The gaming community is buzzing with excitement following the release of Josef Fares' latest creation, "Split Fiction," from Hazelight Studios, the masterminds behind "It Takes Two." Early impressions from the gaming press have been overwhelmingly positive, with the game currently boasting an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded "Split Fiction" for its innovative gameplay and relentless introduction of new mechanics, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience throughout. However, the game has not been without its criticisms, particularly regarding its storyline, which some reviewers found lacking, and its relatively short duration.
Here's a breakdown of the scores from various gaming outlets:
- Gameractor UK - 100
- GameSpot - 100
- Inverse - 100
- Push Square - 100
- PC Games - 100
- TechRadar Gaming - 100
- Variety - 100
- Eurogamer - 100
- Areajugones - 95
- IGN USA - 90
- GameSpuer - 90
- Quiteshockers - 90
- PlayStation Lifestiles - 90
- Vandal - 90
- Stevivor - 80
- TheGamer - 80
- VGC - 80
- Wccftech - 80
- Hardcore Gamer - 70
Gameractor UK hailed "Split Fiction" as Hazelight Studios' finest work to date and one of the standout co-op games of this generation. They praised the game's variety and the constant stream of new ideas, stating, "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 echoed this sentiment, describing "Split Fiction" as a "fantastic adventure" and a "vivid testament to the boundless nature of human imagination."
IGN USA appreciated the game's mastery in blending genres and its innovative approach to co-op gaming, stating, "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 acknowledged the visual improvements over "It Takes Two" but pointed out the game's repetitive elements and the weaker plot, saying, "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 felt that "Split Fiction" didn't quite live up to the standards set by "It Takes Two," citing its shorter length and higher price point, but still recognized it as a "fun and exciting experience for two players."
"Split Fiction" is set to launch on March 6, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC, promising another thrilling co-op adventure from Hazelight Studios.
