Gaming critics have already weighed in on Josef Fares' latest creation, Split Fiction, the follow-up to the acclaimed It Takes Two. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the game currently boasting an average score of 91 on Metacritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Praise consistently highlights the game's innovative approach to gameplay, seamlessly introducing new mechanics to prevent monotony. However, some critics have noted a relatively weaker narrative and shorter playtime compared to its predecessor.
Here's a sampling of reviews:
- Gameractor UK, GameSpot, Inverse, Push Square, PC Games, TechRadar Gaming, Variety, Eurogamer: 100/100
- Areajugones: 95/100
- IGN USA, GameSpuer, Quiteshockers, PlayStation Lifestiles, Vandal: 90/100
- Stevivor, TheGamer, VGC, Wccftech: 80/100
- Hardcore Gamer: 70/100
Review Highlights:
Gameractor UK: "Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' best work to date and one of the most impressive co-op games of this generation. The game amazes with its variety, keeping players engaged at every moment. 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: "From start to finish, Split Fiction remains a fantastic adventure. 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: "Split Fiction is a masterfully crafted co-op adventure game that straddles the line between two genres. It’s a rollercoaster of ideas and gameplay styles that shift at a breakneck pace, keeping the experience thrilling throughout its 14-hour runtime. 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: "Split Fiction takes a significant visual step forward from It Takes Two, though they share similar mechanics. While the constant switching between two main locations risks repetition, the rich side stories and ever-changing mechanics keep gameplay engaging. However, the plot leaves something to be desired."
Hardcore Gamer: "Split Fiction is shorter and more expensive than It Takes Two, and while it lacks the originality and variety of its predecessor, it still delivers a fun and exciting experience for two players. It’s a solid project, though it falls short of the expectations set by the studio’s previous game."
Split Fiction launches March 6, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
