Split Fiction Review

What makes a video game earn the label of “masterpiece” from gamers? Usually, it’s the titles boasting stunning graphics, captivating stories, and immersive gameplay—ones that also receive high scores from critics—that reach such status among players. But in my opinion, there’s another crucial factor that must be considered before calling a video game a masterpiece: creativity.

Creativity and the implementation of fresh ideas are elements that have become increasingly rare in today’s games. Due to the demanding process and high costs of AAA game development, publishers and studios often avoid taking risks and stick to proven formulas.

In recent years, however, Josef Fares has demonstrated that he’s pursuing a new model of player engagement—and he has found his answer in creating two-player experiences. The result of this approach led to the brilliant game It Takes Two, winner of Game of the Year and one of the most important titles released in recent years.

The success of It Takes Two paved the way for Fares’ new game, Split Fiction, to follow a similar path. But fortunately, I’m here to say that Split Fiction isn’t just a repetition of Fares’ previous works—it’s poised to take bolder steps forward.

Like any successful title, Split Fiction boasts stunning artistic visuals, engaging level design, and a compelling narrative that keeps players hooked until the final moment. But as I mentioned earlier, these aren’t the elements that, in my opinion, elevate Split Fiction to the status of a masterpiece like It Takes Two. On the contrary, unlike most modern hit games, Split Fiction brings something fresh to the table—an element that adds a distinct flavor to all the aspects I just listed.

In the past, co-op functionality was mostly optional in games. If you happened to have someone to play alongside, the experience would naturally become more enjoyable, but two-player mode didn’t feel much different from playing solo. Each player would follow their own path with little to no impact on the others’ experience.

However, that’s not the case with Josef Fares’ recent titles. Not only are they impossible to play solo, but the very concept of cooperative gameplay also affects the game’s structure, storytelling, and even its technical design. The fact that Fares and Hazelight Studios have transformed a once-secondary feature into something so essential that removing it would collapse the entire foundation of Split Fiction is a remarkable achievement, and one rarely seen in today’s games.

What’s more, the result is a unique and genuinely entertaining experience—one that simply can’t be replicated outside the worlds crafted by Josef Fares.

In Split Fiction, players take control of two authors named Zoe and Mio. Zoe is outgoing and loves writing fantasy stories, while Mio is introverted and has a passion for sci-fi high-action narratives. The two become trapped inside a machine designed to extract the best ideas from writers, and the clash of their vastly different worlds serves as the foundation for Split Fiction‘s overarching narrative. The game continuously switches players between Zoe’s and Mio’s worlds, aiming to explore their conflicted minds and forge a deep friendship between them.

But how does it achieve this goal? The answer is simple: through gameplay. The story of Split Fiction isn’t merely told through cutscenes and dialogue; much of its emotional weight is carried by how players engage with the mechanics themselves. To put it plainly: every moment you debate how to solve a puzzle with your co-op partner, or celebrate a boss-fight victory together, you’re actively living out the evolving relationship between Zoe and Mio.

The gameplay is designed so that you’re not just solving challenges—you’re part of the emotional journey these characters are on. You’re encouraged to recognize your differences and collaborate to overcome problems. The same issues you’re grappling with as a player holding the controller are mirrored in the very obstacles Zoe and Mio face throughout the narrative. Through its stellar gameplay and storytelling system, Split Fiction builds a powerful connection between players and their characters, and that connection is the key reason why this game deserves the title “masterpiece” and a spot as a Game of the Year contender.

Now that we’ve explored why it earns that label, let’s look at another standout feature that makes Split Fiction worthy of high praise: its level design and gameplay execution. Two major strengths define these aspects. First, the game never feels repetitive—in my 20 hours of playtime, I didn’t once encounter a sense of monotony. Second, the developers have fully leveraged the parallel worlds created by Zoe and Mio to offer wildly distinct environments throughout the entire game.

On top of that, we shouldn’t overlook the strength of the side stories, which act as optional missions in the game. Thanks to their high production quality, these side stories offer more than just distractions from the main quest—they’re gateways to entirely fresh experiences. The creativity and entertainment value packed into these sections make them too good to pass up. Unlike many modern gamers who skip side content without consequence, missing out on Split Fiction’s side stories would be a major loss—they include some of the best level design seen in any game released in 2025.

All in all, Split Fiction is a modern, captivating, and deeply memorable experience. It charms with its originality and leaves a lasting impression—one that few other games can replicate. Every element is carefully placed, and thanks to its cohesive structure and thoughtful design, the game dazzles right up to the very end.

Split Fiction stands among the most significant releases of 2025, and in my opinion, it belongs on the list of games you simply must experience before you die.

Score: 100/100