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When “It Takes Two” bagged numerous accolades in 2021, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards, many expected developer Hazelight Studios to capitalize on its success with sequels. However, Hazelight decided against following that predictable path. Instead, they ventured deeper into the realm of cooperative gaming, presenting us with a fresh offering. Enter “Split Fiction,” a game that uniquely blends sci-fi with fantasy, showcasing the studio’s knack for innovation. After spending a few hours with the game, we’re thrilled to share that it marks another fantastic entry in Hazelight’s lineup of genre-defying games.
Our initial hands-on experience with Split Fiction came at the close of 2024. At that time, director Josef Fares had us jump through selected snippets of gameplay. While the sequence was more of a curious montage than a concrete preview, it showcased the studio’s daring vision. Our recent preview, though more structured, still involved a fair bit of hopping between segments. In between these sequences, brief on-screen text explained our transitions, whether into new levels or further into existing ones, effectively keeping us focused on the intriguing variety Split Fiction offers while safeguarding its narrative secrets.
Split Fiction follows the tales of Zoe and Mio, two distinct writers each specializing in different genres. Zoe leans towards fantasy, while Mio has a penchant for sci-fi. They are both recruited by a game developer to use cutting-edge technology that breathes life into their imaginative stories. Initially, this tech is meant to assist only one writer at a time, but inevitably, Zoe and Mio find themselves both intertwined in the same universe, gaining access to a rich tapestry of both genres. Fundamentally, Zoe’s realm of fantasy and Mio’s sci-fi domain stand apart, drawing on respective influences from their childhood, but they’re invited to clash and blend in delightful ways.
Much like how It Takes Two delved into the complexities of marriage and rediscovery through shared experiences, Split Fiction seems to aim at uniting Zoe and Mio as they journey through their distinct storytelling paradigms. While there are whispers of a broader narrative thread, preserving these surprises is part of Hazelight’s charm, directing our attention squarely on the gameplay itself.
#### Split Fiction Constantly Mixes Up and Evolves Gameplay
Over the three-hour preview of Split Fiction, we experienced numerous gameplay styles and mechanics—yet, even this seemed like merely a sneak peek. Hazelight is truly pushing the envelope with diverse offerings that challenge you to reimagine what’s possible in gaming. Known for their meticulous design, the Stockholm-based studio isn’t shy about investing months into crafting engaging sequences players might breeze through in mere moments.
In the sci-fi dimension, we encountered Zoe wielding a laser whip and Mio equipped with an electrifying katana. These are foundational tools, each serving as a springboard for expanding the game’s dynamics. We began with straightforward traversal abilities, with Mio using her weapon to defy gravity and Zoe employing her whip to maneuver objects and clear pathways. But soon enough, we were soaring across careening hover cars, battling enemy choppers, and fighting to survive in pandemonium.
Switching to the fantasy realm, Hazelight didn’t shy away from incorporating dragons, diving into sequences that see us nurturing them from hatchlings to imposing creatures. In one segment, we mounted adolescent dragons, capable of impressive actions like acid spewing and hovering for strategic purposes, to solve elaborate puzzles through cooperation. For instance, Zoe manipulated a sphere with her dragon while Mio used acid to lower key platforms, indicating a combined effort to not only progress but also enhance our draconic allies.
Another imaginative sequence in the fantasy world involved shapeshifting into mythical beasts. Zoe transformed into a fairy, adeptly fluttering through the air as long as her magic dust endured, while Mio turned into a sleek aquatic creature, gliding effortlessly through water. By merely shifting forms, the two swapped between human and fantastical forms, lending a new dimension of strategy. The beauty of Hazelight’s designs lies in giving players not just one, but two transformations within a single sequence, reflecting the studio’s desire to exceed typical expectations.
Each level witnesses an evolution in its mechanics, starting with teaching foundational skills before venturing into new avenues of gameplay. This not only ensures players remain engaged but also invites them to push the bounds of their collaborative efforts. It Takes Two had its fair share of mini-games, showcasing player skills, but Split Fiction opts for more narrative-rich side stories. These optional diversions, which we wholeheartedly recommend exploring, range from hilarious cooperative escapades to intense competitive challenges.
#### Split Fiction Preview: Final Thoughts
Hazelight Studios’ current output is unparalleled, a fact that renders each of their releases nothing short of thrilling. The cooperative nature of their games, which simultaneously demands teamwork and amazes with enchanting levels, leaves a lasting impression filled with laughter and exhilaration. Split Fiction’s ability to surprise, maintaining a sense of novelty without getting repetitive, is exactly where it excels. In just a brief three-hour experience, we witnessed an impressive variety in gameplay, showcasing the signature Hazelight flair for technical and artistic wizardry. The dual-screen perspective, presenting completely distinct realities side by side, adds to the immersive delight.
While questions linger about how the plot weaves all these elements together, the engaging gameplay puts Split Fiction on a promising path toward becoming another triumph for Hazelight. Experiencing the creativity of Josef Fares and the team is always a treat, as they adeptly mix refined mechanics with boundless inventiveness. Although other studios may try to replicate this formula, Split Fiction shows that Hazelight remains unmatched in delivering cooperative gaming at its finest.
Set to launch on March 6, 2025, across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, Split Fiction is poised to leave its mark—a testament to Hazelight’s excellence in the gaming world.
