The spotlights are on Hazelight Studios’ newest game, Split Fiction, following its launch on March 6, 2025. This follows two struggling writers named, Mio and Zoe, and their adventure in an imaginative world. So, dive deeper into its lore and mechanics with this Split Fiction review.
A Genre-Bending Rollercoaster
It’ll be a shame to cage Split Fiction into a single genre despite its creative run. This game has roughly a 14-hour runtime, letting players experience a variety of platforming puzzles and third-person action. Other than these, it also offers extreme sports segments along with side-scrolling adventures and twin-stick shooting.
All these serve as one of the game’s strengths, helping them stand apart from other cooperative games. Moreover, it takes players into more than 20 unique worlds, weaving together sci-fi and fantasy themes. Each introduces new tools and mechanics as the foundation for their very own games.
Plus, it can get overwhelming with tons of gameplay ideas and styles upon the game introduction. Yet, none of these stick around longer which keeps every play intriguing for everyone. Definitely, many coined this experience to be refreshing throughout the adventure.
A Co-op Experience Built on Communication
Hazelight Studio seems to prove its position in the cooperative genre after releasing another hit. Split Fiction takes two players together, either locally or online, in a whirlwind journey. It is extremely accessible for all players regardless of skill level with its platforming mechanics. All you need is to focus on timing and momentum and ignore small mistakes.
Further, Split Fiction has encouraged game design to set up cooperative play without leaving hints of frustration. They also have generous checkpoints and minimal death penalties to focus on collaboration. In the end, it’ll be communication, collaboration, and content variety that keep Split Fiction alive.
Memorable Characters and Timely Themes
The two protagonists of the game are Mio and Zoe, who are built off of familiar archetypes. They are the typical opposites-attract duo with Mio as a grumpy, sci-fi geek while Zoe as a cheerful, fantasy-enthusiast. Yet, like any character, they gradually develop their character as the adventure goes on.
Both characters let a beautiful sisterhood blossom between them by exploring their pasts and emotional baggage. Some players even shed tears over the beauty of their evolving relationship throughout.
Other than their backstory, the game also tackles themes of creativity and AI. Rader serves as a villain who represents tech executives who perceive creativity to be a commodity. It thinks that these are easily harvested and repackaged at the same time.
A Visual and Mechanical Triumph
Nothing but praise for its stunning visuals and level design should escape your mouth. Split Fiction review saw moments capturing striking aesthetics over some areas in the game. There were moments where screenshots passed off as a territory in Elden Ring.
Also, the finale remains impressive and one of the memorable parts of the game due to Hazelight’s hard work. Besides the graphics, its mechanics are as great as their previous releases. It shifts from gravity swords to cyber whips, chases to shooting, and more new tools and powers. It’s pretty much a solid game for everyone wanting to try different gameplays.
Is It Worth Your Time?
There are really plenty of things to look forward to after this Split Fiction review. It easily took the hearts of many players as the best game of 2025 with its creative approach. This makes other games pale in comparison to their uniqueness. It’ll be really worth the play for those seeking cooperative games. However, playing it by yourself kills time and excitement you can only get in multiplayer titles.
