Split Fiction is a new co-op multiplayer game that serves as a heartfelt tribute to creativity and friendship, combining humor and emotion in a unique gaming experience. Developed by Hazelight Studios, known for their innovation, the game presents an evolution from their previous title, It Takes Two, showcasing inventive narratives and engaging gameplay.
The story begins with two sisters, Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, who are both aspiring writers struggling to promote their creativity. They find themselves drawn into a world created by Rader Publishing, a new tech-savvy company that merges storytelling with virtual reality. Their personalities starkly contrast—Mio is cynical and reserved, while Zoe is bright and optimistic. When a mishap causes them to be linked in a simulation designed for one user, the duo must learn to navigate and protect their shared creative world from Rader, who threatens to erase their ideas for his own gain.
Through their journey across various brilliantly designed realms, the pair encounters numerous challenges that test their skills and character. The game features around 20 unique environments, each reflecting their imaginative worlds rich with detail and surprise. One chapter, Neon Revenge, transports players to a cyberpunk landscape where they must take down adversaries using innovative weapons. Other sections pay homage to classic video games while still delivering fresh gameplay mechanics, emphasizing the surprising depth and creativity inherent in the game.
Split Fiction excels not just in its gameplay but also through the emotional journey of its protagonists. As they traverse their invented worlds, Mio and Zoe confront their pasts and fears, ultimately developing a bond that transcends their initial bickering. The game effectively conveys the message that creativity and connection with others are fundamental to the human experience. The writing captures the warmth and challenges of sisterhood, inviting players to reflect on their own relationships and the shared experiences that shape who they are.
Despite some minor tropes within the narrative, Split Fiction’s emotional depth, engaging mechanics, and stunning visuals set a high bar for cooperative gaming. It stands out as a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the importance of companionship, marking it as one of the most memorable games to date and an early candidate for the best game of 2025.
