It's not easy to create a game that follows in the footsteps of a masterpiece like "It Takes Two“This is becoming increasingly difficult, especially with expectations skyrocketing after Hazelight Studios' enormous success in 2021. "Split Fiction" aims to replicate this success, but whether that's even possible is something you'll find out in my review.”
Hazelight, known for its masterful handling of cooperative experiences, has once again proven with this game that they have the ability to combine profound emotional experiences with innovative gameplay.Split Fiction“ is a game that deals with the complex themes of friendship, trauma and healing – and takes a look at the dark side of generative AI – a topic that is currently occupying the whole world.
Friendship in an AI-saturated world
"Split Fiction" revolves around two aspiring writers, Mio and Zoe, who, in a desperate pursuit of a publishing contract, find themselves caught in a series of simulations. These simulations are controlled by a generative AI intent on stealing their ideas and appropriating their creativity. The basic premise might initially seem like a cautionary dystopia about the misuse of artificial intelligence, but what Hazelight actually achieves here is much more: they craft an emotionally profound narrative about friendship and the complexities of human relationships.
Mio and Zoe couldn't be more different at first glance. Mio is the cynical, tech-savvy sci-fi author who dreams of robot worlds, space catastrophes, and mechs. Zoe, on the other hand, is a passionate fantasy author whose works are populated by dragons, shapeshifters, and mystical creatures. This difference could seem like an obstacle, but as the game progresses, they both realize that their journey will take them not only through alien worlds but also through the unknown depths of their own personalities.
The game's central theme is friendship – and it's no ordinary friendship. This friendship is forged in a world defined by both darkness and light, by trauma and healing, and intensified by the creeping threat of the AI. The dynamic between Mio and Zoe, as they learn to cooperate and trust each other, is a central thread running through the entire game.
The gameplay innovations
What sets "Split Fiction" apart from other games is the innovation of the gameplayEach world Mio and Zoe enter is not only thematically unique, but also mechanically distinct. The game offers a variety of gameplay mechanics that vary with each new world, providing a refreshing change of pace. It's quite obvious that the game primarily draws on the jump 'n' run genre.
In Mio's sci-fi worlds, players take control of drones, fly through futuristic cities with jetpacks, or battle gigantic mechs with laser pistols. These sections are fast-paced, action-packed, and offer an exciting mix of combat and exploration. Zoe's fantastical world is equally diverse, but in a completely different way. Here, Mio and Zoe assume the roles of dragon riders, mages, and shapeshifters. The variety of mechanics across the different worlds ensures that the game never gets boring. Each new world brings fresh, exciting challenges, and players will never tire of discovering the new possibilities it offers.
It's not just the gameplay that's constantly evolving. The mechanics used by the two main characters are often asymmetrical. While Mio and Zoe explore the same worlds, they each possess unique abilities that they can only utilize together. Cooperation is crucial for navigating the complex puzzles and challenges. But even when the game isn't presenting complex tasks, the protagonists' distinct abilities make it a constant source of discovery and fun. Playing together is often a balancing act, requiring not only reaching the goal but also leveraging each other's strengths to be creative together.
A look behind the scenes of creation
What makes "Split Fiction" particularly profound, however, are the side stories—small, incomplete ideas from Mio and Zoe's past that appear as mini-levels within the game's larger worlds. These side stories not only offer additional mechanics but also a fascinating glimpse into the genesis of their creative processes. Players often participate in surreal, almost absurd experiences reminiscent of the carefree, experimental ideas writers had in their youth.
There are games designed for the single-player experience, but "Split Fiction" is undoubtedly a game that unfolds its full charm in co-op mode – just like its predecessor "It Takes Two" (our reviewCommunication between players is essential, and even if it's not always necessary, sharing discoveries and experiences provides unparalleled fun. While one player wields the whip in a level, the other curiously glances at their partner's screen to see what unique experiences they're having. The game thrives on cooperation, constant interaction, and sharing moments that would be difficult to grasp on the other player's screen.
A masterpiece of narrative and mechanics
Moreover, "Split Fiction" is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and profound games of recent times. It masterfully combines narrative and gameplay, resulting in an experience that is both emotionally and intellectually challenging. The game invites us into the approximately 10 to 11 hours It not only invites players to step into the roles of the protagonists, but also to immerse themselves in their thoughts and creative worlds. Unfortunately, the somewhat more mature approach also means it lacks the humor that distinguished "It Takes Two" back in the day.
At its core, it's a story about friendship – and about the fact that we often have to overcome the biggest obstacles together. In a world dominated by generative AI and the dangers of its power, "Split Fiction" reminds us that it's the human element – sharing experiences, trust, and mutual growth – that truly binds us together.
The soundtrack remains, seamlessly amplifying the emotions and tension of the various gameplay sequences and significantly contributing to the game's atmosphere. There are moments when the music elevates an entire scene, allowing the player to forge a deeper emotional connection with the characters.
From a technical standpoint, we experienced too many connection drops during online gameplay, which made some sessions a real test of patience. However, the game itself runs very well and, like its predecessor, is a real eye-catcher.
Conclusion
I love Split Fiction. It combines my favorite genres, fantasy and science fiction, and creates something amazing and unique. They kept getting better with their games, and Split Fiction is their masterpiece in my opinion.
However, it doesn't come close to It Takes Two.
I definitely think Andreas Körber is much cooler, more awesome. It Takes Two was more childish.
And the subplots are absolutely amazing. It Takes Two is nothing compared to them. I'm just saying, "Bratwurst."
I always wonder what target audience such games are for and whether they sell well, especially for large publishers, because afterwards studios close down.
The predecessor sold over 16 million copies and has a 96% positive rating from players; this game will be no different. I was more excited for this game than for the other titles released this year. You probably haven't played It Takes Two to understand why.
No, I don't either, but maybe the first part sold so well because the premiere was different, or the new one might be different now.
I know tastes differ, but I played It Takes Two, for example, and thought it was just awful. The humor was often totally lame, inappropriate, and tasteless.
The levels were all desperately creative, so that in each level you had to do something new and you thought, oh my god, he has so many ideas that he has brought into the game, whether it fits or not.
The parents' relationship was portrayed in a totally pathetic way and was really unbearable for me; I cannot identify with such people or with such problems.
The moral message the game was supposed to convey, as well as the way the child was treated and what the child absorbed, was highly questionable.
And the worst part: it just wasn't fun to play (for us).
Everyone has their own taste, and I don't want to badmouth anyone's games; it's also great that you can play them all offline, that they don't have microtransactions, etc. But I can no longer understand this hype and this huge enthusiasm for Josef Faris's games. In my opinion, and I've played them all, Brother Tale of Two Sons and Away Out were the best games he made; after that, it went downhill.
And these first two games have such a terrible ending that they completely devalue the entire game beforehand, as it feels like everything you did was for nothing.
It's a personality cult, that's all.