Split Fictionis finally here, and it’s proven to be another hit from developer Hazelight Studios. After 2021 Game of the Year award winnerIt Takes Two, it was hard to imagine a follow-up that could hit the same high notes as its predecessor.Split Fictionhas seemingly done the impossible, though, meeting - and sometimes even exceeding - the expectations set byIt Takes Two.
One of the best parts aboutplayingSplit Fictionis enjoying its incredible balance of story and gameplay. Between the inventive and surprising mechanics and the strong narrative,Split Fictioncan be the full package. Game development is one of the most challenging artistic mediums there is, and creating a world that boasts both satisfying gameplay and a compelling story is no easy task. While some games favor one over the other,Split Fictionis a terrific example of how the two can coexist equally.
Split Fiction is a Showcase in Approaching Gameplay and Story With the Same Amount of Love
Hazelight Studios' Talent For Co-Op Stories Continues to Grow
It’s important to note thatSplit Fictionisn’t the first game to offer a blend of strong gameplay and narrative. Titles likeThe Last of Us,God of War,Uncharted,Red Dead Redemption 2, andCyberpunk 2077are just a few examples of games that boast both. However, there are plenty of fans and critics who would still say some of these aforementioned titles favor one over the other. It’s subjective, of course, but it still seems rare to come across a game that checks off both boxes so well.The experience ofSplit Fictionis one steeped in creativity. When playing, it’s easy to feel the attention and care that went into crafting both the world and the story, which helps add depth to each level and setting.
Mio and Zoe meeting as opposing personalities mirrorsthe conflicting characters ofIt Takes Two, but instead of a couple on the brink of divorce,Split Fictionexplores strangers learning about one another on a more meaningful level. Each level is used as a way to dive deeper into this relationship, bringing both characters to a wonderful place of growth by the end of the story. Just as the levels help tell the game’s story, the story gives each larger-than-life level a sense of groundedness.
Split Fictionwas built with Unreal Engine 5.
Using Co-Op Mechanics as a Stage For Storytelling
Hazelight Studios has made co-op experiences the heart and soul of the studio. Seeing cooperative mechanics as its own means of storytelling instead of just a way for players to get from point A to point B is one of the developer’s most powerful tools. Director Josef Fares and the rest of Hazelight Studios seem to have a love for creativity above all, andthat’s wonderfully reflected inSplit Fiction.
Split Fictionwas announced at the 2024 Game Awards.
Split Fiction Could Hold Influence Down the Road
So far,Split Fictionhas proven to be quite a big success, but it’s unclear if it will have the same hold on the industry thatIt Takes Twodid. If anything is to be learned fromSplit Fiction, it’s that deeper stories of trauma and past regrets can still be fun, too.The bright worlds ofSplit Fictioncontrast with the darker backstory of Mio and Zoe, and it makes for a truly unique game.
Creating a world that boasts both satisfying gameplay and a compelling story is no easy task.
As the year continues, it will be interesting to see howSplit Fictionmanages against the onslaught of fierce competition.2025 is one of the biggest years in gaming history, and having such a strong and well-crafted co-op game among the long list of releases is a thrilling shake-up.
