Hazelight Studios, the creators of the acclaimed It Takes Two, return with Split Fiction, a co-op-only adventure that’s as genre-defying as it is emotionally profound. Packed with inventive gameplay, sharp satire, and a duo of unforgettable protagonists, Split Fiction not only sets a new bar for multiplayer design—it makes a powerful statement about creativity and connection in the age of AI.
A Dazzling Blend of Genres and Gameplay Styles
What is Split Fiction? A puzzle-platformer? A third-person shooter? A side-scrolling action game? Yes—to all of the above and more.
The game follows two struggling authors, Zoe and Mio, who are lured into a publishing tech company promising to bring their stories to life. Instead, their minds are uploaded into a digital simulation where their ideas are harvested by a sleazy Silicon Valley exec named Rader. This chaotic twist forces them into a surreal escape mission—one that bounces between sci-fi skyscrapers, enchanted castles, neon-soaked highways, and interdimensional sketchbooks.
Each level offers a unique twist on gameplay: surfing rails in a Tony Hawk tribute, blasting through twin-stick shootouts, or solving puzzles with gravity-bending tools. Split Fiction constantly reinvents itself—no mechanic overstays its welcome, and every environment feels like a brand-new game.
Zoe and Mio: One of Gaming’s Best Duos
At the heart of this thrilling ride are Zoe and Mio, two polar opposites who transform from bickering strangers into a sister-like bond that’s both hilarious and heartwarming.
Zoe is a sunshine-soaked fantasy nerd; Mio, a sarcastic sci-fi cynic. Their dialogue is witty and well-paced, but what makes them shine is how their partnership matures across the game’s 14-hour campaign. The emotional beats—fueled by personal stories, shared losses, and mutual growth—feel earned and genuinely moving.
Their journey is more than just a literal escape; it’s a metaphor for how creativity connects people, and how storytelling is deeply personal. It’s also one of the most touching portrayals of female friendship in games today.
A Timely Satire of AI, Creativity, and the Tech World
Split Fiction doesn’t pull punches when it comes to its commentary. Rader, the game’s antagonist, is a caricature of modern tech greed—a smarmy executive who believes creativity can be scraped, mined, and automated.
The game’s entire premise—that human stories are being stolen and repackaged—is a bold jab at the rise of generative AI and the commodification of art. And yet, Split Fiction makes its point not with sermons, but with humor, style, and empathy.
Every level is a testament to how individual voices matter. From Mio’s gritty cyberpunk chases to Zoe’s whimsical fantasy quests, the diversity of their imagination underscores the central theme: our stories are irreplaceable because they come from lived experience.
Final Verdict: A Landmark Co-op Experience
Hazelight Studios has done it again—and then some. Split Fiction is a triumphant celebration of gameplay diversity, narrative originality, and heartfelt co-op connection. It’s a rollercoaster of genres, emotions, and ideas, driven by stunning level design and rapid-fire invention.
There are minor nitpicks—occasional pacing issues during platforming, or the somewhat goofy villain—but they barely register amid the game’s staggering ambition and execution.
For fans of It Takes Two, Split Fiction is a worthy successor and a bold evolution. For newcomers, it’s a must-play title that redefines what cooperative games can be.
