Split Fiction Review (PS5) – A Love Letter To Video Gaming
Every so often, a game comes along that rewrites the rulebook. Split Fiction is one of those rare gems – a genre-bending roller coaster bursting with imagination and razor-sharp mechanics. From the opening moments, it grabs you, keeps you on your toes, and refuses to let go until the credits roll.
A Mind-Bending World That Refuses to Stay the Same
One of Split Fiction’s greatest strengths is its unpredictability. The game never lingers in one setting, tone, or gameplay style for too long. Instead, it constantly reinvents itself – shifting environments, mechanics, and perspectives – while maintaining a gripping story that keeps pulling you forward.
The story follows two struggling writers who, desperate to get published, sign up for an experimental machine that throws them in a bubble and extracts stories directly from their minds. When a mishap forces them into the same extraction bubble, their wildly different worlds literally collide, bringing a sci-fi adventure tangled with a medieval fantasy epic to life.
The variety is staggering. One moment, you’re deep in a cyberpunk detective thriller with scenes that would make Akira proud; the next, you’re a sausage frantically trying to cook yourself on a giant barbecue. Thanks to the PS5’s SSD, these transitions are seamless – no load times, no downtime, just pure, uninterrupted madness.
Gameplay That Evolves With You
Split Fiction refuses to stick to one formula. It’s a constantly evolving hybrid of action-adventure, puzzle-solving, and cooperative platforming. If you’ve played It Takes Two, you’ll have a rough idea of the kind of co-op wizardry at play here – only Split Fiction cranks everything up to 11.
The game never lets you get comfortable, twisting and turning in unexpected ways. One moment, you’re cracking up at a ridiculous set piece; the next, you and your co-op partner are gasping at a mind-blowing transition or hidden Easter egg. It keeps you engaged, surprised, and fully invested every step of the way.
A Co-op Experience Like No Other
Calling Split Fiction a co-op game almost undersells it – it’s built around two players working in perfect sync. Almost symbiotic in nature. Every puzzle, encounter, and story beat demands teamwork, requiring constant communication and collaboration across multiple dimensions. The result? A game that doesn’t just match the best co-op experiences – it surpasses them. This is Portal 2 levels of brilliance, if not more.
A Visual and Technical Powerhouse
Beyond its gameplay innovations, Split Fiction is a visual spectacle – a true next-gen experience. Each world is meticulously crafted with its own distinct style, blending detailed realism with stunning surrealism. Every transition between worlds feels intentional, enhancing the narrative rather than just looking cool (though it does that too).
The atmosphere is thick and immersive, whether you’re in the middle of an explosive action sequence or a quiet, reflective moment. The dynamic soundtrack – ranging from sweeping orchestral swells to pulsing electronic beats – adapts seamlessly to every shift in tone, pulling you even deeper into the game’s ever-changing world.
Technically it’s flawless. Load times are virtually nonexistent, the frame rate stays locked even in the most chaotic sequences, and the seamless camera transitions make everything feel smooth and cinematic. It’s a rare game that pushes creative boundaries while also showcasing the raw power of next-gen hardware despite it’s lack of AAAA label
A Roller Coaster You Can’t Put Down
If was to be really picky, I would say that this game is screaming out for some collectables. The worlds deserve to be explored in every nook and cranny, and collectables would be a nice addition. There are some side stories (which are truly excellent in their own right) to find but they aren’t really well hidden. The Characters Mio and Zoe are perfectly fine and likeable but lack the personality from the characters found in It Takes Two, But I’m really picking here
At its core, Split Fiction is a game that demands to be played. Its gripping story, stunning world-building, and ever-evolving gameplay will keep you hooked long after you’ve put down the controller after a session. Even when you’re not playing, you’ll be thinking about its twists, its world, and what might come next. Few games strike the perfect balance between innovation, technical brilliance, and sheer fun. Split Fiction isn’t just a standout game—it’s a landmark achievement.
For me, there’s no question: this is my Game of the Year so far. Bold, inventive, and endlessly entertaining, Split Fiction sets a new standard—not just for co-op games, but for gaming in general. In an era of formulaic, paint-by-numbers releases, this is the kind of game that reminds you why gaming is special.
If someone who had been living under a rock for the past 40 years asked me, “What is video gaming all about?”—I’d tell them to play Split Fiction. It’s a mind-bending, artistic, and technical triumph that turns into an unforgettable journey through pure imagination.
Split Fiction is available now on PS5 (review platform). Xbox X|S and PC
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here.
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