Split Fiction Review – A Beautiful Co-Op Journey Built for Two – 4.5/5

Split Fiction – At a Glance

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Best For: Couples or friends looking for a story-rich, emotionally engaging evening together.

  • Player Count: 2 players (split-screen co-op only)
  • Platforms: PC, Switch, PS5, Xbox
  • Playtime: ~15 hours (main story, with optional side content)
  • Genre: Narrative-driven, Puzzle, Adventure
  • Difficulty: Low–Moderate (accessible for most players)
  • Strategy Level: Light puzzle-solving, mostly narrative focus
  • Our Rating: ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)

🎮 Interested in Split Fiction? You can grab it now on Humble Bundle and support the site at the same time.

Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer

🌟 Review Summary

We went into Split Fiction expecting something sweet and simple, but it ended up delivering a surprisingly deep emotional experience. From the moment we picked up the controllers, we were drawn into a story that’s both personal and powerful. It’s easily one of the most heartfelt and fun couch co-op games we’ve played.

🛍️ Ready to check it out? Split Fiction is available on Humble Bundle.

🧩 Gameplay & Difficulty – 4/5

Split Fiction doesn’t rely on complex mechanics and we appreciated that. It combines light puzzles with occasional dialogue prompts—enough to spark conversation, but not frequent or branching enough to change the overall story. There’s no difficulty pressure—instead, the fun comes from working together and discussing the moments that matter most. We felt that the gameplay was forgiving in the sense that if you failed, you wouldn’t respawn too far away. I remember some games in the past that were not forgiving at all, where saves or checkpoints were far from each other.

👫 Co-op Experience – 5/5

This is where we thought the game truly shines. The dual-perspective storytelling had us constantly communicating and sharing what we were seeing. We often had very different pieces of the story, which made the reveals and conversations between us even more impactful. There were plenty of “Wait—did you see that?” moments that made the experience unforgettable.

🧠 Story & Character Progression – 4.5/5

The emotional depth of Split Fiction took us by surprise. We genuinely connected with the characters and felt invested in their journey. From the early cutscenes, we knew exactly which character each of us would play—I naturally gravitated toward Mio, while my wife immediately felt drawn to Zoe. We both said at the same time “that’s you!”. Their personal growth felt honest and earned and by the time the story wrapped up, we were both a little misty-eyed.

🎨 Visuals & Audio – 4/5

We really enjoyed the game’s vibrant and well-animated art style. The characters felt expressive, and the environments brought the world to life in a way that complemented the emotional storytelling. The split-screen wasn’t just functional—it served the story, showing our separate yet connected experiences. And the music? Soft, subtle, and perfectly timed. It enhanced every emotional beat without ever trying to steal the spotlight.

Two characters in futuristic suits ride a neon-lit hoverbike in Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios

Image © Hazelight Studios / Electronic Arts. Used under fair dealing for the purpose of criticism and review.

🕹️ Replayability – 1/5

While there are a few branching choices, the core story stays mostly the same. We don’t see ourselves replaying it any time soon, but that’s okay. It’s the kind of story that stays with you after one run. We’re glad we experienced it and wouldn’t change how it unfolded.

✅ Pros

  • Deep emotional story
  • Perfectly designed for 2 players
  • Great character progression
  • Strong communication-driven gameplay

❌ Cons

  • Limited replay value
  • Some may want more challenge

🧾 Final Verdict – 4.5/5

Split Fiction left a real mark on us. It’s a shining example of what makes narrative co-op games so special. With simple mechanics and a deeply emotional story, it creates the space for meaningful connection between players. Whether you’re longtime gaming partners or trying something new together, this is a journey worth taking.

If this kind of reflective, story-driven co-op experience speaks to you, don’t wait — get Split Fiction now.

🎮 If You Enjoyed This…

If Split Fiction resonated with you, I recommend checking out other emotionally rich co-op games that emphasize storytelling, connection, and two-player gameplay:

  • It Takes Two – A wildly creative and heartfelt platformer about a couple navigating their relationship, packed with varied mechanics and co-op-only gameplay.
  • A Way Out – A cinematic, split-screen escape story about two convicts working together, blending action with emotional beats.
  • Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake – A deeply emotional co-op experience laid the foundation for their future work, offering a touching story told through unique dual-character mechanics.
    • Read my full review here.

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