Developer: Hazelight Studios
Platforms: PC (Reviewed), PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Action, Adventure
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Split Fiction is an action-adventure game. The game was developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. The same studio that developed their previous hits: A Way Out and It Takes Two. This game was reviewed on the PC, but Split Fiction is also available on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Split Fiction is a co-op adventure game where you get to play out a story that places two rookie writers into their world of imagination. The game is perfect for couch co-op and online co-op and even allows players to play on a Friend’s Pass. This feature that comes with the game makes it so handy as only one player needs to own the game for both to play, and it works effortlessly, with no lag issues or delays. We had played split fiction both in couch co-op and online co-op to see if there was any difference in the performance, but the game worked very smoothly. The only issue that stood out the most when we were playing was that if you do not have a high-end performing laptop, some sequences in the game are fast-paced and can lag out the player. Besides this, the game works just fine even with a decent gaming laptop, which does not take away from the experience at all.
Split Fiction takes on a story that is beyond the player’s imagination. The game centres around two writers, Zoe Fester and Mio Hudson, who have been invited by Rader Publishing to test an experimental simulation device called “The Machine”. This device allows users to experience the stories that they have submitted in what seems like an augmented reality. Zoe is a fanatic about stories that fall under the fantasy genre, whereas Mio has her stories fall under science fiction. Due to a lapse of judgement, Mio ends up in Zoe’s simulation bubble, which leads to the system glitching and the two being trapped within a fusion between fantasy and science fiction. Players get to explore the unique environments that portray the characters whilst getting to know about each other’s own story.
The controls for Split Fiction are easily mapped and instructed, which is very effective for players to pick up. When I initially played Split Fiction, I played it first on a controller and then switched to the keyboard/mouse. I found that the experience that you get from the game by using a controller is much more comfortable and immersive, as you can easily sit back and enjoy the game for what it is. The controls on the keyboard and mouse are not difficult to work with at all, but for the nature of the game, I would say the controller works best.
The art style of Split Fiction is similar to that of their previous games, but the landscapes and environments that are introduced are absolutely breathtaking. One of my favourite sequences in the game was a wide Cyberpunk type of walking shot, which really lit up the atmosphere of the game. The game design is beautiful, stunning, and so impressive. The characters have a cartoonish look to them but with very human characteristics. Some of the side stories and characters you meet throughout the game are incredibly designed by the detail of their animations, expressions and dialogues. I quite liked how even side characters that were like ‘background’ pieces still had some sort of function to them, like the robot in the lobby. Elements of the game have a folk-lore, fantasy type of vibe mixed with sci-fi, and each aspect grows more and more as you delve into the game. The game is extremely colourful with great charm to it that comes from exploring the area. By far, the best part about this game visually is the immersiveness the atmosphere around the character puts into play. Not just visually, but the game is extremely enhanced with the soundtrack and sound effects that are played throughout the game. The soundtrack consists of a blend of melodies with setting music such as mellow instrumentals to much more synth-futuristic beats, giving the game more amp to it.
What I love so much about these games, especially, is the voice-acting and cutscene sequences. Split Fiction plays in a way where you seem to be watching a movie but one that puts you in ‘control’. The story is impactful, and the cutscenes and animation sequences that unravel the interactions between the characters are meaningful and not added for effect. The range of storytelling that this game focuses on is insane, but it does it to such an outstanding level. Personally, I felt that the voice actors chosen for the voice acting were well suited to the character design. The most impactful characters that stay with you in the long run are Mio and Zoe, and if the voice acting is not up to par with their personalities, then that would have sold the game. But Split Fiction does not disappoint as you can see the personalities between the two and their expressive actions towards each other, and towards what’s happening around them. The characters also ‘talk back’ to you, so if you make mistakes in between, they’ll blame it on themselves or each other, which are fun quirks to keep listening to. The soundtrack, voice-acting, range of music and sounds go so well with various in-game occurrences that bring more exhilaration to the players on their adventure. Audio cues in many fights and levels are definitely your best friend in Split Fiction to make the game more easygoing. Both the visuals and audio of this game do a great job of creating an adventure that is unforgettable.
Just like Hazelight Studios’ previous work, Split Fiction emphasizes cooperative gameplay, where it is essential for players to work together to overcome obstacles. At first, to many, it may seem that Split Fiction is just another It Takes Two clone, but when you start playing the game, you find that there is so much more happening and that the story is quite cohesive. When I had initially seen the trailer for Split Fiction, I was a bit worried about how the developers would balance the mix between science fiction and fantasy elements, but whilst playing the game, there was nothing to worry about besides just enjoying the game. What I liked so much about Split Fiction is that it’s different, and it goes far beyond my expectations. I’m someone who extremely enjoyed It Takes Two, especially with the meaningful story being the game, but I was amazed whilst playing Split Fiction as it was an enjoyable ride that one should not miss out on.
Whilst playing the first two hours of Split Fiction, I thought the game would have an easygoing generic storyline where you play different ‘levels’ that are based around the science fiction world of Mio and the fantasy world of Zoe, but no. Split Fiction really gets the player into each aspect of the game. You could be wielding a gravity-edged sword, becoming a little fairy that flies around. The game is unexpected and filled with so many little secrets, which I absolutely love. What I was most surprised by were the bizarre side stories that I would not recommend any player to miss out on, as they are everything. I found that the best way to enjoy Split Fiction is by taking your time and exploring the different areas.
When it comes to the difficulty of Split Fiction, we did not really think that it was extremely difficult, but is a challenge that keeps the player going. Even if you don’t defeat the enemy on the first go, it definitely does not take away from having to do it again. Honestly, it made it better in some parts because you got practice with the mechanics and could perform much better. Even parts that were easy, like jumping across simple platforms, could be a difficult task. Split Fiction embodies cooperative play, and it gets you to interact and communicate with your other player to really make things work. Personally, if you were to ask me what part of the game was my absolute favourite, I don’t think I could name one, as so many stories were both hilarious and a challenge.
A charm that comes from playing Split Fiction would have to be the replayability between the two character choices. When we started playing, I was chosen to be Zoe, who comes with her own charms and tricks, but the more I played, I really wanted to play Mio because of her own kit that she would ‘develop’ in each sequence. The characters never have the same weapons, tools, and abilities, which makes the game so much more fun and interactive. This also allows players to play the game from a different perspective. What can initially start out to be a 20-hour gameplay can later turn into a completionist run, which makes Split Fiction worth it.
We are so thankful that we were given two codes to enjoy this game. The other player, Moody, had the following to say. “I truly love Split Fiction; there is no part in the game that I ever felt disappointed with besides the player I was playing with. I enjoyed everything from the characters, the stories, the voice actors, the scenery, and the goofy interactions that really made Split Fiction an experience. Something I extremely liked was the contrast between the science fiction levels and the fantasy levels, which brought out each other’s beauty. Also, through the story, I would say that you can get to appreciate each character for who they are. My favourite parts of this game are always the platforming, the boss fights and the new abilities you develop as you go. It’s quite interesting how some levels felt similar to older games, which felt like you were revisiting mechanics that you may have forgotten about. I do love how the game had so many little easter eggs that players could keep attentive to, which is always a fun treat from the developers. The story in Split Fiction is intriguing, but there are some parts which are quite cliche. For instance, Zoe and Mio are like the embodiment of grumpy and a happy duo where players can expect some sense of acceptance towards each other near the end. I think the developers try to create a story with meaning, and Split Fiction definitely gets that message across to the players, which is the most important part. The developers of Split Fiction know exactly what they are doing and know how to make a well-thought-out game. Hazelight Studios did it once again, but this time even better!”
If you want to play an action-adventure game that places you in the best of two worlds, fantasy and science fiction, then Split Fiction is the game for you. You get to take on an adventure like no other with another player and try your best to get out of being trapped within a simulation. Split Fiction features coordinate gameplay where you and your fellow friend require communication and collaboration to get through a series of uniquely designed levels. The story is compelling, the voice acting is spot on, and the battles are impactful. Split Fiction is a wonderfully crafted game with seamlessly exciting gameplay. If you think this is the game for you, then be sure to check out Split Fiction, though make sure to grab someone else to enjoy the journey with you!
Overall: 10/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
