The gaming community has been buzzing with excitement following the early access reviews of Josef Fares' latest creation, Split Fiction. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the same team behind the acclaimed It Takes Two, Split Fiction has garnered impressive scores, averaging 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded the game for its innovative approach to gameplay, constantly introducing fresh mechanics that keep players hooked and entertained. However, some reviewers have noted a weaker narrative and a shorter duration compared to what fans might expect.
Notable scores from various gaming outlets include:
- 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 yet, labeling it as one of the standout co-op games of this generation. They praised the game's variety and the constant introduction 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" from start to finish. They highlighted the game's creativity and engagement, saying, "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 awarded the game a score of 90, applauding its masterfully crafted co-op adventure and the constant shift in gameplay styles. They noted, "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, giving the game an 80, acknowledged the visual improvements over It Takes Two but criticized the repetition due to the limited locations. They also mentioned the storyline's shortcomings, stating, "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, with a score of 70, felt that Split Fiction falls short of the expectations set by It Takes Two, citing its shorter length and higher price. They concluded, "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."
Split Fiction is set to launch on March 6, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC, promising a thrilling co-op experience for gamers worldwide.
