Split Fiction review: It takes two to tango
They’ve done it! ‘Split Fiction’ isn’t only a worthy new entry into ‘It Takes Two’ creators Hazelight’s impressive co-op oeuvre, it might just be their best.
Writers Mio and Zoe are given the opportunities of a lifetime to have their respective worlds brought to life, alongside much-needed publishing deals. Aside from career goals, the two of them have almost nothing in common. On top of that, just as their sci-fi and fantasy worlds seem to clash, so too do their personalities.
Naturally, this makes things a lot more difficult for them when they find themselves trapped in a mishmash of their works without a way out. They soon learn that it takes two to tango and that they must overcome their respective hangups if they want to make it out with their stories, and their minds, intact.
It’s a high-concept setup that paves the way for one of the most memorable video games in a very long time.
The adventure that Mio and Zoe find themselves thrust into is nothing short of remarkable. Exploring worlds made up of the characters’ ideas provides fertile ground for a wide variety of experiences and is a clever way to fit even the zaniest antics into an otherwise heart felt story.
You’re never in one place for too long, and with each shift in environment comes a shift in gameplay style. There’s platforming, shooting, racing, puzzle-solving, and the list goes on.
Impressively, each style is given enough polish that they could have easily supported their own games and having it all built around co-op is nothing short of a marvel. It really is hard to overstate just how much creativity and love is on display here in every aspect of the game.
The team at Hazelight clearly have an intense passion for gaming and wider media in general, too, as Split Fiction is loaded with references to popular culture. Some occur in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, others with such in-your-face gusto that they’re sure to earn shouts of “Oh my gosh that is so cool!” amidst some slack-jawed screen pointing.
Thankfully, these instants are never so egregious that they take anything away from the main narrative or character moments, instead they’re simply a delicious side dish in what is otherwise an incredible multi-course meal.
Within the varied co-op worlds, there are also plenty of opportunities to play a little more competitively. Exploring off the beaten path rewards players with special portals that lead to bite-sized, challenge-focussed experiences that are all as varied as the main game, ranging from light-hearted fun to a few that will test even the most skilled of gamers - something that can be said of Split Fiction as a whole.
It’s not so challenging that it feels frustrating, however it does need a great deal of efficient communication and reactivity, with each level designed to test co-operative players skills (and relationships) with increasing difficulty.
Some games are best left as a surprise, and this one is no exception. Split Fiction is an outstanding achievement in design, polish, and creativity that proves co-op can deliver just as deep an experience as a single player giant.
The Hazelight people have knocked it out of the park yet again – Split Fiction is a masterful experience that’s not only a brilliant co-op game, but overall a superb adventure that everyone should get the chance to play.
Split Fiction is out March 6.
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