Visuals & Art Style
Split Fiction is a stunningly crafted game, seamlessly blending sci-fi and fantasy aesthetics. The cybernetic environments of Mio’s worlds contrast beautifully with Zoe’s lush, magical landscapes. The game employs vibrant colors, dynamic lighting, and detailed animations to bring each world to life. While the character models are well-designed, some players may find the sci-fi sections slightly less detailed than the fantasy settings.
Gameplay & Mechanics
At its core, Split Fiction thrives on cooperative gameplay, requiring two players to work together either locally or online. Each character has unique abilities tailored to their genre—Mio wields high-tech gadgets while Zoe harnesses magical abilities. The puzzles and platforming sequences are well-designed, requiring genuine teamwork to progress. Combat is varied, featuring both melee and ranged encounters, though some enemy types can feel repetitive over time.
Story & Writing
The narrative follows two authors, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped in a simulation of their own stories. Their only way out is to collaborate and reclaim their creative works from a mysterious force. While the premise is intriguing, the execution of the sci-fi vs. fantasy rivalry feels somewhat forced, with dialogue occasionally dipping into clichéd territory. However, the overall pacing keeps players engaged, and the personal growth of both characters adds emotional weight to the journey.
New Features & Innovations
While Split Fiction doesn’t reinvent the cooperative gameplay formula, it excels in refining it. The seamless transition between different genres and playstyles keeps the experience fresh. Unique co-op mechanics, such as synchronized puzzle-solving and ability-combo attacks, set the game apart from other Hazelight titles.
Technical Performance
On PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and high-end PCs, Split Fiction runs at a smooth 60 FPS with sharp textures and quick load times. Minor frame drops can occur in split-screen mode, but they rarely hinder the experience. Online co-op is stable, though some players have reported occasional desync issues.
Verdict
Split Fiction is a beautifully executed cooperative adventure that builds on Hazelight Studios’ strengths. The fusion of sci-fi and fantasy keeps the gameplay engaging, and the well-crafted mechanics ensure rewarding teamwork. While the story could be more refined, the game’s charm, level design, and co-op experience make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Overall Score: 9.3/10
Scores from Major Gaming Sources:
- Metacritic: 91/100
- OpenCritic: 90/100
- GameSpot: 10/10
- PC Gamer: Highly Positive
- GamingBible: Extremely Favorable
Scored Aspects:
- Visuals & Art Style: 9/10
- Gameplay & Mechanics: 9/10
- Story & Writing: 7.5/10
- New Features & Innovations: 8/10
- Technical Performance: 8/10
