Split Fiction (PS5 Pro) review: Taking co-op gaming to delightfully absurd new heights

Hazelight has a unique habit of crafting excellent games that that excel in collaborative storytelling, a tradition notably enhanced by its breakout hits A Way Out and It Takes Two. With its latest Split Fiction, the studio returns to the co-op scene with a boldness that pushes the boundaries even further, delivering a game that's both inventive and deeply resonant.

Split Fiction casts players as Mio and Zoe, two struggling authors desperate to break into a publishing world that's both unforgiving and exploitative. Signing up for a rather questionable experiment by Rader Publishing – a process which, conveniently enough, extracts ideas directly from their minds, both of them inadvertently become entangled in each other's imaginative worlds. The ensuing chaos forms the backbone of their shared journey, a blend of whimsical fantasy and sci-fi spectacle that's both a tribute and a critique of creative storytelling.

From the onset, the concept feels both compelling and slightly unnerving, effectively echoing anxieties about artistic integrity and the predatory nature of big publishing entities. Unlike the studio’s previous games, Split Fiction is unabashedly self-aware, frequently nudging you with nods and winks towards its meta-commentary on the nature of storytelling itself. Thankfully, it manages this without ever feeling preachy or overly didactic.

Gameplay in Split Fiction is impressively dynamic, even by Hazelight standards. Rather than sticking to a single consistent set of mechanics, Hazelight ambitiously cycles through a variety of genres, styles, and absurd scenarios. In one moment, you're immersed in space battles reminiscent of classic sci-fi sagas, laser weapons and futuristic aesthetics included; the next, you're navigating lush fantasy realms with clear echoes of timeless adventures such as Prince of Persia or The Legend of Zelda. While many games falter when attempting such ambitious genre-blending, Hazelight pulls it off remarkably well, thanks to tight controls and genuinely engaging scenarios.

What's particularly impressive is how these transitions between genres and gameplay mechanics feel natural rather than jarring. Instead of feeling like a disjointed mess, Split Fiction emerges as an enjoyable montage of beloved pop-culture motifs. Whether it's piloting whimsical characters or engaging in outlandish sequences – such as becoming sentient food items that must cook themselves – the game strikes a careful balance between humour and genuine gameplay challenge. It frequently places players in situations where cooperation is not merely encouraged but absolutely necessary, which not only reinforces the core themes but also ensures a deeply satisfying co-op experience.

As far as co-op gaming goes, Split Fiction is undeniably ambitious. Hazelight's strength in level design truly shines, with intricately crafted stages that reward exploration and curiosity. This isn't just a linear trek from start to finish. Instead, Split Fiction packs its worlds full of interactive elements and secret achievements that you'll stumble across organically, making every detour worthwhile. Moreover, boss battles, often a highlight of Hazelight titles, return with even greater intensity and variety, balancing spectacle with tactical depth. One standout example, the Birthday Cake stage, veers unexpectedly dark with you the player having to re-enact a dentist-fearing child’s absolute worse nightmare.

The game’s narrative depth deserves special mention too, with Hazelight’s mature storytelling one of videogames’ best.. Mio and Zoe are convincingly crafted characters whose personal struggles, insecurities, and aspirations shape the game's emotional landscape. Their journey is punctuated by poignant moments that dive into deeper themes like creative exploitation and self-doubt, all of which resonate profoundly – especially if you’re in the creative field. The game masterfully juxtaposes moments of genuine pathos against its overarching absurdity, enhancing both without diminishing either.

Split Fiction also delivers pointed commentary on contemporary issues around AI-generated content and intellectual property theft. Its underlying narrative offers a thoughtful critique of creative industries and the relentless commodification of human ideas, cleverly wrapped in the guise of vibrant fantasy escapades. Hazelight's approach to these heavier themes remains accessible and enjoyable, ensuring that the player is never bogged down by the weight of its message.

Importantly, Split Fiction maintains a delightful sense of humour throughout, alongside its deeper narrative ambitions. The interactions between Mio and Zoe, filled with sharp dialogue and well-timed comedic moments, ensure the game never takes itself too seriously. This fine balance makes it easy to spend hours immersed in the game’s imaginative worlds, discovering new surprises around every corner.

In comparison to Hazelight’s prior achievements, Split Fiction comfortably stands shoulder-to-shoulder with It Takes Two. While it doesn't necessarily surpass its acclaimed predecessor in terms of raw emotional impact, it certainly builds upon the foundation laid before it, showcasing a studio unafraid to expand its creative boundaries.

All in all, Split Fiction is a fantastic co-op game that not only celebrates but also interrogates the storytelling traditions it so lovingly embraces. With it, Hazelight has delivered yet another memorable title, demonstrating once more that thoughtful narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics can, and indeed should, coexist. It’s a game that, beyond its joyful chaos and varied adventures, ultimately affirms the power and authenticity of human creativity – a welcome message in a time increasingly dominated by machine-generated media.

Split Fiction is available now on PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X|S.

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