Split Fiction: Game Review

Rating ★★★★★

I’m skipping the summary to cut straight to the point and avoid spoilers. Here’s an optional overview (>2mins): Official Launch Trailer

First Impressions

When I first loaded Split Fiction, even the opening logo presentation screens had enough detail and dimension that it felt like the beginning of the new world I was about to explore. The main menu was a pristine welcome mat with just Play Local, Play Online, Options and Credits. Character selection and subsequent UI elements were color coded for each player. No endless submenus or long lists of choices. Just pure unfiltered co-op joy waiting on the other side of a few simple clicks. And it maintains this get-right-into-the-action pace throughout the entire experience. When you play with another person, few things kill the rhythm like waiting around. Also, the Friend Pass feature is as good as it sounds. No second purchases, and no discussions about whether it's worth it buying two copies.

Under the Hood

The Worlds and Their Toys

Split Fiction is built on a brilliantly simple concept. Every level hands you at least one brand-new toy with unique mechanics. Whether you're jumping, flying, shooting, hiding, or any number of wilder mechanics (no spoilers), the variety never feels tacked on. Instead, each mechanic is born from the narrative’s core and taught just-in-time, so you never pause to find a tutorial.

Co-op Flow and UX

The split screen is more than just a means for two players to have their own POV. You always see your partner's POV (local and online), which helps you match pace, makes triangulating puzzle solutions easier, and lets you enjoy a good-natured laugh after one of you dies and respawns. And speaking of, respawning never spoils the fun because it doesn’t slow down the pace and is forgiving in terms of frequent checkpoints. There’s even per-player difficulty adjustments, allowing players to stay in-tune. The color-coded HUD and UI and the moments when two screens seamlessly meld into a single-view cinematic scene reinforce unity and maintain high immersion. Sometimes the story wants you together, sometimes it wants you apart, but it always keeps you communicating.

Emotional Hooks and Pacing

Early character moments were mildly charming, but it wasn’t until later scenes that the emotional stuff hit. I've just finished with my first playthrough, and I was very satisfied with the story. And the cinematic moments never overstay their welcome. That rhythm keeps both the story and the thrill at full throttle.

Technical Polish

Loads are extremely minimal, framerates smooth, and I saw zero texture pops or game-breaking bugs. Hazelight’s polish feels like a AAA title with an indie soul that dares to innovate rather than replicate.

Parting Thoughts

Split Fiction isn’t just a platformer or a co-op narrative; It’s proof that smooth onboarding, inventive mechanics, and heartfelt storytelling can coexist in a bite-sized package.

Who Will Love It

• platformer fans craving lots of fresh toys

• co-op newcomers looking for barrier-free teamwork

• narrative enthusiasts craving emotional beats

For creatives in game dev, this game is practically a masterclass in:

• just-in-time onboarding that never breaks immersion

• frictionless multiplayer and seamless split-screen handoff

• modular mech rollouts where each toy fits the story

• dynamic narrative integration that melts gameplay and cutscenes into one seamless flow

Minor Caveats

• no solo run option (not a demerit in my opinion)

• story choices are limited, but the high-impact mechanics and pace more than make up for it

Final Verdict

Five out of five stars. One of the most unique, innovative, and exciting gaming experiences I’ve had in a while. It’s fun, polished and emotionally resonant. I can’t wait to find others who have played it to compare notes like we’ve just shared a favorite book.