The gaming community has been buzzing with excitement following the early access reviews of Josef Fares' latest masterpiece, *Split Fiction*. Developed by Hazelight Studios, the creators of the acclaimed *It Takes Two*, this new title has garnered an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded *Split Fiction* for its innovative approach to gameplay, consistently introducing fresh mechanics that keep the experience dynamic and engaging. However, the game has not been without its critiques, with some reviewers pointing out a somewhat underwhelming storyline and a relatively brief playtime.
Here's a glimpse at the scores from various gaming outlets:
- 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
Gameractor UK hailed *Split Fiction* as Hazelight Studios' finest work to date, describing it as "one of the most impressive co-op games of this generation." They praised the game's variety and the constant flow of new ideas, stating, "All mechanics are executed at the highest level, and while a couple of minor flaws can be found, they pale in comparison to the constant flow of new ideas the game introduces at every turn. It’s a true celebration of creativity and innovation."
Eurogamer echoed this sentiment, calling *Split Fiction* "a fantastic adventure from start to finish." They highlighted its creativity and engagement, noting, "It’s one of the most creative and engaging co-op games on the market, serving as a vivid testament to the boundless nature of human imagination."
IGN USA awarded the game a score of 90, commending its masterful crafting and the thrilling experience it offers over its 14-hour runtime. They noted, "Since no single mechanic overstays its welcome, *Split Fiction* becomes a triumph of imagination. Hazelight hasn’t just rewritten the rules of co-op gaming—it’s created a new chapter that you (and your partner) simply must experience."
VGC, while acknowledging the game's visual improvements over *It Takes Two*, pointed out some areas for improvement. They mentioned, "At times, the game risks becoming repetitive due to constant switching between two main locations, but its rich selection of side stories and ever-changing mechanics ensure that the gameplay remains engaging from start to finish. That said, the same cannot be said for its plot, which leaves something to be desired."
Hardcore Gamer offered a more critical perspective, giving *Split Fiction* a score of 70. They noted that while the game is shorter and more expensive than its predecessor, it still delivers a fun and exciting experience for two players. However, they felt it fell short of the expectations set by *It Takes Two*, stating, "It’s a solid project, though it falls short of the expectations set by the studio’s previous game."
*Split Fiction* is set to launch on March 6, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC. Whether you're a fan of co-op gaming or simply looking for a fresh and innovative gaming experience, *Split Fiction* promises to deliver an unforgettable journey.