The adventure game revealed during the 2024 Game Awards. This latest game from Hazelight Studios is another co-op multiplayer title that takes players through the fictional worlds created by aspiring authors Mio and Zoe. Although only a limited amount of information was shown to audiences in the reveal trailer, it is enough to make one incredibly excited about what it has in store for players in the future.

This game comes off the heels of the incredibly successful and innovative 2021 Game Of The Year winner, the co-op adventure It Takes Two. Much like the previous game, Split Fiction focuses on co-op multiplayer gameplay to complete platforming challenges while also dealing with dangerous enemy encounters. Although some of the core concepts of this previous title still exist in Split Fiction, this new game contains enough exciting content to help make it truly stand out from its predecessor.

The Gameplay Takes Players Across Multiple Worlds & Genres

The Perfect Game For Fantasy & Sci-Fi Fans

One big draw of Split Fiction is the fact that it will absolutely appeal to both fans of sci-fi and fantasy thanks to its core concept of jumping between stories. The game will alternate between two different worlds, allowing for the exploration of two entirely different genres while simultaneously providing players with an incredibly engaging narrative. Despite the fact that these two genres might initially seem far too different to mesh well, Hazelight Studios seemingly finds a way to make them work incredibly well together without being too jarring, which only further adds to their appeal.

Both worlds clearly showcase a wide variety of typical sci-fi and fantasy tropes, yet Hazelight has taken the time to ensure each one looks exciting and engaging. The fantasy world has magical plants, creatures like giants and dragons, as well as magical kingdoms to explore, while the sci-fi world has motorcycles, giant robots, and flashy high-tech gear. With so much to do and explore, there truly is something in Split Fiction for anyone who absolutely loves the fantasy or sci-fi genres.

Unique Mechanics In Every Level Keep Things Fresh & Exciting

Giants, Dragons, Robots, And More

Incorporating numerous aspects and tropes from two different genres allows players to utilize new gameplay mechanics in every level to explore the worlds they find themselves in. Players will be able to ride on the backs of dragons, run along walls while swinging swords as cyber ninjas, and even dodge cards being thrown at them by a giant police robot handing out parking tickets. This means that each level will have something different for players to enjoy, while simultaneously creating numerous memorable moments to create a truly wild ride that also encourages repeated playthroughs.

It is clear that Hazelight has taken many elements from numerous other beloved games and used them as inspiration for the various mechanics in Split Fiction. The trailer revealed a giant flower that can shoot players onto other platforms, resembling the giant barrels in Donkey Kong 64, while one of the sci-fi levels lets players control ball droids that move around like Samus Aran using her Morph Ball in Metroid. Players will no doubt have a blast finding the various references to other games in these mechanics, thereby further adding to the excitement during their gameplay experience.

Split Fiction Highlights The Importance Of Human Creativity

A Very Relevant Narrative About Modern Entertainment Industries

One important detail regarding Split Fiction's narrative is the fact that it involves how Mio and Zoe work together to prevent their stories from being stolen by a machine. This particular detail is a major standout, as many creative individuals and industries are dealing with the rise of generative AI models and their use in creative fields. Split Fiction could end up being a pointed commentary on how big corporations try to use AI to steal others' ideas, and how important it is that the creation of art in all its forms remains a human endeavor.

Ultimately, it is undeniable that by combining the fantasy and sci-fi genres together into one game, Hazelight Studios has created something truly special for their next title. On top of an engaging story, the gameplay has so much to offer by providing players with truly exciting and memorable experiences that will hopefully stick with them for a long time. Only time will tell just how much Split Fiction has in store for players, but it is undeniable that it will absolutely be a wild ride for everyone involved.

Source: Electronic Arts/YouTube