The gaming community has eagerly anticipated the latest release from Josef Fares, the mastermind behind "It Takes Two," and now, with the release of "Split Fiction," the wait is over. Early reviews from the gaming press have been overwhelmingly positive, with the game achieving an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded "Split Fiction" for its innovative approach to gameplay, consistently introducing new mechanics that keep the experience fresh and engaging. However, some reviewers have noted that the game's storyline could be stronger and that its playtime is relatively short.
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 praised "Split Fiction" as Hazelight Studios' finest work to date, describing it as one of the most impressive co-op games of this generation. They highlighted the game's variety and the constant flow 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, calling "Split Fiction" a fantastic adventure from start to finish and a vivid testament to human imagination, "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 commended the game's creativity and the seamless integration of various gameplay styles, though they noted the plot could be more compelling, "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 appreciated the visual improvements over "It Takes Two" but pointed out the potential for repetition due to the game's setting, "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" did not quite live up to the expectations set by "It Takes Two," citing its shorter length and higher price, "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. With its high praise for gameplay innovation and engaging co-op experience, it's poised to be a must-play for fans of the genre.
