In the universe of gaming, it’s always a thrill when a game makes you audibly exclaim ‘wow’, and my recent experience with Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios was just that. During an intense hour-long hands-on session, this upcoming title, once again set to be released by EA, left me in awe countless times.
Split Fiction thrives in a co-op setting, and I had the unique opportunity to partner up with none other than Hazelight founder Josef Fares himself. In British terminology, he’s what we’d call quite the character—modern lingo might say he’s got ‘rizz’. His sharp dress sense would be more at home in a GQ spread than at a gaming event, and as a watch enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice the impressive timepiece on his wrist as we shook hands.
When it comes to describing Fares, another amusing anecdote springs to mind. I often rely on my phone as a recording device. After a session, Google’s AI takes a stab at transcribing the conversation and giving it a name. When I spoke with the minds behind Flight Simulator, it named the chat ‘Flight’. When I had a discussion with Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto, it fittingly chose ‘Monster’. As for my conversation with Fares? It got labeled ‘Shitload’. And honestly, it fits—the game is packed with a ton of engaging content.
While “a shitload” of things seems to be the guiding philosophy for Split Fiction, don’t mistake it for the chaotic clutter of an open-world map littered with icons. Building on the success of It Takes Two, Split Fiction presents a more linear adventure, peppered with fresh surprises at every turn. The experience is truly astonishing—it caught me by surprise and pushed me to exclaim frequently, whether a simple ‘wow’ or something a bit more colorful.
In many respects, Hazelight’s magic formula hasn’t changed—it’s the same captivating approach they’ve embraced in their recent titles. Initially, when I heard about Split Fiction, I was worried it might feel repetitive, but the game’s innovative design, intriguing setting, and relentless pursuit of fresh ideas quickly put those fears to rest. Although it shares some initial similarities with It Takes Two, it stands on its own in execution.
At its heart, Split Fiction explores the clash of opposites. The game introduces us to two protagonists, Zoe and Mio, named after Fares’ daughters—two authors who might as well be worlds apart. Mio is a sci-fi enthusiast, while Zoe dives into the realms of fantasy. Their unlikely adventure begins at a corporation headquarters, reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed’s Abstergo, that has the ability to transform stories from their minds into immersive virtual realities. A twist of fate lands both in the machine simultaneously, merging their very different worlds, both real and imagined.
As you play, Split Fiction skilfully toggles between these two universes. You find yourself navigating through a bustling sci-fi landscape inspired by Blade Runner, only to venture next into a whimsical fantasy forest borne from Zoe’s imagination.
What stands out is how Split Fiction cleverly toys with gaming conventions to deliver a thrilling experience. Some levels draw inspiration from classic games, resembling Metroid’s puzzles, while others take unexpected detours—like one level entirely dedicated to snowboarding, complete with tricks and scores, all within the sci-fi world.
Fares is well aware that Hazelight has crafted something special. As I sat there, amazed, he repeatedly opened the mid-game debug menus, showcasing one fascinating mechanic after another. He knows as well as I do—games are art, not just content. But this game has loads of it, each piece distinct from the last.
Occasionally, elements are included purely for their cool factor. Ever once in a while, you might marvel at a section and think, “Someone on the team loves Contra,” or chuckle at a clever gag. These segments often bring novel gameplay mechanics into play for a brief, unforgettable stint. And then there’s the mandatory co-op component that drives the game’s significant design decisions, which is something Hazelight consistently nails.
In between the dynamic shifts in gameplay styles, players can count on robust platforming, cinematic sequences, well-framed split-screen interactions, and puzzles that require cooperation. Hazelight clearly excels in creating these moments, thanks to their extensive experience in co-op game design.
“We’ve been mastering this craft for a long time,” Fares says with evident pride. “Nobody else does what we do—designing co-op experiences from the outset. While others merely adapt single-player games to include split screens, we start from a fundamentally different place.”
This approach comes with its own set of challenges, especially given their determination to meet certain quality standards, even for quick segments. Fares explains, “As a player, you expect a snowboarding section to feel right. Players don’t stop to consider how long a game like Devil May Cry might have spent polishing its combat mechanics. Here, we can’t afford that luxury. Yet we need everything to feel just right.”
In one marvelous demonstration, the demo shifts once more. There’s a brilliant trailer that followed my hands-on session at The Game Awards, narrated by Fares, which encapsulates the game well. Yet, in this demo, Fares reveals sneak peeks of mechanics from the game’s later stages—though I’m bound to secrecy, the creativity on display left me in awe.
Split Fiction’s development feels akin to a mix of Nintendo’s creative energy and the unpredictability of Doctor Who—with new, refreshing experiences around every corner. Unlike traditional game development, which reuses assets as seen in Star Trek’s setting consistency, Split Fiction boldly embraces the chaos of perpetual change, much like Doctor Who’s weekly transformations.
So, although this was a unique hands-on experience—a whirlwind tour through minutes of gameplay personally guided by Fares—it still left a strong impression. It isn’t always about playing entire levels comprehensively but understanding the vision and immense potential within. If this glimpse is anything to go by, Split Fiction might just become one of the standout games of 2025.
And the wait isn’t long, as Split Fiction is set for release on March 5th. I’m eagerly looking forward to diving in, in full.
