The gaming community has been buzzing with excitement over Josef Fares' latest offering, *Split Fiction*, developed by Hazelight Studios, known for the critically acclaimed *It Takes Two*. Early impressions from the gaming press have been overwhelmingly positive, with *Split Fiction* securing an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded the game for its innovative gameplay, constantly introducing fresh mechanics that keep the experience dynamic and far from monotonous. However, some reviewers have noted that the narrative could be stronger and mentioned the game's relatively short duration as a potential drawback.
Here's a breakdown of 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 yet, describing it as one of the standout co-op games of this generation. They praised the game's ability to keep players engaged with its constant flow of new ideas and mechanics, overshadowing any minor flaws.
Eurogamer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the game's creativity and engagement, describing *Split Fiction* as a testament to the boundless nature of human imagination.
IGN USA noted the game's masterful blend of genres and its thrilling pace, pointing out that no mechanic overstays its welcome within the game's 14-hour runtime. They described *Split Fiction* as a new chapter in co-op gaming that players must experience.
VGC commended *Split Fiction* for its visual improvements over *It Takes Two* and the engaging gameplay, although they criticized the plot for lacking depth. They also mentioned the risk of repetition due to the constant switching between two main locations, but acknowledged the game's rich side stories and ever-changing mechanics as mitigating factors.
Hardcore Gamer found *Split Fiction* to be shorter and more expensive than its predecessor, *It Takes Two*. While they appreciated the fun and excitement it delivered for two players, they felt it didn't quite meet the high bar set by Hazelight's previous game in terms of originality and variety.
*Split Fiction* is set to launch on March 6, 2025, and will be available on current-generation consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC, promising a thrilling co-op adventure for gamers everywhere.
