REVIEW: Split Fiction (Xbox Series X)

Hazelight Studios has built a reputation as the undisputed champion of co-op gaming, delivering unique and deeply engaging multiplayer experiences. With A Way Out and It Takes Two, director Josef Fares and his team redefined what cooperative play could look like, blending gameplay with storytelling in ways few studios have managed. Now, with Split Fiction, Hazelight continues to push boundaries, delivering yet another sensational co-op adventure bursting with creativity, challenge, and heart.

Story

Split Fiction introduces players to Zoe and Mio, two aspiring authors with vastly different creative visions. Zoe writes fantasy epics, while Mio crafts intricate sci-fi narratives. Their journey begins at Rader Publishing, a corporate behemoth promising aspiring writers a shot at success. However, after a bizarre and somewhat inexplicable sequence of events, they find themselves trapped inside their own fictional worlds, forced to navigate a whirlwind of fantastical and futuristic landscapes.

The premise is undeniably imaginative, if a little absurd—why would a publishing house invest in a machine that suspends writers in their own stories? And why is Mio the only one to object? But logic takes a backseat to sheer entertainment value, as the game seamlessly transitions between realms, creating a narrative tapestry that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.

Over the course of the adventure, the evolving relationship between Zoe and Mio adds depth to the experience, as initial tensions give way to mutual respect and understanding. The game doesn’t just rely on spectacle—it delivers a heartfelt story that makes the journey all the more rewarding.

Gameplay

If It Takes Two was a tour de force of variety and innovation, Split Fiction takes that same philosophy and dials up the intensity. This is a co-op game that demands coordination, precision, and quick reflexes. While the accessibility options allow for a more forgiving experience, players looking for a challenge will find plenty here.

The game’s central hook revolves around Zoe and Mio navigating their respective fantasy and sci-fi settings, with each world introducing its own unique mechanics. One moment, players may be engaged in a high-speed motorcycle chase through a neon-lit city; the next, they could be riding a dragon through a sprawling medieval kingdom. The sheer variety in gameplay ensures that no two moments feel the same, and Hazelight’s signature split-screen format allows for clever cooperative puzzles that force both players to stay engaged.

Side Stories add even more variety, featuring offbeat challenges like a surreal race as a rainbow-farting pig or a tense sci-fi game show with a ticking bomb. While entirely optional, these diversions provide some of the game’s most memorable moments, embracing a level of creativity that few developers dare to attempt. The co-op mechanics are executed flawlessly, with responsive controls and seamless transitions between different play styles. It’s a game that constantly reinvents itself, making every chapter feel fresh and exhilarating.

Visuals

Visually, Split Fiction is a stunning achievement. The contrast between its sci-fi and fantasy worlds allows for a vibrant and diverse aesthetic, with each environment feeling meticulously crafted. The cyberpunk cityscapes of Mio’s universe pulse with neon energy, while Zoe’s fantasy landscapes evoke the visuals of classic Tolkien-style settings. Whether soaring through the air on mythical creatures or traversing high-tech facilities brimming with glowing interfaces, the game delivers one breathtaking set piece after another.

The animation work is equally impressive, with fluid character movement and expressive facial animations that bring the protagonists to life. The attention to detail extends to even the most whimsical elements, such as the charmingly bizarre Side Stories, which showcase a variety of artistic styles also. Every inch of Split Fiction feels meticulously designed, reinforcing its status as one of the most visually striking co-op games available today.

Conclusion

Hazelight Studios has once again set the benchmark for cooperative gaming with Split Fiction. It’s an adventure that never ceases to surprise, consistently delivering inventive gameplay, stunning visuals, and a heartfelt story. While it presents a steeper challenge than It Takes Two, it remains accessible thanks to its thoughtful difficulty options, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the ride.

With its expertly crafted puzzles, exhilarating action sequences, and boundless imagination, Split Fiction cements itself as one of the best co-op titles available today. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Hazelight’s work or new to their unique brand of storytelling and gameplay, this is a must-play experience. Few games manage to be as consistently entertaining, engaging, and emotionally resonant as this one—Split Fiction is a true hit, and one that deserves to be played with a friend.

Split Fiction Pricing & Availability

Split Fiction is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and Steam with a €49.99 price tag ( you can get a 10% discount if you’re an EA Play subscriber also.)

Hazelight Studios’ have also continued their consumer friendly decision and incorporated their ‘Friend’s Pass’ structure to this title, allowing just one user to pick up the game, and share an invite to an online friend to join them on the adventure, with the other user not needing to own a copy of the game themselves.

They’ve even taken it one step further this time by allowing cross play across systems so PS5 owners of the game can share an invite with their Xbox or PC owning friend and they can still play through the game together online, on two different platforms. We really wish we saw more of this openness to ways of playing on other titles.