The gaming community has been buzzing with anticipation for Josef Fares' latest creation, Split Fiction, following the success of It Takes Two. Early impressions from the gaming press have set high expectations, with the game achieving an impressive average score of 91 on MetaCritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded Split Fiction for its innovative gameplay and its ability to keep players engaged with a constant stream of fresh mechanics, ensuring that monotony is kept at bay. However, the narrative has received mixed feedback, with some reviewers feeling it falls short, and the game's duration has also been a point of contention.
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 (100/100) hailed Split Fiction as Hazelight Studios' finest work, describing it as a standout co-op game of this generation. They praised its variety and the high execution of its mechanics, noting that any minor flaws are overshadowed by the game's continuous flow of new ideas.
Eurogamer (100/100) echoed this sentiment, calling it a fantastic adventure from start to finish. They highlighted its creativity and engagement as a testament to the limitless potential of human imagination.
IGN USA (90/100) appreciated the game's masterful blend of genres and its rollercoaster-like experience, driven by a variety of gameplay styles. They noted the game's short 14-hour runtime but emphasized that the ever-changing mechanics ensure a thrilling experience throughout.
VGC (80/100) acknowledged the visual improvements over It Takes Two and appreciated the game's side stories and mechanics, though they felt the plot left something to be desired and expressed concerns about repetition due to switching between locations.
Hardcore Gamer (70/100) found Split Fiction to be a fun and exciting co-op experience, but shorter and more expensive than its predecessor. They felt it lacked the originality and variety of It Takes Two, suggesting it didn't meet the expectations set by Hazelight's previous title.
Split Fiction is set to launch on March 6, 2025, and will be available on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, promising gamers a new chapter in co-op gaming that celebrates creativity and innovation.