Split Fiction

Split Fiction Review

Released: March 6, 2025
Updated: 7 days ago
4.0
Consolidated expert score
215
Review insights
59
Scored features
27
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose Split Fiction for inventive two-player co-op, rapid gameplay variety, and memorable set pieces. Skip it if you need solo play, polished writing, or an easier casual-partner experience.

Best for

Best for two players who enjoy active communication, puzzle-platforming, rapid genre shifts, and set-piece-driven co-op. It especially suits pairs who can laugh through trial-and-error moments.

Not for

Not for players who need a solo mode, deep progression, open exploration, or consistently strong writing. Casual partners may also find some combat, platforming, and boss sections more demanding than expected.

Verdict

Split Fiction’s reviews point to a standout co-op adventure built on constant reinvention, generous checkpoints, strong presentation, and unusually committed two-player design. Reviewers repeatedly praised the side stories, puzzle cooperation, set pieces, and finale as inventive highlights that keep the experience fresh. The main tradeoff is that the same maximalist pace and co-op dependence can expose weaker writing, predictable character beats, and tougher demands on less experienced partners. Switch 2 impressions add another caveat: portability and local convenience are valuable, but visuals and frame rate take hits. Overall, the evidence favors Split Fiction as a highly polished, joy-forward co-op showcase with storytelling and platform-specific rough edges.

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

It Takes Two

  • Worse: overall quality The reviewer ultimately preferred Split Fiction over It Takes Two.
  • Compared: difficulty The reviewer found Split Fiction harder than It Takes Two.
  • Similar: platforming feel The reviewer compared its platforming favorably with It Takes Two.

God Of War 2

  • Similar: boss presentation The reviewer said some bosses had a God Of War 2 flavor.

Metroid Prime

  • Similar: rolling ball puzzle mechanics The reviewer compared one rolling-ball chapter to Metroid Prime.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

59 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0 46% 27 features
  • Positive 3.5-4.4 32% 19 features
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4 17% 10 features
  • Negative 1.5-2.4 5% 3 features
  • Very negative below 1.5 0% 0 features

Pros

  • 4.8
    based on 16 reviews
    co-op experience: 4.8, based on 16 reviews
    Co-op experience was the strongest consensus point, repeatedly described as excellent, accessible, communicative, and central to the fun.
  • 4.8
    based on 10 reviews
    content variety: 4.8, based on 10 reviews
    Content variety was a major strength, especially side stories, genre shifts, and constantly changing mechanics.
  • 4.8
    based on 7 reviews
    puzzle design: 4.8, based on 7 reviews
    Puzzle design was consistently praised for co-op dependence, teamwork, and creativity, with only occasional simplicity noted.
  • 4.8
    based on 6 reviews
    level design: 4.8, based on 6 reviews
    Level design stood out for memorable finales, strong set pieces, and mechanics that could sustain larger ideas.
  • 4.8
    based on 6 reviews
    performance optimization: 4.8, based on 6 reviews
    Performance optimization was praised across several reviews, with smooth operation on consoles and strong overall polish.
  • 4.8
    based on 5 reviews
    innovation: 4.8, based on 5 reviews
    Innovation was strongly praised through creative levels, final sequences, and inventive co-op design.
  • 4.7
    based on 8 reviews
    fun factor: 4.7, based on 8 reviews
    Fun factor was consistently high, even among more critical reviewers.
  • 4.6
    based on 5 reviews
    art direction: 4.6, based on 5 reviews
    Art direction was widely praised for striking worlds, scale, and strong creative environments, even on compromised hardware.
  • 4.6
    based on 10 reviews
    graphics quality: 4.6, based on 10 reviews
    Graphics were usually praised as gorgeous or stunning, with Switch 2 visual compromises noted by one reviewer.
  • 4.5
    based on 6 reviews
    checkpoint system: 4.5, based on 6 reviews
    The checkpoint system was consistently praised for generosity, fast respawns, and reducing frustration.
  • 4.5
    based on 4 reviews
    cross-play support: 4.5, based on 4 reviews
    Cross-play support was praised as player-friendly and helpful for Friend’s Pass co-op.
  • 4.5
    based on 4 reviews
    emotional impact: 4.5, based on 4 reviews
    Emotional impact landed for several reviewers, especially through friendship themes and later character moments.
  • 4.5
    based on 3 reviews
    character development: 4.5, based on 3 reviews
    Character development earned praise from reviewers who felt Mio and Zoe’s relationship and emotional growth paid off.
  • 4.5
    based on 3 reviews
    controls responsiveness: 4.5, based on 3 reviews
    Controls were generally seen as responsive and intuitive, with one Switch 2 local controller setup working without issue.
  • 4.5
    based on 2 reviews
    couch co-op quality: 4.5, based on 2 reviews
    Couch co-op quality was praised for local convenience and the way Hazelight supports shared-play experiences.
  • 4.5
    based on 2 reviews
    movement feel: 4.5, based on 2 reviews
    Movement received strong praise for added weight, consistency, and approachability.
  • 4.5
    based on 2 reviews
    platform-specific feature support: 4.5, based on 2 reviews
    Platform-specific support stood out on Switch 2 through kickstand/tabletop play and Game Share functionality.
  • 4.5
    based on 2 reviews
    platforming precision: 4.5, based on 2 reviews
    Platforming was repeatedly called precise and immediately satisfying.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    animation quality: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Animation quality was praised in the technical review, especially for effective character animation.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    core gameplay loop: 4.5, based on 1 review
    The core loop was praised as gameplay-first, using its premise mainly to enable new co-op situations.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    cross-save support: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Cross-save/progression support was praised where non-host progression carried over.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    environmental detail: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Environmental detail was praised for keeping varied worlds visually interesting.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    facial animations: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Facial animation/lip sync received specific praise from one reviewer.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    handheld play suitability: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Handheld play suitability was praised for portable convenience despite technical tradeoffs.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    multiplayer design: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Multiplayer design was praised for fitting the exclusively co-op approach and supporting differing skill levels.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    quest design: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Side-story quests were considered worthwhile and rewarding to find.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    world-building: 4.5, based on 1 review
    World-building was praised for immersive, explorable worlds built from the protagonists’ imaginations.
  • 4.4
    based on 10 reviews
    gameplay mechanics: 4.4, based on 10 reviews
    Reviewers broadly praised the constantly changing mechanics and strong moment-to-moment play, though a few found some actions forgettable or simple.
  • 4.4
    based on 5 reviews
    polish: 4.4, based on 5 reviews
    Polish was generally strong, though some reviewers mentioned rough gameplay stretches or platform-specific compromises.
  • 4.4
    based on 4 reviews
    originality: 4.4, based on 4 reviews
    Originality was mixed: some called it audacious or original, while another argued it was polished more than new.
  • 4.3
    based on 3 reviews
    online stability: 4.3, based on 3 reviews
    Online stability was generally positive, with rare lag or strong latency reports.
  • 4.2
    based on 9 reviews
    pacing: 4.2, based on 9 reviews
    Pacing was one of the most praised areas, though a minority felt certain ideas lingered too long or were not flawless.
  • 4.2
    based on 3 reviews
    boss design: 4.2, based on 3 reviews
    Boss design was often praised for imagination and spectacle, with some caveats around daunting or repeated patterns.
  • 4.2
    based on 2 reviews
    split-screen quality: 4.2, based on 2 reviews
    Split-screen quality was useful for coordination, though small handheld details could still be harder to read.
  • 4.1
    based on 8 reviews
    difficulty balance: 4.1, based on 8 reviews
    Difficulty was seen as forgiving but more demanding than earlier Hazelight games, especially for casual or unseasoned partners.
  • 4.0
    based on 3 reviews
    frame rate stability: 4.0, based on 3 reviews
    Frame rate stability was platform-dependent: strong on most versions, but Switch 2 had noticeable dips in demanding moments.
  • 4.0
    based on 3 reviews
    value for money: 4.0, based on 3 reviews
    Value for money was helped by Friend’s Pass and sharing features, though one review noted it was shorter and more expensive than its predecessor.
  • 4.0
    based on 2 reviews
    learning curve: 4.0, based on 2 reviews
    The learning curve was approachable for experienced players but could require adjustment for casual players.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    age appropriateness: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Age appropriateness was considered fitting for a Teen rating, with some language and blood but nothing gratuitous.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    combat system: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Combat was described positively when the game shifts into shooter and action-platforming sequences.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    family friendliness: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Family friendliness was supported by forgiving co-op design that can work across different skill levels.
  • 3.9
    based on 2 reviews
    mission variety: 3.9, based on 2 reviews
    Mission variety was strong overall, but a few sci-fi sections were called less memorable.
  • 3.8
    based on 4 reviews
    replay value: 3.8, based on 4 reviews
    Replay value was mixed: alternate characters and modes help, but some reviewers still saw it as a one-and-done game.
  • 3.8
    based on 2 reviews
    camera behavior: 3.8, based on 2 reviews
    Camera behavior was split between praise for clear tracking and complaints about awkward perspective shifts.
  • 3.7
    based on 3 reviews
    soundtrack quality: 3.7, based on 3 reviews
    Soundtrack quality was mixed: some heard an upgrade or strong genre styling, while another found it forgettable.
  • 3.7
    based on 3 reviews
    accessibility options: 3.7, based on 3 reviews
    Accessibility support was praised for options like damage reduction and checkpoint skipping, though one review encountered a failed QuickTime accessibility workaround.

Cons

  • 3.4
    based on 3 reviews
    onboarding experience: 3.4, based on 3 reviews
    Onboarding was praised for intuitive design but criticized on Switch 2 crossplay setup for poor in-game explanation.
  • 3.4
    based on 3 reviews
    voice acting: 3.4, based on 3 reviews
    Voice acting was mixed, with some praise for performances but criticism that delivery did not elevate weaker writing.
  • 3.3
    based on 6 reviews
    narrative quality: 3.3, based on 6 reviews
    Narrative quality divided reviewers: some liked the human story and concept, while others found the plot predictable or forgettable.
  • 3.0
    based on 1 review
    matchmaking quality: 3.0, based on 1 review
    Matchmaking quality was limited because finding a partner could still be a challenge.
  • 3.0
    based on 1 review
    progression system: 3.0, based on 1 review
    Progression was intentionally minimal, with no score tracking or skill leveling, which some players may find limiting.
  • 2.8
    based on 3 reviews
    dialogue quality: 2.8, based on 3 reviews
    Dialogue drew mixed responses, ranging from thoughtful and believable to painfully uninspired or full of cliches.
  • 2.8
    based on 3 reviews
    protagonist appeal: 2.8, based on 3 reviews
    Protagonist appeal was mixed because several reviewers needed time to warm up to Mio and Zoe, or never found them interesting.
  • 2.8
    based on 2 reviews
    flying mechanics: 2.8, based on 2 reviews
    Flying was more divisive, with reviewers citing some early flying sections and dragon flight as weaker or imprecise.
  • 2.5
    based on 2 reviews
    bug frequency: 2.5, based on 2 reviews
    Bug frequency was low for some but notable in reviews citing glitches, snags, and a specific failed checkpoint interaction.
  • 2.5
    based on 1 review
    world interactivity: 2.5, based on 1 review
    World interactivity was limited because some props amused briefly but did not reward or advance players.
  • 2.4
    based on 8 reviews
    writing quality: 2.4, based on 8 reviews
    Writing quality was the most common weakness, with repeated complaints about dull characters, cliches, and amateurish story beats.
  • 2.3
    based on 2 reviews
    side character depth: 2.3, based on 2 reviews
    Side character depth was weak, especially around the one-dimensional CEO/villain.
  • 2.2
    based on 1 review
    exploration quality: 2.2, based on 1 review
    Exploration was criticized where invisible walls and glitches undercut curiosity.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Video Games, this product is above average in platforming precision, puzzle design, cross-play support, below average in exploration quality, world interactivity, side character depth.

Summary

8 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher 38% 3 features
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower 63% 5 features
Attribute This product Category average Difference
exploration quality 2.2 4.0 -1.8
world interactivity 2.5 4.2 -1.7
side character depth 2.3 3.9 -1.6
platforming precision 4.5 3.1 +1.4
puzzle design 4.8 3.5 +1.3
writing quality 2.4 3.6 -1.2
cross-play support 4.5 3.2 +1.3
protagonist appeal 2.8 3.9 -1.1

FAQ

Can Split Fiction be played solo?

No. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as a co-op-only game built around two human players working together.

Is Split Fiction good for couch co-op?

Yes. Reviews praised both local and online co-op, with several calling the shared-play experience the game’s main strength.

How difficult is Split Fiction?

It is forgiving thanks to fast respawns and generous checkpoints, but reviewers also said it is more demanding than It Takes Two and can challenge casual partners.

Are the side stories worth playing?

Yes. Multiple reviewers called the side stories some of the most creative, memorable, or joyful parts of the game.

How strong is the story?

Reviewers were split. Some liked the friendship arc and emotional moments, while others criticized the predictable plot, cliches, and weak villain.

How does the Switch 2 version hold up?

Switch 2 impressions valued portability, tabletop play, and Game Share, but noted lower visual detail and occasional frame-rate dips.

Consider This Instead

If you want better side character depth

Choose Goodnight Universe. It scores 5.0 vs 2.3 for side character depth, with a 4.1 overall score.

Compare

If you want better exploration quality

Choose Forza Horizon 5. It scores 5.0 vs 2.2 for exploration quality, with a 4.0 overall score.

Compare

If you want better bug frequency

Choose Pragmata. It scores 5.0 vs 2.5 for bug frequency, with a 4.1 overall score.

Compare

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