It Takes Two vs Split Fiction: A Comparison of the Best Cooperative Games
The cooperative gaming landscape is flourishing like never before, with Hazelight Studios leading the charge. Their standout releases, the 2021 Game of the Year, It Takes Two, along with the highly praised Split Fiction from 2025, showcase some of the finest experiences in cooperative gaming this decade.
Both titles are undeniably exceptional, but the question remains: which one truly stands out as Hazelight’s premier cooperative offering?
Upon reviewing Split Fiction earlier this year, I awarded it a solid 9 out of 10. In all honesty, I would likely extend the same score to It Takes Two if I revisited it. However, in the realm of video game analysis, there are no draws.
With that said, it’s time to ultimately determine which title reigns supreme. Will Split Fiction take the crown, or will It Takes Two hold the title as the best cooperative experience?
Visuals
Split Fiction
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The advancement in visual fidelity in Split Fiction is a result of four additional years of refinement. The game’s art team has elevated the graphics, bringing Mio’s sci-fi realms to life with intricate cyberpunk details and seamlessly blending Zoe’s fantastical creations.Overall, the visuals are sharper, cleaner, and more detailed than its predecessor.
One notable improvement lies in the character models; while It Takes Two presents characters that at times appear rubbery or lack depth, Split Fiction demonstrates marked enhancements in character design.
Advantage: Split Fiction.
Story
It Takes Two
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The narrative in It Takes Two is profoundly authentic and relatable, making it the clear victor in the storytelling department. The portrayal of Cody and May’s troubled marriage and its impact on their daughter, Rose, delivers an emotional and personal resonance.
In contrast, Split Fiction incorporates drama, yet the initial disconnect between main characters Mio and Zoe dilutes the emotional stakes. Although the narrative of a sinister tech company appropriating creative intellectual property is timely, it often feels like a generic plot mechanism.
Thus, It Takes Two emerges as the undisputed winner in this category.
Gameplay/Level Design
Tie
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When it comes to level design, both games adopt different philosophies.It Takes Two embraces a cozy, exploratory journey as Cody and May traverse their small domestic world, reminiscent of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, while Split Fiction aims for a blockbuster-style experience with expansive and thrilling set pieces across diverse sci-fi and fantasy environments.
Both approaches have their merits, yet I slightly favor the charm and cohesion present in It Takes Two. However, the stunning boss design and the final level of Split Fiction elevate its gameplay enough for this category to end in a draw.
Side Content
Split Fiction
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The optional side activities in Split Fiction represent significant improvement over its precursor. Each level is enriched with substantial side stories, thanks to an internal fan-jam initiative where Hazelight staff pitched short narratives, resulting in memorable gameplay moments.
Players may find themselves climbing a birthday cake as animated teeth, battling a demon dentist, or engaging in exhilarating sci-fi snowboarding competitions. In contrast, It Takes Two offers lighter, competitive mini-games scattered throughout, which, while enjoyable, lack the depth and diversity of side content found in Split Fiction.
Sense of Humor/Overall Tone
It Takes Two
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Dr. Hakim, the personified book of love, is a polarizing figure, yet I argue he injects a comedic and light-hearted tone that beautifully balances the more serious themes of It Takes Two. Iconic moments, such as Cody and May confronting the chilling act of putting down Rose’s stuffed elephant Cutie, leave lasting impressions.
While Split Fiction offers its own quirky humor—like the surreal hot dog twist—the overall tone can seem inconsistent compared to the heartfelt, whimsical narrative of It Takes Two.
Ultimately, It Takes Two excels in maintaining a delightful and cohesive tone throughout its progression.
Soundtrack
Split Fiction
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The soundtracks of both games are impressively close in quality, but Split Fiction shines with a broader musical diversity. Transitioning through varied sci-fi and fantasy realms (and their corresponding side stories), players are treated to a captivating auditory experience.
This includes everything from vibrant electronic beats reminiscent of Tron to orchestral compositions that evoke universes like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. Although It Takes Two boasts fantastic tracks, especially in the musically-themed level called The Attic, it simply cannot match the breadth of Split Fiction’s score.
Characters
It Takes Two
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This category leans heavily in favor of It Takes Two. The chemistry between characters Cody and May, alongside the bizarre antics of Dr. Hakim, creates an engaging ensemble that players find themselves rooting for.
In contrast, Mio and Zoe from Split Fiction exhibit less compelling development, frequently resorting to clichés reminiscent of superhero dialogues. Although I grew to appreciate their character arcs by the end, they lack the emotional investment present with May and Cody.
Cooperation Required
It Takes Two
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This aspect is crucial for any co-op title, and it’s clear to me that It Takes Two excels in this regard. The game is meticulously structured to foster collaboration between players, requiring constant communication and teamwork to utilize the distinct abilities of Cody and May.
While Split Fiction incorporates its own cooperative elements, it occasionally allows one player to overshadow the other, lessening the engagement for both.It Takes Two instills a sense of shared urgency, making the bond between players integral to the gameplay, as well as to the emotional narrative.
Creativity
Tie
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In terms of creativity, both It Takes Two and Split Fiction rank among the most inventive and distinct gaming experiences available. While one might argue that Split Fiction’s concluding level and side narratives take the creativity a notch higher, there is not a moment in It Takes Two that lacks ingenuity.
This emphasizes that no matter which game ultimately claims the title, both offer rewarding journeys well worth exploring. It’s difficult to find another studio today that embodies the spirit of creativity quite like Hazelight.
Winner
It Takes Two
In the end, while the competition was fierce, the slight edge goes to It Takes Two. Deciding between these two masterpieces feels akin to choosing a favorite child. Yet, let’s be honest: every parent has a favorite.
I genuinely adore both of these experiences and found immense joy immersing myself in them with my partner. Regardless of your choice, both titles promise to foster a unique connection with your gaming companion, unlike any other.
Ultimately, It Takes Two claims the title through its intricate nuances—the characters, the narrative, the themes, and the emotional resonance.Playing as May and Cody as they navigate their relationship while tackling brilliantly crafted game design is nothing short of magical. While Split Fiction boasts grander moments, the heart and soul of It Takes Two set it apart.
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