Split Fiction Co-op Gameplay Preview: Exploring New Frontiers

In 2021, It Takes Two made waves by capturing multiple prestigious awards, including the coveted Game of the Year title at The Game Awards. While many developers might have opted to build a franchise around that success, Hazelight Studios chose a different path. The studio has embraced an innovative approach, plunging deeper into cooperative gameplay with their latest title, Split Fiction. This new project intriguingly intertwines elements of science fiction and fantasy, delivering a unique experience that only Hazelight could create. After a hands-on session, we’re thrilled to share that this game promises to be another extraordinary and genre-defying adventure.

The initial gameplay experience of Split Fiction was showcased at the end of 2024 during a session led by director Josef Fares. Unlike a traditional game demo, it was a series of rapid sequences that left us eager and impressed by the studio’s bold ambitions. The more recent preview, although still somewhat fragmented, offered deeper insights as we toggled between various segments of the game. Text displayed on the screen informed us of our transitions, either advancing to new stages or continuing through our current levels. This design choice effectively maintained the focus on the game’s rich diversity while preserving its narrative intrigue.

Split Fiction: A Meta Commentary with Heart

The narrative of Split Fiction revolves around two writers, Zoe and Mio, who have distinct preferences—Zoe favors fantasy, while Mio leans towards science fiction. Hired by a game development company that employs advanced technologies to give life to their creative works, the story takes a fascinating turn. Although the technology is meant for a single writer’s use, both characters find themselves in a shared world blending their unique genres. While Zoe’s fantasy realm and Mio’s sci-fi universe initially appear independent—each reflecting their childhood inspirations—there are serendipitous opportunities for these genres to entwine.

Much like its predecessor It Takes Two, which examined marriage and connection, Split Fiction seeks to unite Zoe and Mio as they navigate their distinct genre narratives. While hints of a larger story structure are present, the developers seem keen on letting players uncover the storyline organically, opting to focus on the engaging gameplay experience instead.

Gameplay Evolution: A Constantly Evolving Experience

While detailing the myriad of gameplay mechanics from our three-hour preview of Split Fiction might be tempting, it hardly encapsulates the full spectrum of what the game offers. Hazelight Studio’s endeavor to deliver an unparalleled diversity of gameplay is evident, as they invest extensive development time into segments designed to be completed in mere minutes.

In the sci-fi realm, players control Zoe with a laser whip while Mio wields a neon katana, marking just the beginning of an expansive array of mechanics. Each character has a foundational toolkit that Hazelight continuously enhances, starting with basic traversal assets. For instance, Mio can manipulate gravity by throwing his sword, allowing them to traverse walls and ceilings, while Zoe uses her whip to interact with the environment, opening pathways. Once they’ve established a foothold in these mechanics, gameplay escalates to sequences involving high-speed hover cars, combat against enemy helicopters, and navigating chaotic scenarios.

Across the fantasy landscapes, draconic elements play a central role. There is a dedicated section focusing on raising dragons from infancy to adulthood, and our gameplay session included interaction with dragons catchy enough to ride. During our preview, we engaged with partially-grown dragons—Mio’s could spit acid and hover, while Zoe’s dragon could charge into obstacles. Collaborative efforts were necessary to solve a series of puzzles aimed at powering up a statue, thus enhancing their dragons.

Fascinatingly, players can shape-shift into various creatures—one nimble and the other robust. For Zoe, transformation into a fairy allows for extended jumping abilities, reminiscent of a frog’s leaps, while Mio morphs into a graceful aquatic creature adept at gliding through water. The ability to revert back to human form also extends to transforming into larger, more fantastical beings—Zoe becomes a Groot-like entity, while Mio transforms into a hulking blue-furred creature. Such variety within transformations epitomizes Hazelight’s creative philosophy, aiming to exceed players’ expectations.

The game’s progression feels organic, as each level mechanism evolves. Initial learning phases are quickly followed by surprising gameplay wrinkles that keep players engaged. In the shapeshifting scenario, players learn how each form facilitates traversal but soon must synchronize precise movements for mutual progression.

Unlike It Takes Two‘s competitive mini-games, Split Fiction features narrative-focused side stories. These optional experiences offer exciting diversions, with at least one cooperative and one competitive offering glimpsed during our session. In one instance, Zoe and Mio navigate as pigs, leveraging unique powers to tackle platforming puzzles, while the other involves a thrilling score-based snowboarding challenge aimed at chaining tricks to maximize points.

Although optional, Hazelight encourages players to explore these side stories, and based on what we experienced, they are well worth pursuing. For those who have caught a glimpse of Split Fiction trailers, the pig side story hints at offbeat and engaging narratives that evolve intriguingly.

Split Fiction Preview: Final Thoughts

In a landscape where few studios can match the innovative spirit of Hazelight, each release becomes an eagerly anticipated event. Their commitment to collaborative gameplay encourages players to work together while simultaneously captivating them with stunning visuals and varied interactive experiences. This thrilling combination fosters memorable moments filled with laughter, excitement, and challenges. The sheer ambition behind Split Fiction, which consistently surprises without relying on a single note, sets it apart in the gaming arena. Even within just three hours of gameplay, we encountered a diverse array of mechanics, all while managing just one character. Technically, the game showcases impressive wizardry—rendering two distinct screens in tandem—while visually, the vibrant sci-fi and fantasy worlds deliver breathtaking sights.

The overarching narrative integration remains a question mark, but early glimpses of gameplay indicate that Split Fiction is well-positioned to be another monumental success for Hazelight. The experience is a testament to the creators’ dedication to entertainment and ongoing innovative mechanics. While some studios aspire to replicate their formula, Split Fiction establishes that no one delivers cooperative fun quite like Hazelight.

Split Fiction is slated for release on March 6, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Game Rant was provided accommodations for this preview.

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