Hazelight Studios, known for engaging gameplay and well-written narratives in games requiring two players, recently won Game of the Year at The Game Awards in 2021 for their title It Takes Two. Their upcoming game, Split Fiction, continues their collaborative storytelling approach with a new twist. Set to release on March 6 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Split Fiction follows the story of two writers, Mio and Zoe, who meet for the first time at a fiction publishing house testing new immersive machines.
Players can choose to play as Mio or Zoe, each with unique gameplay mechanics that complement each other. As the game progresses, their backstories unfold, showcasing a traditional arc of friendship enhanced by engaging puzzles and fights. Split Fiction switches between split-screen and shared screen gameplay, emphasizing the relationship between Mio and Zoe as players dive deeper into their personal lives.
Split Fiction, according to Hazelight cofounder Joseph Fares, is about friendships and delves into the trauma and backstories of the characters. The game focuses on the journey of two strangers becoming friends through novel gameplay and shared storytelling. The engaging pace, varied levels, and optional Side Stories provide an immersive experience that keeps players on their toes. Nods to other games add an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.
As players progress through Split Fiction, they will uncover the deepening bond between Mio and Zoe, mirroring the evolving relationship between the two cooperating players. The game’s emphasis on cooperation and shared experiences makes it a unique and captivating gaming experience. Every few levels, we were treated to nods at popular game franchises, such as diving into a haystack from a great height (Assassin’s Creed) or a Black sergeant delivering an inspirational speech to sci-fi soldiers before a drop (Halo). These references added a light-hearted tone without being too distracting, and were quite enjoyable when paired with brief gameplay vignettes. The Side Stories were particularly delightful, offering the chance to play as a pig and later as a hot dog bouncing onto a grill. The game’s focus on creativity in storytelling was evident throughout, providing players with a broad commentary on imagination and wonder. The dynamic between the characters Mio and Zoe added depth to the narrative, offering insights into their backgrounds and motivations. The theme of creativity versus corporate exploitation was a timely and compelling element of the game. Split Fiction stood out for its variety of gameplay segments and unique abilities for each player, making it a standout title from Hazelight. Compared to their previous games, Split Fiction was seen as more forgiving and accessible, with a smoother progression that catered to players of all skill levels. The experience of playing Split Fiction, like other Hazelight titles, felt special and unique, emphasizing the importance of cooperative gameplay and storytelling. Sebagai gantinya, daripada memiliki teka-teki setiap sepuluh menit yang harus kamu dan pasanganmu pecahkan bersama, mungkin ada saat-saat ketika kamu hanya ingin menembak bersama. Apakah Split Fiction memenuhi janjinya? Saya pikir Split Fiction adalah pengalaman co-op yang bagus. Sudah jelas bahwa saya senang mati berulang kali. Split Fiction dirilis pada 6 Maret seharga $50 di PS5, Xbox Series X/S, dan PC. Sean Booker dari CNET turut berkontribusi dalam cerita ini.