Introduction
Basic information
Developer Name: Hazelight Studios
Full Name: Split Fiction
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Released on: PC, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Cross Play: No
Some games entertain you. Others move you. And then there are games like Split Fiction, they are rare, unforgettable journeys that resonate on a personal level. Itโs the kind of game that doesnโt just tell a story, it invites you into it. Split Fiction combines imaginative storytelling with visual artistry and emotional depth.
My wife and I discovered it through the demo, which showed real promise despite some minor stutters. But once the full version released, all of that was gone, and what remained was a seamless, beautiful experience we couldnโt put down. For anyone who loves stories and thinks in vivid, dreamlike imagery, this is more than a game. Itโs a gift.
Initial thoughts
From the moment the main menu appeared, we felt something different. There was a tone, quiet but full of potential. After finishing the demo, we both looked at each other and agreed: we had to see the full game through. And it delivered. It surpassed every expectation.
Split Fiction is a celebration of imagination, emotion, and connection. For us, it became a shared experience, one filled with laughter, reflection, and genuine surprise. The gameโs creativity knew no bounds, and neither did our enthusiasm.
From exploring bizarre dreamscapes to unraveling deeply personal side stories, every moment felt lovingly crafted. And yes, we spent an embarrassing amount of time just examining background details and decoding easter eggs. Worth it.
Story and setting
Plot overview
The core narrative is astonishing. Without spoiling anything, it follows two protagonists linked across surreal realities, each chapter adding layers of complexity, mystery, and warmth. The plot is bold, unafraid to be strange, unafraid to be emotional, and always honest. It’s rare to see a game with such raw, personal touches.
World building and immersion
Every location feels meaningful. You donโt just travel through levels, you live in them. A cyber world, a marketplace lit by memory-fire, a world with sand sharks, each world is symbolic and breathtaking. Youโll want to take your time and take it all in.
Character development
Watching the two leads grow closer, supporting one another, clashing, healing, was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Their relationship feels authentic and evolves naturally. Side characters also shine, each with their own moments to surprise or move you.
Emotional impact
High. Very high. Whether itโs joy, dread, or grief, the emotional palette here is rich and relatable. The ending brought a silence between us, not from disappointment, but from awe.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with a 10.
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
This is where Split Fiction really flexes its creativity. Each chapter shifts gameplay styles entirely, mirroring the emotional state or logic of that world. But somehow, it never feels gimmicky, it always ties into the story, the character, or a theme.
It changes. It reinvents itself constantly. From platforming, to rhythm, to puzzle-solving, to slow-burn exploration. The variety kept us fully engaged.
Difficulty and balance
The game strikes a perfect balance: enough challenge to feel rewarding, but never enough to become frustrating. You always feel equipped to keep going.
Pacing of the game
The pacing is deliberate. Some chapters are fast, almost chaotic. Others slow down and invite introspection. Itโs a rhythm that suits the gameโs themes of duality and contrast.
Innovation and uniqueness
Truly one of a-kind. Few games dare to reinvent themselves moment to moment while maintaining narrative and emotional cohesion.
Controls and user interface
Clean, intuitive, and accessible. Everything you need is right there, even when gameplay mechanics shift dramatically.
Microtransactions
None. Zero. The full experience is in your hands from start to finish.
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with a 10.
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
Itโs hard to describe the visual language of Split Fiction. Every chapter has a new aesthetic, but it still feels cohesive. The art doesnโt just look good, it tells a story. Colors are symbolic. Set pieces have hidden meanings. We kept pausing to admire what was happening behind the characters because the environments themselves often reflected their emotional states.
It is beyond beautiful. Itโs like stepping into a series of living illustrations, each drawn from a different corner of the imagination.
Technical performances
Aside from the slightly rough demo, the full game ran flawlessly. No bugs, no stutters, just smooth, immersive visuals.
Environment and design uniqueness
Each new world feels like it belongs in its own book, but still part of the same story. The amount of variety is staggering.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with a 10.
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
The music in Split Fiction sticks with you. From soft ambient tracks to energetic sequences, it perfectly mirrors the emotional tone of each chapter. The voice acting is top-notch, filled with nuance and chemistry, and even the smallest sound cues add texture to the world. Catchy, emotional, thematic, every track serves the moment. The Halloween Market theme in particular has been stuck in our heads.
Sound effects quality
Crystal clear and contextually layered. The attention to detail in audio is on par with the visuals.
Voice Acting
Absolutely phenomenal. The leads especially share natural chemistry, adding authenticity to even the most surreal moments.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 10.
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
This is where the gameโs structure limits it a bit. Itโs a narrative-driven journey, and once youโve seen everything, including all the excellent side stories, thereโs little reason to replay. That said, the experience is so fulfilling that this hardly matters. Itโs a complete story, and we were grateful for every moment of it, even as we were sad to see it end.
The game is nearly 20 hours if you seek out everything. Every minute feels meaningful.
Extra Content
The side stories are worth every detour. Funny, touching, and sometimes bizarre, they deepen the themes of the main plot.
Replay value
ย Limited by design, but the memories and emotional impact will linger long after.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Split Fiction with a 10.
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
If we had to suggest anything, itโs not a change, but a wish: more. A sequel, a companion story, anything to return to this world.
Comparisons
Think Life is Strange meets Journey, with a touch of Gris, and the storytelling punch of Night in the Woods. But honestly? Split Fiction stands proudly in its own lane.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
We had so much fun exploring every corner. The Halloween Market sequence, or the part where our characters unexpectedly transformed into pigs and were turned into sausages, was hilariously disturbing, exactly the kind of surrealism we live for. We took our time with each side story, laughing at the absurd, pausing at the emotional, and taking screenshots constantly.
And then came the ending. It was powerful, grounded, and bittersweet. We both sat silently for a while after the credits, just letting it settle in. Itโs rare to finish a game and feel both deeply satisfied and a little heartbroken that itโs over. Split Fiction gave us that.
Rating
Taking in all the personal experiences with Split Fiction, I give it a personal rating of 10.
Last words
Pros
- Deep, emotionally intelligent story
- Beautifully written characters
- Dynamic, chapter-based gameplay
- A stunning variety of mechanics
- Gorgeous and symbolic visuals
- Smooth performance in the full game
- Engaging, intelligent side content
- Haunting, memorable soundtrack
- Perfect voice acting
- Zero microtransactions
- Touching character dynamics
- Smart pacing and structure
- Clever world design
- Original and heartfelt themes
- Visual metaphors everywhere
- Real emotional impact
- Surreal, joyful, and tragic in turns
- Accessible controls and UI
- So many easter eggs
- A complete, unforgettable experience
Cons
- There are no cons. And thatโs the only con.
Split Fiction is a game weโll carry with us for a long time. Itโs a celebration of imagination, connection, and emotion. It dares to be different and succeeds completely. If you care about stories, art, or just great video games, this is something special. From its opening scene to its moving final act, Split Fiction is a masterpiece.
FINALย RATING
10
Please let me know what you think of Split Fiction in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
If you liked reading this review, maybe you would like to share this review with your friends.
This game just isn’t for me but is a game I would definitely rather watch someone else play though
It’s good to have a game made to be played coop for people who likes to play together
It’s a great game that I’d love to play with a friend. A great success.
I’d heard good things about it, and it really does seem like a great game!
I’d love to play it with my friends sometime!
Split fiction utilize an interesting concept and I think it deserve the score.
I live this game to death!! its amazing ! nice review! deserved rating haha!
SVEN COOKED GUYS, HE GAVE US THE BEST REVIEW POSSIBLE, SPLIT FICTION IS GOTY MATERIAL, ALL HAIL SPLIT FICTION!
SPLIT FICTION? MORE LIKE PEAK FICTION!
Iโm really into co-op games, and this one looks like a blast to play with my friend. Waiting for a nice sale!
This must be great game, especially when you have a nice person to play with in co-op ๐ Already had it on my wishlist of course. There are dragons so 10/10 is deserved ๐ ๐ Whatsmore so many great cute animals we can control ๐ Generally in reviews and here I would add to the review that it can be succesfully played both on controller and with keyboard + mouse, because this is what i wanted to check (found that info on game forum). Game i think is more casual oriented, it can be played by all age groups (children etc.). In my language there is a word “miodnoลฤ” which was used as imporant rating parameters in one of older physical magazines about games, directly it would be translated “honeyedness” and i would use this word if it existed, to say “the joy of the game” is on high here ๐
I think I have a gif as comment:
It’s legen…… wait for it…… more wait for it….. haze like….. DARY!
We thoroughly enjoyed ‘It Takes Two’ and I have really high expectations for this one. Seeing the perfect rating makes me even more excited, even though I admittedly didn’t really read this one – Even if there are no reals spoilers, for this game everything I know about it already feels like one. So I’m just gonna wait for my chance to play while trying to avoid any exposure XD
wow 10/10 really? If its not co-op i would play it
As I mentioned several times before me and my girlfriend loved “It takes Two”. All the screenshots look like they are from a different game I am very curious about how the story unfolds. 10/10 and no cons at all =D wow … I hope to get my hands on this game soon =) Thank you for the review