A large part ofSplit Fiction’s successis due to the sheervariety and quality of the different environmentsand levels, which blend genres, art styles, and perspectives to create one of the most diverse and innovative video games out there.
Within each chapter, there is an array of different abilities and tools unique to that level, which allow players to unlock passageways, jump to insane heights, or fight back against the various enemies that want to take them down. Ranging fromsci-fi weaponry to literal magic, they each feel distinct and fun in their own way, providing something new with each step of progress.
8Snowboarding - Slopes Of War
Winter Sports Never Looked So Good
A thrilling downhill race and an ode to skateboarding video games, Slopes of War incorporates a combo-based movement mechanic that sees players barreling down a lengthy course of obstacles, exploding terrain, and flying debris, delivering a high-octane 1v1 battle.
It is a real joy to flip and jump, doing tricks with each take-off to up the combo and raise the score. Being one of the only versus sections in the game, it feels unique, and being tucked away in a side story allows the stakes to stay low and the enjoyment to shoot for the stars.
7Gravity And Nanobot Balls - Isolation
Just Keep Rolling
It can get quite tiring doing all that walking, so thankfully Hazelight decided that the players should roll about for a bit instead. Isolation sends players into Mio’s subconscious, a sci-fi stage full of unique encounters and abilities, notably the player’s ability to pilot either a glowing gravity ball or a mass of nanobots that can morph and merge into new shapes and forms.
The rolling sections are enjoyable enough on their own, but adding in the ability to leap, glide, and scuttle into small cracks, makes the gameplay feel so varied with each subsequent puzzle and giveseach player their own specific rolein solving the conundrums.
6Sword/Ship - Neon Revenge
Elegant Movement That Packs A Punch
A Cyberpunk-esque setting wouldn’t be complete without some badass weaponry to slash through opponents and swing across the towering skyscrapers that litter the skies. Neon Revenge already has so much going for it from an aesthetic standpoint, so adding in some crazy combat mechanics and the ability to flip planes and throw one another adds a level of immersion that’s hard to beat.
The one critique that can be said is to add more time with the tools. The chapter itself is one of the longer ones, but with abilities so fun and cool, why not draw it out a little longer next time to give the players some extra time to enjoy the playground?
5Pigs - Farmlife
Better Than Bacon
A pig that can fart and a pig that can stretch. That’s the pitch for this side story, and it doesn’t disappoint. Leap across large gaps and stretch up to hard-to-reach places, hopping across an array of food items and, of course, a nice pool of dirt to really get stuck into.
Farmlife is the perfect comedy/rest stage, giving players a break from the action temporarily in place of some toilet humor and absurdity, culminating in what is quite possibly one of the most bizarre gameplay sequences that has ever been conceived.
4Gravity Pulse/Hack - Isolation
Become The Cyber-Soldier
Isolation had already delivered some great spherical action, but the devs said it wasn’t enough. The players also have access to hacking tools, in the case of Mio, taking control of large mechanical devices or even enemies, and for Zoe the gravity bending remains, propelling herself and objects around her to solve puzzles and wreak havoc.
The co-op aspects are the highlight, with one player taking control of a tank-like robot, while the other parkours and pushes them about, to reach the other side of the stage. The abilities even cross over at several points, adding some amazing sequences of cooperative excellence and coordination.
3Shapeshift - Hopes Of Spring
Return To Monkey
If fantasy is good for one thing, it’s doing the impossible in terms of physical adaptation and changes. Hopes of Spring gives players a taste of what Zoe loves in her creativity, which turns out to be magical fairy trees and aquatic monkey hybrids.
By giving each player multiple distinct purposes and roles, the puzzles and combat sequences feel incredibly intuitive and satisfying. One player takes the first step and helps the other across and the process repeats itself in interesting and at times absurd ways.
2Dragons - Rise Of The Dragon Realm
Scaly Friends With Deadly Force
Rise of the Dragon Realm is by far one of the best chapters inSplit Fictionand this is only elevated by the dragon pets that the players nurture and care for throughout.Starting as eggs but quickly growinginto a useful pair of tools, then finally granting the gift of flight, along with some pretty devastating attacks to go with it.
Rolling down giant hills and slamming into enemies is a delight and breathing acid and gliding across the abyss is no slouch either. Both players are constantly excited and bouncing with joy, given the absolute pleasure that it is to play with these adorable yet deadly dragons.
1Energy Pistols - Final Dawn
Gun-ho, Explosive Mayhem
Final Dawn contains by far the most engaging and fun ability inSplit FictionPicking up a pair of powerful energy pistols, each player has to spray down incoming enemies, and have pinpoint accuracy to deactivate deadly barriers and traps that stand in their.
The best part, as always, is the multiplayer aspect. Having color-coded weapons makes the puzzles and combat feel so rewarding and constantly evolving. One minute the players have to beam down a specific enemy or part, and the next they have to alternate between explosive rounds and coordinate takedowns on oncoming walls or enemy limbs. It feels great and it’s an absolute rush.
