Critics Praise 'Split Fiction'

The gaming press has already had hands-on time with the latest title from Josef Fares (It Takes Two) and shared their initial impressions.

Currently, Split Fiction holds an average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics widely praise the game for its relentless introduction of fresh gameplay mechanics, which successfully avoids any sense of repetition. However, some reviews have noted a relatively thin narrative and a shorter-than-expected playtime:

Gameractor UK - 100 GameSpot - 100 Inverse - 100 Push Square - 100 PC Games - 100 TechRadar Gaming - 100 Variety - 100 Eurogamer - 100 Areajugones - 95 IGN USA - 90 GameSpuer - 90 Quiteshockers - 90 PlayStation Lifestiles - 90 Vandal - 90 Stevivor - 80 TheGamer - 80 VGC - 80 Wccftech - 80 Hardcore Gamer - 70

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' finest work to date and one of this generation's most impressive co-op experiences. It dazzles with its sheer variety, keeping players thoroughly engaged at every moment. Every mechanic is polished to a high standard, and while a couple of minor flaws exist, they are utterly overshadowed by the constant, thrilling stream of new ideas the game introduces. It's a true celebration of creativity and innovation.Gameractor UK — 100/100

From beginning to end, Split Fiction is a fantastic adventure. It stands as one of the most creative and engaging co-op games available, serving as a vibrant testament to the limitless potential of human imagination.Eurogamer — 100/100

Split Fiction is a masterfully crafted co-op adventure that expertly blends two distinct genres. It's a rollercoaster of ideas and gameplay styles that shift at a breathtaking pace, ensuring the experience remains thrilling across its 14-hour runtime. Because no single mechanic ever overstays its welcome, the game becomes a triumph of imagination. Hazelight hasn't just rewritten the rules of co-op gaming—it has authored an essential new chapter that you and a partner must experience.IGN USA — 90/100

Visually, Split Fiction marks a significant leap forward from the studio's previous title, It Takes Two, though the two share many mechanical similarities. At times, the constant switching between two primary locations risks feeling repetitive, but a wealth of side stories and ever-evolving mechanics ensure the gameplay stays compelling throughout. The same, however, cannot be said for its plot, which leaves room for improvement.VGC — 80/100

Split Fiction is both shorter and more expensive than It Takes Two. While it lacks the groundbreaking originality and sheer variety of its predecessor, it still delivers a fun and exciting experience for two players. It's a solid project, though it doesn't quite meet the lofty expectations set by the studio's earlier work.Hardcore Gamer — 70/100

Split Fiction launches on March 6, 2025, for current-generation consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC.