacing that stops it running out of breath...It's a poignant and timely reminder that for all of technology's advances, art is still made my artists, and that might just make it one of 2025's most important games — as well as one of its best.

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.

I could go on and on praising Split Fiction and pulling out unique moments that will undoubtedly become fond gaming memories in the future, but I don't want to take the joy of discovery away from you readers. Because there really is a lot to discover and fall in love with along the way. We should all be happy that Hazelight exists and thrives in the gaming industry, and I'm crossing my fingers that Split Fiction will be a gigantic success so we can enjoy more great experiences from one of today's most exciting developers. Split Fiction is a co-op masterpiece. It's as simple as that.

Split Fiction is one of the most audacious games I’ve ever played, constantly reinventing itself in ways that somehow work when they simply shouldn’t. There were numerous moments that stunned me into wondering how this game just kept getting away with design decisions that seemed like a disaster waiting to happen but instead led to some of the most memorable stages I’ve ever played. Finding someone to play with may be a challenge for some, but if you can remotely do so, you won’t regret it.

Split Fiction is a generational work. It’s brimming with creativity, tells a resonant story that reflects the current state of the world, and is a sincere love letter to genre fiction that has inspired so many of us.

Split Fiction is a declaration of love to the world of video games and I am happy to play it together with my friends. It will be a big contender for Game of the Year.

Split Fiction cements Hazelight as one of the best studios today and proves that creative freedom and fun are still essential concepts for the gaming industry. With unique gameplay that never stops introducing new ideas, an engaging narrative and exemplary technical execution, Split Fiction is not only the pinnacle of cooperative games, but also an unforgettable experience.

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' best game yet, and stands out as one of the most accomplished and fun co-op titles on PS5 to date. Its peerless variety means there's never a dull moment, and all of its different mechanics are consistently well-executed. There are one or two minor complaints you can throw at this, but they all fade into the background when the game is constantly showing you new ideas and almost never pausing for breath. This is proof, if more was needed, that Josef Fares and his team has found a really special formula, one that allows them to explore an incredible range of gameplay that's only enhanced by its singular co-op vision.

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.

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios at its best, pushing the limits of genre and co-op gameplay in an imaginative adventure through two wildly different worlds.

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.

If you've played and enjoyed A Way Out or It Takes Two, there's no doubt that Hazelight's new game will become one of your favorites from the studio. The other thing I'm certain of is that Split Fiction isn't just an excellent game, it's a true celebration of what games should be and represent: creativity, fun, and the rare element of continuing to surprise you and put a smile on your face after hours of gameplay, when you thought you'd seen it all.

Split Fiction is a masterpiece of creativity, capable of utilizing a single power in countless ways to make the experience as frenetic as it is entertaining. It evokes a sensation similar to Astro Bot, as it stands as a true love letter to video games. Josef Fares has done it again—an achievement that seemed impossible after reaching new heights with It Takes Two.

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.

With Split Fiction, Hazelight consolidates its position as the king of the co-op game with grander, stranger and downright dizzying gameplay situations. While film and game history is celebrated with the utmost sincerity, you experience an adventure with two players that you will definitely not forget. A must play for anyone who can't get enough of (couch) co-op, but actually everyone should free up fourteen hours to experience this. A big fat Gold award.

Split Fiction is a true triumph, a priceless title that not only manages to replicate the qualitative heights reached by the Game of the Year 2021 but surpasses them by ascending to even more astonishing levels of inventiveness. It is a title capable of renewing itself minute after minute and maintaining an enviable freshness even after several hours of gameplay, all seasoned with a first-rate artistic direction and impeccable technical realization. Whether you are a fan of Hazelight Studios' production, whether you loved It Takes Two or whether you simply love video games in the purest sense of the word, this is an experience you will not want to miss.

A game that proves, once again, Hazelight's undisputed skill with cooperative dynamics: who knows if there will ever be a limit for this studio.

Split Fiction is the resulting product of taking the core elements of what made It Takes Two such a great game and just brainstorming all kinds of entertaining and unexpected concepts. Hazelight has done it once again, and you should expect to see the new game by Josef Fares's team amongst the most highly regarded games in The Game Awards 2025.

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios at its most ambitious, delivering a bold, inventive co-op adventure that pushes boundaries. Every level introduces fresh mechanics, keeping gameplay dynamic and challenging. The writing is sharp, the world design is stunning, and the boss fights are some of the most creative in years. While the villain falls flat, the emotional depth of Mio and Zoe’s journey makes for a compelling story about creativity, identity, and collaboration. It's a must-play for co-op fans who love a challenge. Hazelight Studios proves once again that no one does co-op better.

Split Fiction is the clear evolution of a genre that has been little explored and that became memorable in It Takes Two. Hazelight once again proves that they master cooperative games and their mechanics, and see you, the consumer, as the core of their work. And so another classic is born.

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.

Split Fiction has already become one of my favorites as one of the best games of the year. Grab your friend and get ready for a great adventure.

Split Fiction is a love letter to videogames. A beautiful, emotional and a very fun cooperative experience.

A heartfelt, spellbinding co op masterpiece that needs to be in your library.

Split Fiction refines co-op gameplay with creative level design and a seamless fusion of genres. Its character-driven story adds depth, making it a must-play for fans of It Takes Two.

Split Fiction is a game that is not only enjoyed, but shared and remembered for its cooperative mechanics and dynamic gameplay, supported by a story with an unforgettable ending.

Whether you're being propelled through the air with the power of pig farts or tearing up thanks to an emotional reveal, Split Fiction is so densely packed with hilarity, heart, and hectic action that you'll never forget every moment you spent playing it with a friend.

In an industry filled with games that look to grab every dollar possible from you or ones littered with bugs, Hazelight shines bright as a studio focused on the only thing that matters — having fun. Split Fiction is a must-play game of 2025 for that reason alone.

Split Fiction is a heartfelt cooperative adventure that celebrates friendship and teamwork with consistently engaging mechanics that never overstay their welcome. Despite minor flaws, its impressive level design and spectacular final sequence make it a standout experience best played with a friend. Hazelight Studios has once again pushed the boundaries of the co-op genre—leaving us eager to see what they’ll create next.

Split Fiction is a great experience that any video game fan should try. Josef Fares and his entire team are presenting an unforgettable journey that, at times, rivals the achievements of It Takes Two. The co-op sequences are highly original, fun, and exciting, while the science fiction and fantasy concepts open up a world of possibilities that never cease to impress. If you're looking for a new adventure full of challenges and have someone to enjoy it with, Split Fiction is the perfect way to pass the time and rediscover everything a great video game can offer.

Split Fiction is a title that shines for its gameplay and creativity, which takes all the elements of It Takes Two and elevates them to another level, making it a must play with a loved one.

For all adventure lovers, Hazelight Studios hails us again with a true It Takes Two spiritual successor. With a strong narrative, seamless co-op integration, and highly creative level design, Split Fiction is one of the best multiplayer experiences currently available.

If there’s one word that perfectly describes Split Fiction, it’s “fun.” The levels are amazing, the story is entertaining enough, and there’s no shortage of joy in exploring with friends what is essentially a virtual playground. It’s such a blast that I can’t help but hope Split Fiction, fingers crossed, will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, It TakesTwo, and rake in the same well-deserved accolades.

Split Fiction is an amazing game, and it is akin of any kids first visit to a candy store. It is crammed full of new ideas, new gameplay mechanics, bigger and shinier levels, but somehow along the way it’s lost a part of its soul and along with it some of the appeal It Takes Two had. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very good game, and I cannot recommend it enough, but the characters and the flow of the gameplay seem to have been misplaced among all the new things the developer throws at you. For me, this is a split experience.

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.

The expectations for Split Fiction were already high, and that has everything to do with the previous game developed by Hazelight Studios: It Takes Two (2021). The game - also playable exclusively in pairs - sold more than twenty million copies worldwide and at the time won the Game Award for game of the year. A juggernaut that received a perfect score from us. Split Fiction falls just short of that mark. The secret of It Takes Two was a unique combination of working together and challenging each other, of originality and humor. Split Fiction is also highly original and fun, but is just that little bit less surprising than its predecessor.

Split Fiction, a manic mash-up of science fiction and fantasy that brings together space marines, trolls, cyberninjas and dragons, will go down as one of the most beloved co-op games of this generation.

Hazelight Studios has done it again and crafted one of the PlayStation 5’s best co-op games. Featuring likable characters, terrific boss fights, and more variety than Saturday Night Live, Split Fiction will be one of 2025’s best games. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone that liked A Way Out or It Takes Two, and shows a developer that is truly perfecting its craft.

Split Fiction is the current pinnacle of couch co-op—and will likely remain so until Hazelight releases their next game. It's innovative, action-packed, challenging, and visually stunning. All these strengths more than make up for a somewhat unremarkable story and occasional overly frantic pacing.

Split Fiction is another expertly crafted cooperative game from Hazelight that perfectly straddles two genres simultaneously and consistently introduces one good idea after another.

The stakes were high after It Takes Two. How to get past GOTY 2021? Hazelight found the answer with Split Fiction. A true gameplay success, it's never a pleasure to hold the controller in your hand. Josef Fares' teams have not lost any of their inventiveness, either, and manage to offer us a gameplay experience we never tire of. Most of the storyline could have done with a bit more surprise, but it's a solid one that works from start to finish. What more could you ask for? It's another nugget from a studio that puts the pleasure of playing above all 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 game that tries to advance the studio’s formula while retaining the dynamism that made It Takes Two special, which it achieves by creating mechanics that are easy to understand and complex level design, but without forgetting the crazy ideas that are used in specific moments to make players laugh or give them a creative break. Although a deeper understanding of video games is necessary, everyone can appreciate what Hazelight Studios and Josef Fares have created, because, above all, Split Fiction is pure fun, and something that cannot be ignored this year.

With a story that mixes fantasy and science fiction, varied mechanics and a more challenging difficulty, Split Fiction manages to innovate within the genre without losing the essence of Josef Fares. Its visual beauty, the depth of its characters and the unique gameplay make every moment special. It is not only a tribute to the studio's previous titles, but an evolution that shows that the coop mode still has a lot to offer.

Split Fiction stands out as an exceptional cooperative experience, true to the promise of a creator who has never lacked confidence in his project, and rightly so. If the plot remains relatively classic, it is really only there to serve a gameplay that reveals remarkable inventiveness and intensity. Hazelight manages to constantly renew the experience, offering a multitude of situations with crazy ideas and memorable sequences. The game shines with its frenetic pace, its lack of gameplay loop and its ability to surprise the player until the end. Split Fiction is a true technical and artistic tour de force, where the dazzling artistic direction and ingenious level design combine to offer a very great, fun and immersive spectacle.

An expertly crafted and absorbing co-op adventure that pinballs from one genre extreme to another, Split Fiction is a rollercoaster of gameplay ideas and styles that are usually discarded as quickly as they’re introduced. This keeps it fabulously fresh for its full, 14-hour duration. With no idea sticking around long enough to get stale before making way for the next, it’s a victory of imagination and restraint in equal measure. Hazelight may have been rewriting the co-op rule book for a decade now, but Split Fiction is a new chapter that you (and a partner) cannot miss.

Split Fiction is an incredible game for two people to experience. It offers rich and varied gameplay, with ever more intelligent mechanics, but also a neat universe like all Hazelight productions. Josef Fares' studio has created yet another great gem for fans of the gameplay school. Well done!

Hazelight Studios does it again with Split Fiction! After the success of It Takes Two, they deliver another co-op adventure full of emotion, humor, great gameplay, and fresh vibes. This is a must-play.

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 a true tribute to video games as a medium of entertainment. It takes the winning formula of It Takes Two and amplifies it to the extreme, delivering engaging and ever-evolving gameplay. Zoe and Mio are protagonists that players can instantly connect with—they're young, reckless, and each carry a past they must come to terms with. Through their stories, they seek a way to express their emotions and feelings. At a time when the gaming industry is struggling to find the key to overcoming its self-inflicted crisis, Hazelight Studio proves that another path exists—one paved with ideas, creativity, and passion. A passion that raises the bar of the quality and cements Split Fiction’s place in the pantheon of video games.

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 developer’s fiery speech at this year’s Game Awards, when he will undoubtedly receive another trophy.

Split Fiction is like It Takes Two on steroids: more varied, bigger and more spectacular. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it makes it more perfect, and full of memorable moments. Unless you don't like to play co-op, it's a must-have.

Colossal co-op entertainment: The action-adventure Split Fiction ignites a veritable firework of gameplay in breathtakingly beautiful game worlds - and tells a touching story along the way.

A co-operative marvel, Split Fiction is a creative explosion that takes us on a journey through incredible imaginary worlds and constantly renews its gameplay mechanics. A must-have to share with your best gaming partner.

Split Fiction is simply the It Takes Two formula but with the knobs pushed to the maximum. In addition to this absolute, complementary cooperation that never pretends, Josef Farès and his teams have added a frenetic pace that we owe to this approach that is much more action than in the past. With this tempo that has gained momentum and a lot of dynamism, we chain together situations and levels without ever getting bored for a single moment, especially since the game is constantly reinventing itself.

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.

From the guy that became famous for saying f*ck the Oscars, Split Fiction is absolute c̶i̶n̶e̶m̶a̶ videogame. Now a GOTY award-winning director, Josef Fares proves that the gaming industry will be in good hands for how long he’s here. Split Fiction is the ultimate Hazelight experience, with fun and challenging gameplay, a heartwarming story and an homage to the classics that paved the way for gaming being the art that it is today.

I really like what Hazelight Studios has done with their handle on co-op gaming in Split Fiction. It doesn’t necessarily feel like a drastic evolution from It Takes Two the way that game was from A Way Out, but it refines what Hazelight does best and straps it to an interesting duo of characters with wide imaginations that create equally compelling worlds for us to explore.

The best game Hazelight has made so far. Not only is bursting with ideas and mechanics, but also offers a surprisingly compelling narrative to enjoy with someone else.

Split Fiction is an excellent follow-up to It Takes Two. Though the very similar concept loses its shine a little bit, constantly changing gameplay, a heartwarming story and plenty of memorable moments make up for that. As does the plethora of easter eggs that can be found throughout the game.

With Split Fiction, developer Hazelight proves once again that they are the undisputed kings of fun co-op adventure games.

Split Fiction absolutely lives up to the high expectations. Hazelight Studios is further refining the co-op formula from A Way Out and It Takes Two. The result is an almost flawless split-screen hit.

Split Fiction is subtle, entertaining, and a genuinely collaborative experience that will bring out the best in two players who may not fully understand what teamwork truly means. The story of Mia and Zoe hits deep, dealing with real life issues that anyone could face. Additionally, the challenge is fulfilling, and the level design is a masterpiece.

Split Fiction continues Hazelight Studios's tradition of making high-quality, fully cooperative video games. The merits are many: there is certainly a beautiful message of meeting between the two protagonists, but the fun comes above all from an always fast pace, from the ability to alternate mechanics, visual solutions, ideas and quotes with extreme taste. It probably doesn't succeed in the ambitious attempt to do better than its predecessor, It Takes Two, due to some not so perfect rhythms and, in general, a less strong aesthetic, but it still flies close to the sun, and is another step towards the perfect cooperative experience. Furthermore, it is impossible not to take your hat off to the Friend's Pass, made even more universal in this new iteration.

A tour de force of level design and an attempt to break the world record for the number of explosions and mechanics in a single video game. Split Fiction defies genre classifications and tries really hard to impress the player. Postmodernism at its craziest.

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.

Hazelight does it again: delivering a brilliant co-op experience that is full of variety in environments and gameplay. The compelling story captivates from start to finish and the challenge is more than fine. If you enjoyed this developer's previous games, Split Fiction certainly won't disappoint. The overall package is more than fine, although it could have had just a little more interaction for that finishing touch. But that's just a minor detail.

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.

This game overflows with creativity and inspiration, constantly throwing a whirlwind of fresh gameplay styles and heartfelt homages at the player. While not every idea lands perfectly—some mechanics shine more than others—the sheer variety keeps things engaging and unpredictable. Despite the occasional stumble in execution, the moments of brilliance far outweigh the weaker elements, making the overall experience feel ambitious, energetic, and thoroughly worth exploring.

Overall, Split Fiction exceeded our expectations when it came to co-op action-puzzling — we just wished the story had more nuance and depth. If Hazelight Studios were to focus the same level of attention to both gameplay and writing, their narratives could serves to be more than vehicles to experience their action through, and that would be something like no other. However, even as it is, Split Fiction remains something special and one of the best cooperative experiences out there.

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.

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.

While the script spills plenty of ink on questions of fantasy, sci-fi and prose fiction, Split Fiction's most compelling statements are made without a word, in the shape of the game itself. [Issue#409, p.100]

Split Fiction is a game of two halves. But when you zoom out to admire the whole experience, it’s impossible to deny that it’s something special.

Split Fiction is an excellent continuation of the split-screen co-op joys that Hazelight has made their own. It takes a little while to get going, both in terms of gameplay and narrative, but once it hits its stride, there's just so many moments that will fill you with joy and delight.

A journey through breathtaking worlds, gameplay that constantly reinvents itself, and a cooperative experience that truly shines—especially when played with the right person. Split Fiction isn't perfect, but it's one of those games that, if only for its genuine intent, deserves recognition without hesitation.

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.

Split Fiction has the quality of holding its sprint over the duration of a half-marathon: its liveliness is impressive, its level design and gameplay ideas fascinate and push the limits right up to the very end of its adventure, without ever running out of breath. It is an intense game, one that gives a lot, with creativity stretching as far as the eye can see—at the risk of sometimes bordering on excess, though it is ultimately quite difficult to pinpoint exactly where. The idea of sharing the whole experience with a partner, then rediscovering everything with another character from a new perspective, only reinforces its sheer generosity. Split Fiction is like an excellent buffet with a myriad of amazing dishes. Don’t eat too much at once, savor its flavors and share them at your pace—you will come away fulfilled, and for once, the digestion will clearly have a taste of "I want more."

Despite its somewhat lackluster story and a few wearisome sci-fi sequences, Split Fiction is a solid next outing for Fares and Hazelight. The game delivers a plethora of charming vistas, some truly engaging gameplay mechanics and great co-op innovations through most of its 12 hour journey.

An enjoyable romp, equal parts platformer, shooter, and puzzler.

Split Fiction is Hazelight at the pinnacle of couch co-op. It tells a story all about the power of human imagination while throwing us into levels that keep you guessing right until the very end. There is still nothing like Split Fiction in the modern gaming landscape.

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 may tell a more conventional story than Hazelight Studios’ last couple of games, but it’s hard to get too hung up on that, given how expertly it builds on and refines It Takes Two’s unique approach to co-op action without sacrificing any of its ingenuity. Split Fiction may not end up being everyone’s favorite Hazelight joint, particularly if you’re not up for its sometimes-frustrating level of challenge, but the game is anything but by-the-books.

Split Fiction is a really cool co-op experience, but where I could recommend It Takes Two without hesitation, the latest game from Hazelight Studios comes with some reservations. The concept of two completely different worlds is brilliant, and the game bombards you with gameplay ideas that follow each other in quick succession. However, when you add it all up, the whole experience quickly becomes chaotic.

Split Fiction evolves Hazelight's co-operative and excellently manic two-player gauntlet gameplay, last seen in It Takes Two, this time also blending sci-fi and fantasy worlds to make for one of the great modern split-screen experiences. However, the cringey writing and one-note storytelling is almost more grating this time around, given the entire narrative is supposed to revolve around authorship.

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.

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.