As a seasoned critic with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I have seen countless titles that attempt to push boundaries and create unique experiences. However, few have managed to captivate me like the works of Hazelight Studios and their latest creation, Split Fiction.
Following their triumph at The Game Awards 2021 for Game of the Year with It Takes Two, some might expect Hazelight Studios to focus on a sequel. However, given Josef Fares’ unconventional approach as director, it comes as no surprise that they are not sticking to the usual path. Instead, leveraging their expertise in cooperative games such as A Way Out and It Takes Two, Hazelight is working on a new project titled Split Fiction.
How is Split Fiction Different from It Takes Two
Hazelight’s “Split Fiction” represents a logical progression for this innovative studio, and given their history of challenging conventional gaming experiences, it promises to be truly captivating. The central idea centers around two game developers, Zoe and Mio, who find themselves ensnared in a virtual game world influenced by their own creations. What sets this apart – aside from Hazelight’s signature split-screen co-op – is that Mio is developing a sci-fi game while Zoe is crafting a fantasy game.
It is through this dichotomy of themes that Hazelight is riffing on concepts of duality similar to It Takes Two. Having played small snippets of Split Fiction with Josef Fares as my co-op partner, it would be a fool’s errand to sum the game up with one gameplay experience from the title. It is part sci-fi and part fantasy, yes, but within those worlds, it’s a lot more. Josef was constantly jumping to new levels within those two genres to show off new mechanics and design – every beat was something different and it was all very cool.
In one part of the game, Zoe and Mio employed futuristic technology for a platforming stage. Notably, Mio possessed the unique skill to adjust her gravity, enabling her to traverse walls and ceilings, whereas this ability was not granted to Zoe. Instead, Zoe utilized an energy sword for offense, while she moved forward and destroyed objects with an energy whip. In another scene, reminiscent of the trailer for Split Fiction shown at The Game Awards, we observe Zoe and Mio commanding pigs. One pig could propel itself over long distances by releasing gas, while another could stretch itself out like a stretched-out dog toy, much like a slinky.
Split Fiction is More Than Just Two Genres in One
At its heart, Split Fiction is an action platformer, but it frequently shifts and transforms between this genre and others in the blink of an eye. The game also includes a variety of additional content, where Zoe and Mio explore unique areas that blend elements of science fiction with fantasy. These side quests offer entirely different mechanics compared to the main game, yet they still provide complete gaming experiences. For instance, one level features snowboarding, which introduces a competitive angle as both cooperative players strive to achieve the highest score.
Developing a game by blending various genres and mechanics appears to be a complex process for game creators, as Fares also mentioned. Yet, this challenge seems to have unlocked something fresh and distinctive in the developers’ work. From my brief playthrough, _Split Fiction_ showcases the essence of Hazelight, yet it does not feel like a mere copycat. Innovative ideas were at work here, accompanied by thrilling surprises I won’t reveal, and an infectious sense of fun and imagination that left me beaming with delight.
In simpler terms, the Split Fiction series highlights Hazelight Studios’ talent for consistently providing innovative and ever-changing gaming encounters.
You’ve just gotten a taste of “Split Fiction”, and with its release scheduled for March 2025, you won’t have to wait long to experience the completed game. What was shown were only small pieces of the story, which Fares hinted would be as emotionally impactful as “It Takes Two”. Mostly, I played through tutorial levels that helped me understand the mechanics and get a feel for them before we moved on to other things.
Based on the game “It Takes Two,” it seems that the mechanics will become increasingly imaginative and diverse as the game progresses. A clue towards this is a fantasy-themed level (or multiple levels) where characters Zoe and Mio transform dragons from newborns to fully grown steeds. Just like the game might shift abruptly from one concept to another, it also has the capacity to delve deeply into certain ideas in unique and creative manners.
In the spirit of shared gaming experiences, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be embracing the Friend Pass once more! This fantastic feature allows me to buy a single game copy and enjoy cooperative play with a buddy, without needing an additional purchase. It’s all about bringing people together in the world of Split Fiction!
Any game from Hazelight is instantly intriguing for me, because the studio is doing something unique in an industry that likes to rely on the familiar. And as the studio’s leader, Josef Fares hasn’t let the success of It Takes Two change his team’s design philosophy, and his passion for gaming and game development is infectious. He greeted me for our Split Fiction preview with the promise of showing me some “cool s***” and he didn’t disappoint.
Split Fiction release March 6, 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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2024-12-13 04:56