Securing the prestigious Game of the Year accolade at The Game Awards 2021 positioned developer Hazelight in a unique spotlight, leaving many to anticipate a sequel to their acclaimed co-op adventure, It Takes Two. However, for those familiar with Hazelight director Josef Fares, it comes as no surprise that the studio is venturing into new territories. Instead of opting for a safe continuation of their prior success, Hazelight is channeling its expertise from previous co-op titles like A Way Out and It Takes Two to craft their latest endeavor: Split Fiction.
What Sets Split Fiction Apart from It Takes Two
Split Fiction marks an exhilarating evolution for Hazelight. This innovative title centers around two game developers, Zoe and Mio, who inadvertently find themselves trapped within a video game universe shaped by their own creative endeavors. Distinguishing this game further is the thematic juxtaposition: while Mio is engrossed in a sci-fi game, Zoe explores a fantastical realm.
This interplay of contrasting genres allows Hazelight to delve into duality—a concept touched upon in It Takes Two. Having experienced brief gameplay segments alongside Fares, it is clear that encapsulating the essence of Split Fiction within a singular gameplay scenario would be an oversight. The title seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, with each genre continuously introducing novel mechanics and design innovations—an aspect that was consistently showcased during our playtest.
For instance, one engaging moment had Zoe and Mio navigating a platforming challenge where Mio utilized advanced sci-fi technology to modify her own gravity, enabling her to traverse walls and ceilings, while Zoe battled foes using an energy whip. Another memorable segment displayed during The Game Awards featured the duo manipulating whimsical pigs, one capable of propelling itself using flatulence and the other able to stretch like a slinky dog.
Exploring Beyond Dual Genres in Split Fiction
At its heart, Split Fiction functions as an action-platformer, yet its gameplay continuously evolves, oscillating between genres in a dynamic fashion. The game promises a wealth of side content, allowing players to discover new realms where sci-fi meets fantasy and vice versa. These diversions, akin to the imaginative pig levels, present distinct gameplay mechanics while offering fulfilling, standalone experiences. A particularly entertaining snowboarding segment even introduces a competitive scoring mechanic for co-op players.
Though blending genres and gameplay elements can pose significant challenges in development, Fares acknowledges this complexity while emphasizing the creative rewards it yields. Based on my limited exposure to the game, Split Fiction feels quintessentially Hazelight—vividly original and creative without echoing past titles. The game embodies a spirit of playfulness and innovation, enriched with unexpected surprises that left me eagerly anticipating more.
It’s also important to note that this was merely a preliminary taste of Split Fiction. With its scheduled release on March 6, 2025, the excitement is building for the complete experience. Fares hinted at an emotionally impactful narrative, akin to that of It Takes Two, and what I had the chance to explore largely consisted of introductory phases designed to familiarize players with the game mechanics before diving into more complex scenarios.
If past performances are any indication, these mechanics will continue to develop in inventive ways as players progress. One preview involved fantastical levels where Zoe and Mio raise dragons from infancy to fully-grown mounts, reflecting the game’s capacity for both thematic and mechanical expansion.
Moreover, Split Fiction will feature the Friend Pass system, allowing players to buy a single copy and share with a friend for co-op gameplay.
Any new creation from Hazelight instantly captivates my interest. The studio’s unique approach stands out in an industry often characterized by complacency and repetition. Fares, undeterred by the monumental success of It Takes Two, continues to embrace a bold design philosophy rooted in infectious passion for gaming and development. Upon welcoming me for our preview, he promised to showcase some “cool s***” — a promise he undeniably fulfilled.
Split Fiction launches on March 6, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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