The gaming press has already had the opportunity to dive into the latest offering from Josef Fares, the mastermind behind It Takes Two, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Split Fiction, developed by Hazelight Studios, is making waves with an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded the game for its innovative approach to gameplay, consistently introducing fresh mechanics that keep the experience vibrant and engaging. However, some reviewers have noted that the narrative could be stronger and the game's length might leave players wanting more.
Here's a breakdown of the scores from various gaming outlets:
- Gameractor UK: 100
- GameSpot: 100
- Inverse: 100
- Push Square: 100
- PC Games: 100
- TechRadar Gaming: 100
- Variety: 100
- Eurogamer: 100
- Areajugones: 95
- IGN USA: 90
- GameSpuer: 90
- Quiteshockers: 90
- PlayStation Lifestiles: 90
- Vandal: 90
- Stevivor: 80
- TheGamer: 80
- VGC: 80
- Wccftech: 80
- Hardcore Gamer: 70
Gameractor UK hailed Split Fiction as Hazelight Studios' finest work to date and one of the most impressive co-op games of this generation. They praised its variety and the constant introduction of new ideas, which keeps players engaged throughout the game. Despite minor flaws, the overall experience is a celebration of creativity and innovation.
Eurogamer echoed this sentiment, describing Split Fiction as a fantastic adventure from start to finish. It's considered a vivid testament to the boundless nature of human imagination, making it one of the most creative and engaging co-op games available.
IGN USA highlighted the game's masterfully crafted co-op adventure, noting its ability to shift gameplay styles at a breakneck pace over its 14-hour runtime. While no single mechanic overstays its welcome, the plot leaves something to be desired. IGN suggests that Split Fiction rewrites the rules of co-op gaming, creating a new chapter that players and their partners must experience.
VGC acknowledged the visual improvements over It Takes Two but pointed out the risk of repetitiveness due to switching between two main locations. However, the rich selection of side stories and ever-changing mechanics ensure engaging gameplay. The plot, however, falls short of expectations.
Hardcore Gamer found Split Fiction to be shorter and more expensive than It Takes Two. While it lacks the originality and variety of its predecessor, it still offers a fun and exciting experience for two players. It's a solid project, but it doesn't quite meet the high bar set by Hazelight's previous game.
Split Fiction is set to release on March 6, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC. This eagerly anticipated title promises to deliver a unique and engaging co-op experience, despite its narrative shortcomings and shorter length.
