Games

Discover the Co-Op Adventure That Redefines Multiplayer Excitement in Split Fiction!

BBG News

Director Josef Fares’ studio Hazelight has carved out quite an impressive niche for itself. The games A Way Out and It Takes Two showcase the developer’s knack for creating cooperative experiences brimming with innovative ideas (with It Takes Two arguably being more so), and their latest co-op adventure, Split Fiction, follows suit. After establishing its intriguing premise through an odd plot device (more on that later) and introducing you to protagonists Zoe and Mio, Split Fiction jumps straight into the action without pause. It might be beneficial to ensure any friend you’re bringing along for this journey is familiar with fast-paced platformers – this is a thrilling adventure that at times requires extraordinary focus and agility.

The storyline of “Split Fiction” revolves around Zoe and Mio, two aspiring authors seeking a deal from Rader Publishing, a colossal company that dwarfs Penguin in size. Zoe specializes in fantasy novels while Mio excels in sci-fi writing. During their visit to Rader’s headquarters, they find themselves strapped into advanced bodysuits, which I seem to have overlooked how and why. However, Mio balks at the idea of being connected to a massive machine that would encapsulate her in a bubble. After an altercation with Mr. Rader, she is forced into Zoe’s bubble, leading to an unexpected predicament: they are now trapped within each other’s narratives. This setup is intriguing, yet it leaves us pondering questions such as: what kind of publishing house would invest vast amounts in a machine for suspending its authors in suspended animation? And why does everyone accept this except for Mio?

As a passionate gamer, I must say that “Split Fiction” is an exhilarating journey from start to finish, despite some sections that can be quite intense. Playing it alongside my partner, whose gaming experience is limited to titles like “Overcooked!” and Telltale’s “The Walking Dead,” we managed to conquer “It Takes Two.” However, there’s no way we could have tackled “Split Fiction” together without a few heated moments! This game may be trickier and more intense, but it’s just as rich with imaginative set pieces. It keeps throwing new game mechanics and intriguing cooperative puzzles at you at an astonishing pace.

Thankfully, there are some helpful accessibility options included. For instance, there are settings for prompt actions, assistance with camera movement, enemies dealing less damage, and the option to skip to the next checkpoint if you’re really stuck. These features ensure that even players who might be finding it tough to progress can still reach the end of the game.

In Split Fiction, you’ll find yourself reluctant to rush through any part of the game due to its intricately designed puzzles and traversal sections that deliver a satisfying burst of dopamine upon solving them. The majority of the game is played in split-screen mode, whether you’re playing with a friend locally or online, and the screen seamlessly merges when needed. There’s never a dull moment in this game as you journey between sci-fi and fantasy realms, taking a brief detour for Side Stories if you wish. These optional Side Stories are where some of Split Fiction’s most quirky and memorable moments can be found, such as wallowing in filth as a rainbow-farting pig or fighting a mechanical dentist while controlling a walking tooth with googly eyes.

The twelve side stories in this game are absolutely vital, veering off on unexpected paths at times, while playfully experimenting within the boundaries of traditional fantasy and science fiction themes (with a distinctive twist), such as a future game show with a time bomb, or a captivating side-scrolling adventure through one of Zoe’s old notebooks, beautifully outlined in delicate pencil strokes. Despite the main plot offering its own share of clever cooperative interactions to enjoy – much like “It Takes Two,” there’s a lively air of fun that runs throughout, as Hazelight frequently alters the gameplay and introduces fresh elements.

In one moment, you could find yourself in a high-speed motorcycle pursuit through a vibrant, neon-lit metropolis, and in the next, soaring on the back of a dragon over a breathtaking Tolkien-inspired landscape. The game keeps you guessing with its abundance of innovative ideas, leaving you curious about what else Hazelight Studio might have hidden up their sleeves. Fortunately, the game’s platforming mechanics are flawless, making double jumps, dashes, and wall-runs feel smooth and responsive. Each new element or twist adds to the game’s overall polish without disrupting the balance, creating an experience that is not only well-executed but visually stunning as well.

In an impressive feat, Hazelight has kept the high standard they set with “It Takes Two” nearly four years ago, and their latest release, “Split Fiction,” continues to impress. This game offers an exhilarating and captivating experience that you can enjoy for around fifteen hours with a friend. “Split Fision” isn’t just a thrilling cooperative adventure that transitions seamlessly from one breathtaking sequence to another, but it also pauses the action to delve into the emotional struggles of its characters with care and empathy.

Initially, Mio is quite hostile towards Zoe, but watching their relationship develop as they gradually find common ground is a delightful aspect of the game. Putting that aside, this game is simply fantastic, packed with non-stop action. Few games can match “Split Fision” in terms of imagination, intelligence, and consistent enjoyment – it’s truly a compelling narrative.

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2025-03-04 19:40

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