Split Fiction: Best Main Levels

Josef Fares and the dedicated crew at Hazelight Studios left no stone unturned while designing the primary stages of “Split Fiction“. Each level stands out uniquely, showcasing their exceptional creativity.

Instead of having unique anecdotes scattered throughout, it is within the core levels or stages that the extraordinary ingenuity becomes most apparent in this game.

Not even my coworker, Ethan Krieger, could hide his amazement when discussing the flawlessly created final level in his game review. Each main chapter is packed with elements that warrant admiration.

Let’s embark on this nostalgic journey together as we delve into the main stages of Split Fiction, exploring their unique traits, pitfalls, and the aspects that left an indelible impression on me during my first adventure with my gaming buddy.

Hey there! Let’s reminisce about each level in Split Fiction we tackled together, discussing what made them stand out, where they fell short, and what left a lasting impact when we played it for the first time.

Spoilers regarding each main level will be discussed below. Read the list at your discretion.

8. Rader Publishing

Humble & Bizarre Beginnings

Given that we’re beginning at the ground level, it seems appropriate to position the initial Rader Publishing chapter right here.

As a gamer, I’m not just getting a tutorial here, but rather, I’m getting a tantalizing sneak peek into the exciting cooperative adventure that lies ahead with this fresh new game!

The Freedom Fighters and Valiant Knights serve as intricately designed sections that offer a peek into the tumultuous and starkly contrasting realms inhabited by our two principal characters, Mio and Zoe.

These sub-levels, The Freedom Fighters and Brave Knights, provide a window into the turbulent and opposite worlds of Mio and Zoe, our primary heroines.

Freedom Fighters offers a straightforward narrative leading to an intense climax, whereas Brave Knights elevates the excitement with a thrilling pursuit scene and a hidden game reference to enhance the enjoyment.

As a keen player, I can say from my perspective, these games aren’t overly complicated but they certainly make it clear that teaming up isn’t going to be a walk in the park.

7. Neon Revenge

Dark, Moody & Melancholic

This stage excited me immensely as it revealed more wonders birthed by Mio’s intriguing sci-fi imagination, and let’s not forget my fascination with the captivating cyberpunk and futuristic dystopian backdrop.

In this instance, Neon Revenge’s positioning might seem misleading, as we genuinely enjoyed the level. However, when comparing it with the subsequent chapters, Neon Revenge isn’t particularly noteworthy or standout.

The standout moments undoubtedly include the thrilling bike chase scene, delivering an exhilarating jolt of adrenaline thanks to its nod to the classic Akira bike slide maneuver; not to mention the two intense boss battles against the Parking Attendant and the SRI Crime Boss.

Or simply:

The best parts are the exciting bike chase, offering a heart-pumping adrenaline rush thanks to its homage to the iconic Akira bike slide, combined with two hard-hitting boss fights against the Parking Attendant and the SRI Crime Boss.

However, the foot-based level layout lacks a certain uniqueness. While the game offers stunning backdrops throughout, consistently suggesting a high level of production quality comparable to or even surpassing that of “It Takes Two”, this seems to be the main highlight.

6. The Hollow

Making Amends Before The Curtain Call

In “The Hollow,” which serves as the penultimate stage, the key events revolve around Zoe’s encounter with her past, particularly the tragic relationship she shared with her late sister, Ella.

In terms of gameplay, each power-up stands out distinctly: Mio possesses a luminescent bird, whereas Zoe controls a magnetic reptile that attracts objects on level surfaces.

The challenges connected to these two power-ups are moderately intricate yet not overly frustrating, necessitating a careful examination of the surroundings together with your teammate in order to unravel the answer.

Lastly, you encounter the battle against the Hydra towards the end. Although it doesn’t fit the traditional definition of a boss fight due to the absence of a health bar, the sequence where Mio and Zoe join forces with you to sever the Hydra’s heads was visually stunning.

While it may seem like a small part of the bigger story, Zoe’s reunion with her family and her sister has been incredibly touching and highlights the most emotionally resonant moments in the tale so far.

5. Isolation

Confronting Yourself Is Never Easy

Based on the degree of amazement you’ve experienced with the game thus far, Isolation could be your preferred level due to the special abilities it offers.

As a dedicated fan, I’d put it this way: “Mio and I receive two spherical drone orbs, which later transform into our armors. Mio’s armor is equipped with dark nanobots that allow for intricate shape-shifting, while mine acts like a magnetic orb, adhering to any surface.

In my opinion, though the overall setting might not be as breathtakingly unique as before, it truly shines through with its captivating puzzle layout centered on high-tech orbs and the epic showdown against the enigmatic Dark Mio in the concluding battle – an experience that’s hard to forget!

While I found Zoe’s backstory reveal in The Hollow particularly compelling because it skillfully portrayed a panic attack during the climax, Isolation offers a significant resolution to Mio’s long-held remorse and icy disposition.

In a more casual tone, it could be expressed as follows: The battle against Pinbawser showcases the amazing feats of creativity possible in games such as this one. Although it may not present groundbreaking innovations, the boss battles and storytelling moments are undeniably impressive.

4. Hopes Of Spring

The Quest To Dethrone The Ice King

In the first significant installment of Zoe’s imaginative tales, you find yourself on a quest to track down the cursed Ice King, known as the Spring’s Dream.

In this initial stage of the game, you’re granted exceptional shape-shifting capabilities. Not only one, but both main characters can morph into several species to assist them on their adventure.

Mio can make a way by having her oarfish-like creature swim beneath the water to help, while Zoe can shape paths with her Groot-like tree abilities that alter the surroundings around them.

What I love most about this level are the three captivating subplots – the Train Robbery, Game Show, and Falling Star – which have left a lasting impression on my partner and me.

In this section, the puzzle layout can get a bit complex, particularly when it comes to the Totem Poles where specific entries are needed. However, there’s no need for concern as long as you have a brief guide on hand, just in case these parts become frustrating.

To wrap things up, there’s a delightful sequence where you can dance and move rhythmically during the “It Takes Three to Tango” segment. Following this, you’ll face off against the Ice King in combat, an encounter I find doesn’t stand out particularly in terms of its design.

3. Rise Of The Dragon Realm

How Not to Train Your Dragon

Among the game’s stages, the Dragon Realm stood out as one I had been eagerly anticipating due to its appearance in trailers and promo materials. Needless to say, it lived up to those previews.

In the story, our main characters discover and nurture two dragons whose abilities gradually develop from merely gliding and climbing to emitting harmful substances and ramming their heads.

The skills of your charming dragons harmoniously blend with the puzzles, even in the tough skirmishes against the Dragon Slayer and Treasure Traitor, the latter being reminiscent of a Soulsborne boss battle.

Your cute dragons’ abilities fit well within the challenges, including when we face off against the Dragon Slayer and Treasure Traitor, who seem like they came from a Soulsborne game.

What I find particularly appealing about this stage is the exceptional artistry in its design, ranging from the intricate Draconic remains embedded within the puzzles, to the expansive vistas that offer a thrilling pursuit by the colossal dragon of this chapter, Megalith.

Above all, this chapter offers two remarkable subplots featuring the thrilling snowboard race on the Slopes of War and the nerve-wracking mission in Space Escape.

This chapter boasts two standout side adventures, showcasing the adrenaline rush of the explosive snowboarding contest atop the Slopes of War and the heart-pounding tension of the Space Escape mission.

Lastly, for a casual conversation:
This part has two awesome extra tales, one’s about the super cool race on the Slopes of War with all that boom-boom snowboarding action, and the other’s this nail-biting space adventure called Space Escape that gives you the heebie-jeebies.

Despite some moments where the pace seems less crucial, the climactic battle against Megalith proves rewarding. Your dragons take center stage in this conflict, and Mio and Zoe scramble up Megalith’s form much like the final battle of an MMO boss, making a thrilling stand.

2. Final Dawn

Punishing But Satisfying

Among Split Fiction’s primary levels, aside from the final one, the most grueling stands out as a contender, possibly contributing to the fact that my partner and I found it particularly appealing.

In this game, Mio and Zoe find themselves battling in a hybrid setup, combining elements of twin-stick shooters and side-scrollers, as they navigate through a colossal mech fortress with the objective of saving humanity from impending destruction.

Using your pistols, not only do you fire shots, but also what resembles pulse bombs. These devices enable you to generate gateways matching the specific characters’ colors, which can be used to establish passages or unlock diverse mechanisms.

Let me be honest, this whole level may not be suitable for individuals who aren’t regular gamers or their partners. They might find it challenging to navigate through without enabling the accessibility options for their convenience.

Indeed, talking about battles, the final boss in this chapter is undeniably the most thrilling and interactive encounter you’ll have. It may drag at times, but that’s part of the excitement – always being unsure when it will finally fall.

In essence, while the previous chapters allowed for a certain level of casual play, the intensity of Final Dawn compelled players to focus their efforts and persevere from beginning to end to conquer it effectively.

Additionally, these puzzles demand accurate timing and synchronization, which contributes significantly to their challenge level. Consequently, they earn their spot among the top three choices due to this “lock-in” factor.

1. Split

Peak Fiction

Without a doubt, the culmination of Split Fiction can be described as an extraordinarily magnificent achievement, masterfully designed by the creative geniuses at Hazelight Studios.

As you ponder over how the game seems to be heading towards its climax, it unexpectedly derails all expectations with a mind-bending twist across multiple dimensions.

In a frantic attempt to prevent Mio and Zoe from executing their scheme to demolish his device, Rader’s actions inadvertently shattered their realms into pieces, ultimately transforming himself into an all-powerful deity that must be defeated across multiple stages of the climax.

Playing the game multiple times with those unique, fourth-wall-breaking gameplay moments are undeniably among the most unforgettable gaming moments I’m currently experiencing.

Man, nothing beats that thrill in the dead of the night when my gaming buddy and I found ourselves playing side by side, our screens merging mysteriously at the start of this level. It took our breaths away, left us speechless.

The crowning touch to this cleverly crafted level layout is the intense duel against Rader, where you engage in an epic, climactic battle using your arsenal while dodging his unhinged assaults in a thrilling Deus ex machina finale.

2025-03-08 01:39