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Split Fiction

Split Fiction is a masterpiece. Between engaging emotional storytelling and wildly experimental gameplay mechanics that manage to stay fun start to finish, everyone should play Split Fiction.
93%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
97% User Score Based on 12,814 reviews
Critic Score 89%Based on 37 reviews

Platforms

PCPCP5Playstation 5SDSteam DeckWinWindowsXSXXbox Series X|SPlaPlayStationXboxXbox

About

"Split Fiction" is a co-op action adventure game where players control writers Mio and Zoe, trapped in their own sci-fi and fantasy stories. They must work together to master various abilities, overcome challenges, and escape the machine stealing their ideas. The game features dynamic worlds with diverse settings, from taming dragons to fighting as cyber ninjas, making for an exciting and unexpected experience.

Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
Split Fiction screenshot
+5

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 12,851 reviews
story1.2k positive mentions
stability28 negative mentions

  • The graphics of 'Split Fiction' are stunning, with meticulous attention to detail that creates immersive environments and enhances the gameplay experience.
  • The gameplay is innovative and engaging, featuring diverse mechanics that keep the experience fresh and exciting, especially in co-op mode.
  • The emotional depth of the story, along with well-crafted character development, resonates with players, making for a heartfelt and memorable experience.
  • The story has been criticized for being predictable and lacking complexity, with some characters feeling bland and the dialogue forced.
  • Certain gameplay mechanics can feel underutilized or repetitive, leading to a sense of dullness in some sections.
  • While the game is generally well-optimized, some players have reported bugs and performance issues that detract from the overall experience.
  • story
    2,678 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Split Fiction" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its emotional depth and engaging character arcs, while others criticize it for being predictable and lacking complexity compared to its predecessor, "It Takes Two." Players appreciate the blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, as well as the creative side stories that enhance the overall experience, but some feel the main narrative is overshadowed by gameplay mechanics. Overall, the game is seen as a visually stunning and fun co-op adventure, though its storytelling may not resonate with everyone.

    • “From the storyline to the graphics, everything is thoughtfully crafted to ensure the player is fully engaged.”
    • “The story explores themes of creativity, self-doubt, and collaboration, making for an emotionally engaging experience.”
    • “Split fiction is a masterpiece that blends stunning visuals, heart-wrenching storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics to create an unforgettable experience.”
    • “Maybe it's just me, but I find the gameplay to be boring and the dialogues and story rather forced.”
    • “The main story is mildly disappointing to say the least.”
    • “The story is extremely generic, even the characters say that.”
  • gameplay
    2,379 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in "Split Fiction" has been widely praised for its innovative mechanics and engaging co-op experience, with players noting the seamless integration of diverse gameplay styles that keep the experience fresh and exciting. Each level introduces unique mechanics, ensuring that no two moments feel the same, while the game's visual design and character interactions enhance the overall enjoyment. However, some players have pointed out that certain mechanics can feel underutilized or repetitive, and the story may not be as compelling as its predecessor, "It Takes Two." Overall, the game is celebrated for its creativity and fun factor, making it a standout title in cooperative gaming.

    • “The gameplay is so insanely fun, and it breaks it up into different gameplay styles and challenges you with new abilities.”
    • “The gameplay is incredibly polished, and all the immensely varied mechanics feel satisfying to play.”
    • “Every level introduces fresh mechanics, keeping gameplay dynamic and challenging.”
    • “The gameplay feels fresh and is packed with references to other games that’ll have you going, 'hey, that’s Halo!' or 'hey, that’s Portal!'”
    • “The gameplay on the other hand was lacking and dull with ideas not being fleshed out or used very shortly which took away a great deal of depth.”
    • “The gameplay becomes repetitive and the 'puzzles' required zero thought or effort to solve.”
  • graphics
    877 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Split Fiction" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and meticulous attention to detail, creating immersive environments that enhance the gameplay experience. Players have praised the game's ability to blend various art styles, from sci-fi to fantasy, resulting in breathtaking scenes that captivate throughout the journey. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and enjoyment.

    • “Split fiction is an absolute masterpiece that blends stunning visuals, heart-wrenching storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics to create an unforgettable experience.”
    • “The aesthetics of the game are equally breathtaking, with beautifully designed environments that evoke both wonder and melancholy.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning, bringing every detail to life in a way that truly enhances the experience.”
    • “The graphics are horrible on the objects in the distance (even on high settings) and sometimes on the close ones too, where you had to ride the sand sharks; they made no animation or effects on the contact with the sand and shark, looked so awful.”
    • “The visuals are also slightly underwhelming.”
    • “The only thing this game has is visuals and 20 hours of repetitive gameplay.”
  • humor
    335 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its clever dialogue, absurd scenarios, and numerous hilarious moments that keep them engaged and laughing throughout. Many reviews note the game's ability to balance humor with heartfelt storytelling, making it a delightful experience for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. The inclusion of funny side stories, easter eggs, and interactive elements adds to the overall enjoyment, creating a memorable co-op experience filled with laughter and fun.

    • “Every moment feels carefully crafted to keep players immersed, whether you're laughing at the hilarious dialogues or feeling the weight of the heartfelt moments.”
    • “The humor is the other half of the joyride - there are some great moments in this game that left me gasping for air from the scenario, the dialogue, and pure chaos going on during all of it.”
    • “The game delicately balances humor, drama, and raw emotion, creating a journey.”
    • “Unfunny and somewhat cringe at its worst, and mildly amusing at its best, when it creates a fun or funny scenario to play through.”
    • “Not to mention, the characters are pretty bland and unfunny (when they try to be, at least).”
    • “Poo millennial writing unfunny overrated EA slop.”
  • emotional
    299 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Split Fiction" has been widely praised for its ability to evoke strong feelings, with many players reporting moments of laughter and tears throughout the game. The narrative explores deep themes such as creativity, loss, and personal growth, often resonating with players on a personal level. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in emotional depth compared to its predecessor, "It Takes Two," the overall consensus highlights the game's heartfelt storytelling and engaging character development as standout features that enhance the cooperative experience.

    • “The story explores themes of creativity, self-doubt, and collaboration, making for an emotionally engaging experience.”
    • “From the very first moments, the game grabs your heart and never lets go, with its emotional narrative that explores deep themes like loss, personal struggle, and the challenges we face as human beings.”
    • “The emotional moments move fast enough to not get in the way while hitting their beats competently.”
    • “Dull characters, boring story, awful dialogue, and repetitive gameplay.”
    • “Is it the most boring story-wise?”
    • “Half boring story with half boring minigames, but it's a thumbs up.”
  • optimization
    212 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization has received high praise, with many players noting its smooth performance and ability to run well even on lower-end hardware. While some minor frame drops were reported in specific areas, the majority of users experienced little to no performance issues, making it a standout title in an industry often criticized for poor optimization. The game's visuals and gameplay mechanics are also highlighted as impressive, further enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The game is well-optimized despite not using modern technologies like DLSS, DLAA, or DLFG. Throughout the entire game, I experienced unstable FPS only once.”
    • “The optimization is incredible; for such a beautiful game, you'd expect it to run poorly on low-end PCs, but nope, it can run on lower-end PCs and it's fantastic.”
    • “This is the first and only studio I’ve witnessed pull off an Unreal Engine 5 game with flawless performance and gorgeous visuals simultaneously.”
    • “The optimization this time is somewhat lacking.”
    • “Games are getting more expensive, optimization is getting worse, and on top of that, Nvidia keeps increasing GPU prices without improving performance.”
    • “Very unoptimized though.”
  • music
    210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received a mixed response from players, with many praising its ability to enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of the narrative, while others felt it lacked memorability or impact. Some reviews highlighted the soundtrack as a standout feature, noting its rich variety and seamless integration with gameplay, while a few critiques pointed out that certain tracks felt underwhelming or out of place. Overall, the music is generally regarded as a strong complement to the game's visuals and storytelling, contributing to an immersive experience.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the narrative, enhancing the atmosphere and amplifying the emotional impact of the story.”
    • “The music score was absolutely incredible.”
    • “The switches between genres are so well done, and every stage is immersive; the art design is beautifully done, and the soundtrack hits the emotion and atmosphere on every mark.”
    • “The only noticeable drawback in my opinion was that the music didn't stand out much to me.”
    • “This was exacerbated by a soundtrack that felt like it played too safe.”
    • “Music wasn't what I would call a strong point for Hazelight's other two games, with the exception of the song at the end of It Takes Two, but it leads me to wish that there was improvement in this area as some parts of the story I wasn't particularly fond of could have been amplified and made better with more impactful music.”
  • character development
    76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received a mixed response from players, with many praising the depth and emotional resonance of the protagonists' journeys, particularly the relationship between Mio and Zoe, which is highlighted as exceptional. However, some critiques point to instances of rushed or clichéd development, particularly in the early stages, leading to a disjointed experience. Overall, while the character arcs are often described as touching and well-crafted, there are notable inconsistencies in execution that affect player engagement.

    • “The character development between Mio and Zoe is some of the best writing I've witnessed in a long time, and this game has been a key contributing factor to reigniting my passion for writing.”
    • “The character development, voice acting, and world-building create a journey that feels alive and personal.”
    • “The story and character development were well done and allowed the players to slowly get acquainted with the main characters.”
    • “The character development feels rushed; it seems like all it takes is some light pestering and a few conversations to get the characters to dump their trauma out of nowhere, and hopping between stories makes the entire game feel disjointed.”
    • “Their character development is shallow and only occurs in a very cliched way toward the end of the game.”
    • “The character development is almost non-existent throughout the game.”
  • stability
    60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability has received largely positive feedback, with many players noting a lack of significant glitches or bugs at launch. While a few minor issues were reported, they did not detract from the overall experience, and many praised the game's smooth performance and visual quality. This release stands out in a market often plagued by technical problems, making it a refreshing and polished experience for players.

    • “There were no glitches or any problems.”
    • “The game came out bug free and optimized day 1, which is already admirable in the current state of the gaming industry.”
    • “Gameplay is peak, definitely the most fun co-op game out there, and I played through the full game at launch with no glitches or performance issues.”
    • “Frankly, Split Fiction is an overpriced, buggy mess—its imaginative charm completely drowned out by Benjamin's constant killing spree.”
    • “I can only play for about an hour before it freezes and a fatal error message pops up, crashing the whole game.”
    • “Gameplay is pretty good although a bit repetitive and buggy.”
  • replayability
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed, with some players appreciating the character-switching mechanics and unique level designs that encourage multiple playthroughs, while others find it limited due to its linearity and lack of new challenges. Many agree that playing with different characters or co-op partners can enhance the experience, but the absence of higher difficulty settings and the predictability of set pieces diminish its long-term appeal. While some players report enjoying the game enough to replay it, others feel that once the story is known, the incentive to revisit is minimal.

    • “Every day we see more videos of secret levels/easter eggs that we missed, so there's definitely replayability there, even if you just switch characters and repeat the main campaign.”
    • “The character-switching mechanic adds layers of replayability, making each playthrough feel distinct.”
    • “The variety of activities ensures that there’s always something new to discover, adding to the game’s overall replayability.”
    • “There isn’t much that encourages replayability.”
    • “The replayability kind of sucks since you've already done it all once, but I guess you could play with another.”
    • “There's not much replay value once you clear the game.”
  • atmosphere
    40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating qualities, with meticulously designed environments and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. Players appreciate the seamless integration of various genres, each offering a unique and stunning atmosphere that keeps them engaged throughout the gameplay. Overall, the combination of rich storytelling, exceptional visuals, and atmospheric sound design creates a memorable experience that resonates deeply with players.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the narrative, enhancing the atmosphere and amplifying the emotional impact of the story.”
    • “From the very first moments, we were captivated by its atmosphere, well-written characters, and immersive world.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, with meticulously designed environments that perfectly complement the dark, atmospheric vibe of the game.”
    • “It fit the atmosphere but didn't have a huge impact.”
    • “The tone in Split Fiction is often dark, mysterious, or unsettling, adding to the tension as the story builds.”
    • “The fragmented nature of the plot can make the atmosphere more intense as everything slowly starts to fall into place.”
  • grinding
    37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate a mixed perception of grinding in the game. While many players feel that grinding is excessive and tedious, requiring significant time investment, others appreciate that the game manages to keep the experience engaging and rewarding, avoiding monotonous mechanics. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a double-edged sword, with some players finding it necessary for completion while others enjoy the challenge without feeling overwhelmed.

    • “One of the biggest highlights for me is that there's no wasted time—no tedious sequences where you walk ten steps just to trigger another cutscene, like so many games do today.”
    • “No grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “About halfway through our first playthrough, we started to notice the tediousness of some sections.”
    • “Without spoiling anything, it can be described as tedious, uninspired, repetitive, without rhythm.”
  • monetization
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is highly praised, with no microtransactions, loot boxes, or additional downloadable content (DLC) present. Players appreciate the generous "friend pass" feature, allowing one player to share the game with a friend for free, making cooperative gaming more accessible. Overall, the game is celebrated for its focus on delivering a pure, enjoyable experience without the typical monetization pitfalls seen in the industry.

    • “No microtransactions, and you only need to buy one copy since the other person can use the friend's pass and play the whole game for free, which is incredibly generous considering the game doesn't cost that much to begin with, despite its short 10-20 hour runtime.”
    • “For €50 you get the full game, no microtransactions, and it's bug-free since launch day. You will not find much co-op action like this from Hazelight—gaming in its pure form!”
    • “With no microtransactions and a friend pass that lets one player join for free, they make cooperative gaming more accessible and enjoyable.”
    • “I wouldn't even review this game at all, but my social media was crowded by bots advertising this trash and I decided to make sure you, the future buyer, will know that I hate this game.”
    • “Wish more game developers cared about these than maximizing monetization...”
    • “Only one copy needed and no microtransactions; how much more obvious can they be that they actually care about their game and audience, rather than a cash grab.”

Buy Split Fiction

13h Median play time
12h Average play time
7-16h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 69 analyzed playthroughs

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