Split Fiction, the highly anticipated video game from Hazelight Studios, is set to launch on March 6, 2025, for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This inventive two-player cooperative adventure follows the success of the studio's previous titles, including the award-winning It Takes Two and A Way Out. With its unique premise involving two authors sucked inside their own stories, gamers eager to explore fantastical realms filled with mythical and sci-fi creatures can get ready for exhilarating gameplay.
Each copy of Split Fiction will retail for $49 and interestingly, the developers have included dual passes, allowing your best friend to join you on this co-op adventure. Overflowing with imaginative settings and requiring players to work together to progress, this game promises to deliver both challenge and entertainment.
Strategically, the game also demands at least 79 GB on PlayStation and 77.6 GB for the PC version, so players will want to make sure they clear some space before they preload the digital download. On release day, players can expect availability at various times across the globe, making Split Fiction officially accessible on March 6 for regions like the US and Europe, with some countries, particularly East Asia and Oceania, waiting until March 7 due to time zone differences.
Split Fiction makes a significant mark by maintaining its signature cooperative gameplay, requiring two players to physically be together to progress through the game, rather than simply teaming up online—a hallmark of Hazelight titles. Unlike many current-generation games, which often offer single-player modes or online partners, this game is exclusively co-op. To triumph against the challenges within, players will need to collaborate closely.
While some might find this restrictive, the game’s design encourages real-life connections, which could lead to enhanced communication and teamwork—something frequently lacking in today's gaming environment. The developers, known for producing story-rich experiences, aim to capture the cooperative spirit effectively.
This new title from Hazelight has already garnered rave reviews from notable platforms, including Eurogamer, which remarked, "Fantastic from start to finish, Split Fiction is one of the most inventive and joyful co-op games to date, and is a testimony to the power of human imagination." Such endorsements only heighten the anticipation as players gear up for the release.
Notably, it's important to mention, Split Fiction will not be available on EA Play at launch, which raised eyebrows among fans. An EA community manager stated, "At this time, Split Fiction is not scheduled to be available on EA Play Pro at launch, but we're always exploring ways to bring more great games to our members.” For those hoping to access the game through EA Play, this news might feel like disappointment. Hopefully, we can expect its inclusion post-launch.
When discussing the narrative, players step directly inside the vibrant worlds created by the characters Mio and Zoe, each of whom are authors with different storytelling styles. The stark blend of fantasy and sci-fi adds depth to the gaming experience, allowing players to traverse through wildly imaginative scenarios—from confronting dragons to managing advanced technology and robotic adversaries. It’s crafted to invigorate players’ sense of adventure.
The cooperative gameplay mirrors the style seen previously with titles like It Takes Two but grows with inventive twists and challenges along the way. Players must strategize to complete puzzles, battle foes, and explore rich environments, making it both challenging and engaging for players of all skill sets. The innovative design aims to keep players on their toes and constantly discovering new elements.
While Tom's Guide praised the game, noting, "Split Fiction never loses steam because it refuses to have you doing the same thing for too long," it also highlighted some criticisms, particularly around the story's clichéd elements. They commented on the necessary co-op nature of the gameplay, noting, "You either play this game with another player, or you do not play it at all." Consequently, prospective players are advised to choose their partners wisely to maximize the fun.
So, whether you're loyal to Hazelight's previous works or stepping new inside cooperative gaming, Split Fiction is shaping up to be one of 2025’s must-play titles. With its strong visual flair, creative setup, and focus on collaboration, it has the potential to redefine how multiplayer gaming offers narrative depth and excitement. Expect it to generate discussions not only about gameplay mechanics but also about the ways it explores narratives, art, and interactivity.
Honing skills for teamwork, communication, and creativity are all part of the game and could make Split Fiction more than just another title; it could serve as both entertainment and art. This unique approach is one of the many reasons fans continue to appreciate Hazelight’s contribution to the gaming industry.
Split Fiction may face challenges akin to its predecessor's but with the right mindset and preparation, it could easily become the next favorite co-op experience for many. So gear up and get ready for March 6, where literature and creativity combine to form exhilarating gameplay.