The gaming community has eagerly awaited the latest release from Josef Fares, the creative mind behind "It Takes Two," and now, with the launch of "Split Fiction," the anticipation has been met with widespread acclaim. "Split Fiction" has garnered an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic, reflecting its strong reception among critics.
Critics have lauded "Split Fiction" for its innovative approach to gameplay, consistently introducing fresh mechanics that keep the experience vibrant and engaging. This has been highlighted as one of the game's strongest aspects, making it a standout co-op adventure. Gameractor UK and Eurogamer both awarded the game a perfect score of 100, praising its creativity and the seamless integration of new ideas throughout the gameplay.
Here are some notable reviews:
Gameractor UK - 100/100: "Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' best work to date and one of the most impressive co-op games of this generation. The game amazes with its variety, keeping players engaged at every moment. All mechanics are executed at the highest level, and while a couple of minor flaws can be found, they pale in comparison to the constant flow of new ideas the game introduces at every turn. It’s a true celebration of creativity and innovation."
Eurogamer - 100/100: "From start to finish, Split Fiction remains a fantastic adventure. It’s one of the most creative and engaging co-op games on the market, serving as a vivid testament to the boundless nature of human imagination."
IGN USA - 90/100: "Split Fiction is a masterfully crafted co-op adventure game that straddles the line between two genres. It’s a rollercoaster of ideas and gameplay styles that shift at a breakneck pace, keeping the experience thrilling throughout its 14-hour runtime. Since no single mechanic overstays its welcome, Split Fiction becomes a triumph of imagination. Hazelight hasn’t just rewritten the rules of co-op gaming—it’s created a new chapter that you (and your partner) simply must experience."
VGC - 80/100: "Visually, Split Fiction takes a significant step forward compared to the studio’s previous project, It Takes Two, though the two games share many similarities in terms of mechanics. At times, the game risks becoming repetitive due to constant switching between two main locations, but its rich selection of side stories and ever-changing mechanics ensure that the gameplay remains engaging from start to finish. That said, the same cannot be said for its plot, which leaves something to be desired."
Hardcore Gamer - 70/100: "Split Fiction is shorter and more expensive than It Takes Two, and while it lacks the originality and variety of its predecessor, it still delivers a fun and exciting experience for two players. It’s a solid project, though it falls short of the expectations set by the studio’s previous game."
Despite the high praise for its gameplay, some reviewers noted that "Split Fiction" has a somewhat weak storyline and a relatively short playtime, which were seen as minor drawbacks. The game's full release is scheduled for March 6, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC, promising a thrilling co-op experience for players worldwide.
