I absolutely love when a video game leaves me in awe, and in my one-hour hands-on session with Hazelight Studios’ latest creation, Split Fiction, I found myself saying ‘wow’ more times than I can count. Set for release by EA, this game has a flair for constant surprise, reminiscent of its award-winning predecessor, It Takes Two.
Engaging in this co-op adventure was none other than the founder of Hazelight, Josef Fares. If you’re on my side of the pond, you might describe him as quite the extravagant gentleman. In today’s lingo, you might even say he has substantial ‘rizz.’ He was so elegantly put together that I almost felt I should be interviewing him for GQ rather than testing out a new video game. Being a bit of a luxury watch fanatic, I couldn’t help but check out the timepiece on his wrist—a move that didn’t disappoint.
I often use my phone as a makeshift dictaphone, and Google’s AI usually attempts a haphazard transcription of my conversations. And the name it gives these transcripts often reflects what’s discussed—’Flight’ when speaking with the minds behind Flight Simulator, ‘Monster’ with Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto. When I chatted with Fares? The AI christened it ‘Shitload.’ This makes sense given Fares’ candid manner of speaking and also perfectly sums up the game itself.
Split Fiction follows a design mantra of providing an abundance of content, but not in a cluttered map full of markers way. This game chooses to surprise players with fresh elements every few minutes, creating a linear adventure with a sprinkle of side quests that continuously made me vocalize my amazement.
Admittedly, there’s always the risk that new titles from Hazelight might feel like just another version of the same concept. That thought surfaced when I first learned about Split Fiction, pre-announcement. However, the game’s intricate design, compelling backdrop, and constant push for new ideas quickly dispelled those concerns, ensuring it didn’t feel like a simple rehash of It Takes Two.
The core idea pivots on a dynamic duo of opposites. Both authors, the protagonists Zoe and Mio are as different as their chosen genres. Zoe is all about fantasy swords and sandals, while Mio ventures into the realm of science fiction. Their worlds intertwine unexpectedly when a brain-scanning contraption designed to bring imagination to virtual life ends up blending their distinct stories.
This mix leads to a game experience split right down the middle, pun absolutely intended. One moment, you’re navigating a sci-fi city reminiscent of Blade Runner, and the next, you’re in a fantasy forest that would fit right into any epic saga Zoe might have imagined.
How the game uses this framework is enchanting, subverting gaming concepts in ways that keep players on their toes. Some levels channel the spirit of classic Metroid puzzles, while others springboard into an exhilarating session of snowboarding akin to a classic SSX game, even as they unfold in a sci-fi backdrop.
Josef Fares is well aware of the gem Hazelight has crafted here. With a grin, he revels in showing off Split Fiction’s capabilities, teleporting me between levels to showcase different mechanics. This game isn’t just content-heavy; it’s varied content, bursting with creativity and imagination.
There are moments in the game put there purely for the thrill—where it feels like someone on the team decided to pay homage to Contra or include a whimsical gag. Such elements enrich the experience, often emerging in optional areas to spice things up briefly before vanishing as quickly as they appeared. The co-op requirement, a Hazelight hallmark, naturally informs the game’s fundamental design, demanding player collaboration to overcome its intricate challenges.
Beyond the rotating surprises each level offers, the game maintains its tight platforming, cinematic moments, and clever puzzles. Hazelight has honed these skills over time, which is evident in the game’s polish and depth. “We’re refining our approach with each project,” Fares notes with satisfaction, emphasizing Hazelight’s unique dedication to co-op experiences from inception.
That commitment to quality is evident in every facet of the game, even in short-lived sections like the snowboarding segment, which demands excellence despite its brief duration. As a player, you come with certain expectations; the team at Hazelight meets them with exceptional finesse despite the inherent challenges this presents.
After showcasing Split Fiction at The Game Awards, complete with a trailer narrated by Fares himself, the game was already leaving a significant impression. During my demo, I witnessed mind-boggling mechanics from late in the game—stuff I’m not at liberty to discuss—but suffice to say, it left me equally stunned and eager for more.
Thinking back on the experience, Split Fiction feels very much like the gaming equivalent of an adventurous Doctor Who episode. It’s bold, unpredictable, with each encounter feeling fresh and unique. Unlike more formulaic narratives that return to the same set pieces over and again, Hazelight’s approach is dynamic, always shifting, always surprising.
This wasn’t just any hands-on session—it was a whirlwind tour through the game, with its charismatic director showcasing the rich vision behind it. The full experience awaits to be seen, but going by these first impressions alone, Split Fiction is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling releases of 2025.
Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait too long—Split Fiction releases on March 5th, and I can hardly wait to dive into the full game.
