Hazelight’s ‘Split Fiction’ is a new co-op masterpiece

By Charlie Cruz     3/11/25 10:52pm

"Split Fiction" might just be the Game of the Year — assuming Rockstar doesn’t finally release "GTA VI." After Hazelight Studios’ smash hit "It Takes Two," expectations were high, and "Split Fiction" absolutely delivered. Already surpassing one million sales within two days, the game became an instant sensation, and notably deserves its acclaim. 

This is not just another hyped-up sequel — it's a meticulously crafted, emotionally resonant adventure that thrives on creativity and connection. Simply put, "Split Fiction" is a must-play.

Game after game, Hazelight Studios has been improving its niche: co-op games, and "Split Fiction" is the epitome of their hard work and creativity. Each new title brings a deeper narrative and even more polished mechanics, and "Split Fiction" boldly pushes those boundaries further. 

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I played this with a friend — we beat "It Takes Two" together, bonding after repeatedly failing and figuring out little puzzles — and "Split Fiction" was no different, just more cinematic on a grander scale. If you're looking for something to test and strengthen your relationship with a friend, partner or parent, this is the game. "Split Fiction" doesn’t just demand cooperation; it turns teamwork into an unforgettable experience.

In "Split Fiction," players follow two aspiring authors, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped within their own stories due to a sinister experiment by Rader Publishing. As Mio’s gritty sci-fi universe collides chaotically with Zoe’s vibrant fantasy realm, players must continuously adapt, solving puzzles and fighting enemies across the fractured boundaries of their narratives.

The game cleverly blends genres and storytelling styles, making each new world feel fresh and unpredictable. Yet beneath its whimsical exterior, "Split Fiction" tackles deeper themes: corporate greed, creative exploitation, and the invasive theft of ideas — a topic eerily resonant amidst today's anxieties around generative AI. 

Through the duo’s adventure to reclaim their stolen ideas and memories with a grand finale that you will remember for years to come, "Split Fiction" compellingly argues that creativity isn’t merely valuable; it’s inseparable from our humanity.

Let's talk about gameplay. Hazelight Studios brilliantly weaves together mechanics, making each level feel fresh and unique. For instance, in one memorable stage, Mio and Zoe become shapeshifters: Mio transforms into a monkey reminiscent of Sun Wukong and an agile otter, while Zoe shifts into a Groot-like creature and a fairy. Players must cleverly combine these contrasting abilities to navigate obstacles and enemies, emphasizing constant communication and collaboration. Another standout level features space ninjas speeding on Tron-like bikes through neon-lit streets, battling an absurd but hilarious enemy representing "missed parking tickets."

Throughout the game, Hazelight masterfully pays homage to beloved sci-fi and fantasy stories. I found myself smiling at clever nods to classics like "Dune" in the desert-themed mini-levels and appreciating subtle references to the "Matrix" and "Cuphead." But these aren't mere tributes; each homage feels genuinely inventive, whether zooming through cyberpunk landscapes or exploring imaginative realms inspired by movies and games,

Next up are the breathtaking and brilliantly designed environments — simply put, they are spectacular. In one mini-level, you're dropped into a tense story centered around containing a dying star, racing against time as frantic NPCs desperately flee the collapsing surroundings. Another stage introduces a quirky yet stunningly crafted world populated entirely by Nordic giants enthusiastically working out on mountaintops, eagerly assisting you through their exercise routines. 

Each mini-level feels rich enough to sustain an entire “real” level, making it bittersweet when you must move on after just 20 minutes. "Split Fiction" constantly makes you wish you could linger longer and delve deeper into these imaginative worlds, yet its pacing remains nearly flawless.

If there's one weak spot in an otherwise brilliant game, it's that Mio and Zoe initially come across as somewhat predictable — the reserved pessimist and the bubbly optimist we've seen countless times. Yet while their early characterization feels familiar, it's clear that Hazelight Studios prioritized their creativity elsewhere: crafting stunning, immersive worlds and ingeniously designed levels, each richer and more imaginative than the last. 

Honestly, this trade-off feels entirely justified because, by the game's climactic finale, any minor shortcomings are forgotten. The ending of "Split Fiction" doesn't just land — it leaves you breathless.

Ultimately, "Split Fiction" stands out not only because of its extraordinary creativity or cinematic storytelling but also because of its accessibility. Thanks to Hazelight’s "Friend’s Pass," only one player must own the game to invite someone else into this memorable adventure — for free. Better yet, it supports cross-platform play, allowing friends to unite whether they’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation. This openness perfectly embodies the spirit of the game itself: connection, cooperation and shared creativity. 

If you're looking for an experience that celebrates teamwork, imagination and friendship — and delivers some of the most delightful gameplay moments you'll find anywhere — then "Split Fiction" is unquestionably a game you need in your library.

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