Hazelight Studios' latest offering, Split Fiction, has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, boasting an average score of 91 on Metacritic and 90 on OpenCritic. Critics lauded its innovative gameplay, consistently introducing fresh mechanics that prevent monotony. However, some reviewers noted a relatively weak narrative and shorter playtime compared to expectations.
The game's reception is a mix of ecstatic praise and qualified admiration:
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Perfect Scores: Numerous prominent outlets, including Gameractor UK, GameSpot, Inverse, Push Square, PC Games, TechRadar Gaming, Variety, Eurogamer, and Areajugones, awarded Split Fiction a perfect 100/100. These reviews highlighted the game's exceptional creativity and constant stream of engaging new ideas.
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High Scores (90-95): IGN USA, GameSpuer, Quiteshockers, PlayStation Lifestiles, and Vandal gave scores in the 90s, praising the masterful execution of diverse mechanics and the overall thrilling experience. IGN specifically noted the game as a triumph of imagination, rewriting the rules of co-op gaming.
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Mid-range Scores (70-80): Stevivor, TheGamer, VGC, and Wccftech awarded scores in the 80s, acknowledging the game's engaging gameplay but mentioning some repetitive elements due to the frequent shifts between two main locations. VGC also pointed out a somewhat underwhelming storyline. Hardcore Gamer's 70/100 review cited a shorter length and higher price point than It Takes Two, along with a perceived lack of originality and variety compared to its predecessor.
While some criticisms focus on narrative depth and overall length, the consensus points to Split Fiction as a highly innovative and engaging co-op experience, representing a significant achievement from Hazelight Studios. The game launches March 6th, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.