Split Fiction

About Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios returns in 2025 with Split Fiction, a cooperative adventure that blends platforming and puzzle solving. Two writers named Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster get trapped inside their own fictional worlds after a machine steals their creativity. Mio handles the sci-fi settings while Zoe manages the fantasy realms, forcing them to jump between these distinct environments to survive. The game launched on March 6 across PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch 2. It runs in split-screen mode so two players can work together locally or online. This setup creates a narrative where contrasting genres collide as friends try to escape their imaginations with their memories intact.

Gameplay

You control one of the two protagonists who must navigate physics-based platforms while solving environmental puzzles. The core loop involves switching between Mio's sci-fi zones and Zoe's fantasy lands to access abilities needed in the other genre. One player might need to jump over a laser grid only if the partner uses magic to lower it. You collect items, activate switches, and time your movements precisely to progress through the story. Sessions feel like a series of escalating challenges where communication is mandatory. The split-screen view keeps both perspectives visible at all times. You will spend most of your time coordinating jumps, using unique character powers, and figuring out how mechanics from one world apply to the other to unlock the next section of the narrative.

What Players Think

The data shows Split Fiction hit the ground running with an IGDB score of 90.6 out of 100 based on 175 ratings. Players report high completion rates since the co-op design feels fair rather than punishing. Average playtime sits around 8 hours for a full run through. Community moods lean heavily toward positive, with users praising the chemistry between Mio and Zoe. Review snippets frequently mention the seamless transition between sci-fi and fantasy elements as a highlight. Critics noted the tight controls and the way the game forces genuine collaboration rather than just parallel play. The community stats suggest this is one of the strongest local multiplayer entries released this year so far.

PlayPile's Take

Split Fiction delivers a solid 90-point experience that rewards communication over individual skill. At its current price point, it offers roughly 8 hours of content packed with inventive level design. You will earn achievements for mastering specific genre-switching puzzles and completing the story together. This title suits groups who want a narrative-driven challenge without the frustration of unbalanced difficulty. Do not buy this if you prefer single-player stories or solo gaming sessions. The game works best when two people sit on the same couch to tackle its unique genre-hopping mechanics head-on.

Storyline

Mio and Zoe are contrasting writers – one writes sci-fi and the other writes fantasy – who become trapped in their own stories after being hooked up to a machine designed to steal their creative ideas. They’ll have to rely on each other to break free with their memories in-tact, working together to master a variety of abilities and overcome diverse challenges while jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this unexpected tale of friendship.