Have you recalled the massive impact of the game “It Takes Two”? Following the triumph of “A Way Out”, the creative minds at Hazelight Studios aimed to make their mark in the big leagues with their second project, and they certainly achieved that goal. “It Takes Two” not only polished the distinctive co-op narrative that the studio was known for, but it also offered remarkable, incredibly diverse, and consistently imaginative gameplay experiences, making it one of the most enjoyable action platformers in recent years. This game received universal praise from critics, won numerous year-end awards (including Game of the Year at The Game Awards in December 2021), and has been a significant commercial success, with over 23 million units sold to date.
Considering its background and the track record of Hazelight Studios and EA, it’s not too unexpected that Split Fiction is gaining popularity as anticipated. They recently unveiled their third major cooperative adventure, promising even more of the exceptional co-op gameplay they’re known for, but on a grander scale. The anticipation for Split Fiction skyrocketed between its December 2024 announcement and early March 2025 release, and this enthusiasm is evident not just in widespread praise (with a Metacritic score of 91), but also in substantial player numbers. For example, during its launch weekend, it recorded over 259,000 simultaneous players on Steam, nearly four times as many as the all-time high for It Takes Two.
It seems that the general public has embraced “Split Fiction” with equal enthusiasm as the critics. But what makes this game resonate with so many people, amidst a flurry of other high-profile releases like “Monster Hunter Wilds”, “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii”, and the upcoming “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”? In an industry saturated with AAA gaming trends, how is it that this cooperative game, which defies many of these commercialized norms, is performing as successfully as any publisher could dream?
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for this fantastic game, as the overwhelmingly positive reviews and sky-high scores might have hinted at. It goes without saying that quality is precisely what we’ve come to anticipate from Hazelight Studios, given their impressive track record and the recognition they’ve garnered through their previous works. Keeping up with a reputation can be challenging in the gaming industry, but it’s truly commendable that Hazelight not only consistently meets expectations, but exceeds them with each new release, continually enhancing and refining an already stellar foundation.
In my opinion, Split Fiction has hit the mark in certain significant aspects, even though it’s not without its flaws – much like previous games by Hazelight Studios. Instead of complex and deeply developed characters, the personalities in Split Fiction seem to be more a collection of tropes rather than fully-fleshed individuals. The dialogue exchanges can sometimes feel clunky due to stiff dialogues and overused, generic clichés. Additionally, the plot tends to follow predictable paths. Compared to It Takes Two, I found Split Fiction to be a step up, as I had strong dislikes for most major characters and plot developments in It Takes Two. However, with Split Fiction, it’s gone from irritating to tolerable – at best. Narratively, Hazelight Studios still has room for improvement.
As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, despite some minor issues that some players have pointed out, I’ve been utterly captivated by “Split Fiction.” This game, directed by an ex-film director, might seem like it would excel at storytelling, but it’s the gameplay and design that truly shine. It’s a rollercoaster of creative and diverse gameplay moments from start to finish, always keeping me engaged and excited.
In fact, “Split Fiction” offers more variety in a single level than most games do throughout their entire playthrough. It’s a game design thrill ride that’s not easy to come by these days. Given its widespread success and critical acclaim, it’s no wonder why the gameplay and design have taken center stage. It’s simply too good to ignore!
In the opening moments of “Split Fiction”, you’ll find yourself engaged in an exhilarating motorcycle pursuit that would make Michael Bay envious, followed by nerve-wracking acrobatics amidst bustling futuristic metropolises. You’ll also encounter humorous sequences involving pigs and sausages, a heart-pounding sand shark ride through the desert, and countless other exciting elements. This game is bursting at the seams with original ideas, boasting a rich array of mechanics, settings, scenarios, and spectacular set-pieces, all meticulously designed and refined. And this intense action-packed experience doesn’t let up as you progress further into the game.
After completing a task, it swiftly moves onto the next challenge, showcasing even more its refusal to settle or become complacent. Such ambition, combined with the ability to fulfill its commitments, makes it a unique player in its field. The exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design displayed by Split Fiction across all aspects is so seamless that one might underestimate it due to the developer’s reputation, but let me assure you, it is nothing short of remarkable. With three games under their belt, Hazelight Studios continues to prove they are far from running dry on fresh ideas and creativity. Instead, they are still pushing the boundaries of cooperative gameplay with an unprecedented level of originality that sets them apart in our gaming landscape.
It’s important to note that Split Fiction, despite being published by Electronic Arts, demonstrates a remarkable consumer-friendly approach, which might not be commonly associated with such publishers. For instance, Hazelight Studios, the creator of Split Fiction, is known for their popular Friend’s Pass feature, and it has been reintroduced in this game. This pass allows two players to enjoy the game with a single purchase, making gaming more affordable and accessible.
What makes Split Fiction even more appealing is that the Friend’s Pass now supports cross-play. This means you can buy the game on platforms like PlayStation and invite friends on Xbox or Steam to join your game, as long as both of you have a connected EA account. The process is seamless and straightforward, which should attract many players.
Moreover, Split Fiction is priced at $50, making it slightly more expensive than Hazelight’s previous titles but still significantly cheaper compared to most modern major releases, particularly in the AAA genre. This affordable pricing strategy is likely to draw a larger audience.
Following outstanding cooperative gameplay experiences such as “A Way Out” and “It Takes Two,” Hazelight Studios has now released what seems to be the ultimate embodiment of their distinctive co-op style with “Split Fiction.” It’s heartening to witness the game receiving the broad acclaim and recognition it so richly deserves. As we look forward to seeing where the studio heads next, for now, “Split Fiction” is definitely deserving of a nod of appreciation, and more.
*Please remember, the opinions shared in this article belong solely to the writer. They don’t reflect the collective stance or beliefs of GamingBolt as a whole.*
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2025-03-12 04:41