Split Fiction

Split Fiction is another purely cooperative title from Hazelight Studios, which after the success of It Takes Two once again bet on a game made exclusively for two players. The story revolves around two writers, sci-fi author Mio and fantasy author Zoe, who become accidentally trapped inside a simulation of their own unfinished stories. The game therefore constantly alternates between two distinct visual and gameplay styles — futuristic sci-fi segments featuring robots and technology blend with fairy-tale fantasy passages full of dragons and magic, giving the designers room to experiment with wildly different mechanics within a single playthrough.

On PlayStation 5, the game shines with smooth transitions between the individual genre segments and grand action sequences that would be difficult to keep stable on older hardware. Like the studio's previous title, it emphasizes giving both players an active and distinct role, with mechanics changing in practically every chapter — from chases and platforming passages to unconventional puzzles requiring the two characters to work together. DualSense haptic feedback and fast loading further enhance the sense of rapid transitions between worlds and allow for smooth handling even of the most visually demanding combat arenas. The sound design and character voice acting also help distinguish the two genre threads and keep players engaged in the pace even during sudden shifts in style.

The game lived up to the high expectations set by the studio's previous title and was received as further proof that Hazelight ranks among the best in designing cooperative experiences. Combining two genres in one package, along with a constant stream of new ideas, makes it a title worth trying for anyone looking for a quality game to share with a partner, and it cements the studio's position as a leader in its field. The creators once again proved that limiting gameplay to two players can be a strength rather than a handicap, provided there are enough ideas to sustain the entire playtime.

Why play: Anyone looking for a quality game to share with a partner will find further proof here that Hazelight ranks among the best in designing cooperative experiences.