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Game Information

Game Title: Split Fiction

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Mar 6, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Mar 6, 2025)
• PC (Mar 6, 2025)

Trailer:

• Split Fiction | Official Co-op Gameplay Trailer
• Split Fiction World Premiere Trailer from The Game Awards 2024
• Split Fiction | Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer

Developer: Hazelight Studios

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 91 average - 100% recommended
Metacritic - 90 average - Based on 45 Reviews (PS5)

Critic Reviews


Atarita - Atakan Gümrükçüoğlu - Turkish - 100 / 100

If you're wondering how to push the boundaries of imagination in a game, you might want to check out Split Fiction. Gorgeous and always surprising level designs, masterfully designed platforms, and an intriguing story ending. You should definitely play this game, and if possible, bring your best friend with you.

But Why Tho? - Arron Kluz - 9 / 10

The most impressive element of Split Fiction is how well it ties everything together. Its disparate locales and subplots all share a beautiful, unified art style with a story that melds perfectly with its gameplay.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

Hazelight Studio's Split Fiction elevates the co-op experience to new heights while telling a touching story about loss and friendship.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 5 / 5

Quote not yet available

Digital Spy - Jess Lee - 4 / 5

While Split Fiction doesn't necessarily break new ground, it's an entertaining ride and delivers a polished co-operative experience with an infectious level of enthusiasm.

Digitec Magazine - Philipp Rüegg - German - 5 / 5

The amount of ideas would have been enough for ten games, whereby the novelty would have quickly evaporated. And that is exactly what makes the game so appealing. As soon as you get used to one scene or mechanic, the next one follows. It never gets boring. The game moves at an incredible pace.

GRYOnline.pl - Krzysztof Mysiak - Polish - 9 / 10

Split Fiction is yet another triumph for Josef Fares. In the area of co-op experiences, nobody has even come close to what Hazelight proposes. No one can top this brilliant and incredibly difficult to execute gameplay formula. I can’t wait to hear the developers fiery speech at this year’s Game Awards, when he will undoubtedly receive another trophy.

Gameblog - French - 9 / 10

The stakes were high after It Takes Two. How to get past GOTY 2021? Hazelight found the answer with Split Fiction. A true gameplay success, it's never a pleasure to hold the controller in your hand. Josef Fares' teams have not lost any of their inventiveness, either, and manage to offer us a gameplay experience we never tire of. Most of the storyline could have done with a bit more surprise, but it's a solid one that works from start to finish. What more could you ask for? It's another nugget from a studio that puts the pleasure of playing above all else.

Gamepressure - Matt Buckley - 9 / 10

Split Fiction is another jewel in Hazelight Studio’s ever-growing crown of co-op adventures. This game constantly introduces new mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh, and each new story feels unique, despite continually returning to the same two genres. There are random difficulty spikes that can easily trip up inexperienced players and lead to frustration, but this was some of the most fast-paced, light-hearted fun I’ve had in a long time.

Gamer.no - Espen Jansen - Unknown - 8 / 10

Despite its somewhat lackluster story and a few wearisome sci-fi sequences, Split Fiction is a solid next outing for Hazelight. The game delivers a plethora of charming vistas, some truly engaging gameplay mechanics and great co-op innovations through most of its 12 hour journey.

Gaming Age - Matthew Pollesel - 8.5 / 10

Regardless of whether you want to play with someone else in-person or online, Split Fiction is well worth your time. It’s an excellent co-op adventure, and it’s easy to imagine the game garnering the same kind of following – and accolades – as It Takes Two.

Kakuchopurei - Lewis Larcombe - 80 / 100

At the end of the day, Split Fiction is exactly what co-op gaming should be—fun, engaging, and just frustrating enough to make you want to throw the controller, but not the relationship, out the window. It’s not a revolutionary experience, but it’s a damn good one. And in a world where split-screen co-op is becoming rarer than a good Nicolas Cage movie, that’s worth celebrating.

MKAU Gaming - Dylan Kocins - 10 / 10

Hazelight Studios has once again proven with ‘Split Fiction’ that they are masters of the co-op genre, crafting an experience that is both emotionally resonant and mechanically brilliant.

Noisy Pixel - Azario Lopez - 8 / 10

Split Fiction is a wildly imaginative co-op adventure that thrives on unpredictability. Hazelight Studios masterfully blends platforming, puzzles, and genre shifts into a thrilling yet sometimes overwhelming experience. While its narrative structure can feel disjointed, the inventive gameplay and forced collaboration make it a must-play for co-op fans.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 8 / 10

Split Fiction presents a blend of game mechanics, story ideas, and narrative elements that offer an entertaining and engaging affair from start to finish. The main campaign deserves to be followed, with numerous intriguing side stories that enrich the overall experience.

Although the title starts slower than It Takes Two, Split Fiction ultimately delivers the same signature, satisfying co-op adventure that can only be experienced through the creative vision of Josef Fares and his team at Hazelight Studios.

PPE.pl - Wojciech Gruszczyk - Polish - 10 / 10

Cooperation at the highest level with interesting stories of the main characters and a bit silly main plot, but.... how it all comes together well. The finale will make you want to play again. At least a second time.

PSX Brasil - Marco Aurélio Couto - Portuguese - 100 / 100

Split Fiction cements Hazelight as one of the best studios today and proves that creative freedom and fun are still essential concepts for the gaming industry. With unique gameplay that never stops introducing new ideas, an engaging narrative and exemplary technical execution, Split Fiction is not only the pinnacle of cooperative games, but also an unforgettable experience.

PlayStation LifeStyle - Tyler Treese - 9 / 10

Hazelight Studios has done it again and crafted one of the PlayStation 5's best co-op games.

Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 10 / 10

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' best game yet, and stands out as one of the most accomplished and fun co-op titles on PS5 to date. Its peerless variety means there's never a dull moment, and all of its different mechanics are consistently well-executed. There are one or two minor complaints you can throw at this, but they all fade into the background when the game is constantly showing you new ideas and almost never pausing for breath. This is proof, if more was needed, that Josef Fares and his team has found a really special formula, one that allows them to explore an incredible range of gameplay that's only enhanced by its singular co-op vision.

Quest Daily - Julian Price - 10 / 10

Split Fiction isn’t just one of the best co-op games I’ve played — it’s one of the best games I’ve ever played, period. A truly unforgettable experience, its relentless creativity, thrilling set pieces, and emotional storytelling set a new bar for co-op adventures.

SIFTER - Gianni Di Giovanni, Adam Christou - Loved

Asymmetrical design really stands out with some funny and absolutely unforgettable gameplay that had us cackling when we just lost ourselves in play. The story merely serves as the thinnest veneer to get you from one set piece to another but that's fine, SPLIT FICTION might not have the same emotional resonance of previous Hazelight games, but we couldn't wait to switch characters and try it again.

Saudi Gamer - Arabic - 8 / 10

The game is brimming with ideas and homages and bombards you constantly with new gameplay styles, with varying degrees of quality, but the good outnumbers the bad easily.

Sirus Gaming - Lexuzze Tablante - 10 / 10

Split Fiction goes beyond just another great co-op game from Hazelight; it reignites the importance of couch co-op. It's a reminder that truly memorable co-op experiences are built in the living room, sharing laughter, brainstorming, and emotional moments together. This game is a grand spectacle of co-op.

TechRaptor - Erren Van Duine - 9 / 10

Split Fiction is one of the most ambitious games ever made. Despite its lofty goals, the team at Hazelight has put together a solid character narrative, with so many fun gameplay mechanics to help the protagonists on their big adventure.

The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 10 / 10

Split Fiction goes beyond offering the greatest co-op adventure this year. It is a love letter to many game genres and franchises that reminds us that games can be all about having fun with someone else.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 9.1 / 10

Whether you're being propelled through the air with the power of pig farts or tearing up thanks to an emotional reveal, Split Fiction is so densely packed with hilarity, heart, and hectic action that you'll never forget every moment you spent playing it with a friend.

XGN.nl - Luuc ten Velde - Dutch - 8.8 / 10

Split Fiction is an excellent follow-up to It Takes Two. Though the very similar concept loses its shine a little bit, constantly changing gameplay, a heartwarming story and plenty of memorable moments make up for that. As does the plethora of easter eggs that can be found throughout the game.

 

[Heisenberg007]

Another GOTY incoming for Hazelight?

 

[Loomy]

Is it just me or did this game get barely any promo at all?

 

[Evil Calvin]

Can it be played solo? Because I don't like people.

 

[Gonzito]

This papito doesn't have physical friends to play it

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Damn, another banger! Didn’t expect anything less from the "fuck the oscars’ guy himself, Josef Fares!

 

[viveks86]

Fantastic! I finally have the need to get a second controller

 

[Pey.]

My review (10/10) with lots of 4K screenshots > https://www.pcmrace.com/2025/03/04/split-fiction-review-analisis-resena-pc/

 

[tTHANOSs]

Is it just me or did this game get barely any promo at all?

They probably don't need it.

 

[scydrex]

 

[Draugoth]

The only thing stealing Hazelight GOTY is GTA 6 and Kingdom Come 2

 

[Miyazaki’s Slave]

100% missed seeing anything about this game.

100% just bought some copies....looks like a complete blast!

 

[LordCBH]

These scores absolutely do not shock me. They’re so goddamn good at making the games they make it’s insane!

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Looks awesome. Now I gotta try having a friend

 

[Certinty]

He's only fuckin' gone and done it again.

Dear God at this man's output.

 

[ShaiKhulud1989]

Fares is truly a Jesus of couch co-op.

 

[Certinty]

Can it be played solo? Because I don't like people.

You're in luck.

 

[Shubh_C63]

Holy crap. This guy cannot fail.

 

[HRK69]

Another banger

'Worst gen ever' lmfao

 

[viveks86]

 

[touchfuzzy]

Sounds great, my oldest kid is perfect age and skill level to enjoy this with me now -- he was too young for It Takes Two, and I tried with my wife and she is too bad at games.

 

[r@v3n]

Fares can't miss, damn!!

 

[Hollowpoint5557]

I'll play it only if I can skip cutscenes.

 

[thatJohann]

Can I play this single player?

 

[nial]

How many studios have delivered more than one GOTY contender for the whole gen thus far?

 

[Horseganador]

Another 90 game in a few days.

 

[viveks86]

Strange that after selling 20 million copies of it takes two, the fanfare for this game seems quite tame. Will this hit the same mammoth sales numbers?

 

[coachmcguirk91]

Strange that after selling 20 million copies of it takes two, the fanfare for this game seems quite tame. Will this hit the same mammoth sales numbers?

It's the type of game that is hard to market. Videos don't really do it justice. Word of mouth is how the first sold so well. As well as winning GOTY

 

[Nvzman]

Dude casually says "Fuck the Oscars" and drops like three banger video games in a row, dude is my hero at this point lol

 

[viveks86]

It's the type of game that is hard to market. Videos don't really do it justice. Word of mouth is how the first sold so well. As well as winning GOTY

Agreed. I just assumed after the first massive success, it wouldn't have to rely on word of mouth again.

Meta is up to 91 now!

 

[coachmcguirk91]

This year is off to a really strong start. KCD2, MHW, and Split Fiction all dropping within a month. If released last year, every one of those games would compete for GOTY

 

[DownLikeBCPowder]

Wow. I thought this game looked like meh/no interest from the showcase, but those reviews are really good.. Might have to look into it. Can I play it single player though?

 

[bender]

The only thing stealing Hazelight GOTY is GTA 6 and Kingdom Come 2

Pathologic 3 laughs in your general direction.

 

[balls of snow]

The only thing stealing Hazelight GOTY is GTA 6 and Kingdom Come 2

Hades 2

 

[balls of snow]

I wonder if wom reach the wider audience that this is the follow up to It Takes Two.

 

[Halcyon]

I just want to know if I can buy it digitally on Thursday or if I have to get a physical copy.

 

[MMaRsu]

Very excited to play this

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Looks cool. Will give it a shot.

It Takes Two was great.

 

[drotahorror]

Hazelight does not miss.

 

[analog_future]

Looks like another GOTY candidate from Hazelight. Can't wait to play this!

 

[AJUMP23]

My son and I loved It Takes 2. I hope we can do this one. What is the profanity meter?

 

[Dorfdad]

Does this support cross platform play?! Like ps5 and pc players can play together?

 

[mitch1971]

Does this support cross platform play?! Like ps5 and pc players can play together?

Yes. In fact one player only has to have the game, and another friend can download a copy for free and play with you, even crossplay. (consoles, you can. Need confirmation on pc and console.)

 

[Bartski]

saving another one for my future gamer wife

Spoiler

 

[SpiceRacz]

Split Fiction?

I hadn’t heard of this game until today. Seems kind of out nowhere. Those scores are impressive though.

 

[MMaRsu]

Split Fiction?

I hadn’t heard of this game until today. Seems kind of out nowhere. Those scores are impressive though.

Splitscreen coop game made by the people behind A Way Out and It Takes Two

 

[Idleyes]

Asking for my wife: "Does it have friendly fire, like It Takes Two?"

 

[genesisblock]

Hazelight is the a true treasure in the industry. Their co-op games are fun and creative.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Btw, this rapid-fire questions video done by minmax with Josef Fares was really good (probably the best interview format for someone like him, lol):

 

[DirtInUrEye]

I dunno, kind of got bored halfway through both of their previous co-op adventures. I hope they're successful though, as the niche for this stuff clearly exists.