There’s something truly exhilarating about a video game that can make you exclaim “wow” without a second thought, and Hazelight Studios’ latest offering, Split Fiction, certainly managed to do just that during an intense one-hour hands-on session. Published by EA, this co-op game promises much more than just fleeting excitement.
I partnered up with none other than the founder of Hazelight, Josef Fares, for this session. Now, if I were to describe him using British slang, he’s quite the charismatic presence, or as current jargon goes, he has plenty of “rizz.” His sharp fashion sense almost made me feel underdressed, arriving not for a GQ interview but from a niche gaming site. As a luxury watch enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice the impressive timepiece adorning his wrist the moment we shook hands.
To get a sense of Fares, consider this: I often use my phone to transcribe conversations, and Google’s AI tends to label them based on key phrases. When I interviewed the mastermind behind Flight Simulator, it labeled it ‘Flight’, and a chat with Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto became ‘Monster’. My encounter with Fares? It was aptly named ‘Shitload’. This sums up both Fares’ vibrant language and the essence of Split Fiction itself.
Split Fiction’s philosophy revolves around delivering a diverse array of experiences, not through an overwhelming open-world format, but in a sharper, more focused adventure. Building on the success of It Takes Two, the game constantly introduces new and exciting elements, leaving you frequently amazed.
The idea driving Split Fiction may bear a resemblance to Hazelight’s past projects, which initially made me skeptical. Would this be more of the same? But rest assured, its cunning design and clever settings shake things up. The game centers on two protagonists with starkly contrasting views on storytelling—Mio, who favors sci-fi, and Zoe, a fantasy aficionado. A mysterious company’s brain-scanning machine unexpectedly merges their worlds, leading to a clash of unique realms.
The game expertly toggles between these contrasting settings, immersing players in a myriad of experiences. One moment you’ll be navigating a futuristic, sci-fi cityscape; the next, you’ll plunge into a fantastical forest. Fares was quick to demonstrate these transitions, astonishing me with the game’s seamless shifts in mechanics.
Split Fiction is packed with creative insights into gamer expectations. From puzzles reminiscent of Metroid to levels echoing the thrill of snowboarding in SSX, Hazelight’s design philosophy is ever-evident. Fares delights in showing how Hazelight defies conventional development, producing wildly different experiences rather than repeating the same formula throughout.
The game’s cooperative nature demands constant player interaction, showcasing Hazelight’s knack for crafting intricate puzzles that benefit from teamwork. Fares believes they’re at the top of their game because no one else designs co-op experiences quite like they do.
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles, of course. Ensuring each segment, no matter how brief, meets player expectations about quality requires precision and skill. Fares elaborates on the challenge of delivering short yet polished experiences that stay true to player expectations, whether it’s combat or snowboarding.
Despite the challenges, the studio excels in delivering high-quality content. The bespoke nature of Split Fiction reminds me of the best elements of classic shows like Doctor Who—a bold, unpredictable mix, never bound to a single format or setting. You might find yourself reeling at the sheer variety, but that’s precisely Hazelight’s intent.
Though my time with Split Fiction was more of a guided tour across various snippets, the enthusiasm behind its creation was infectious. This unique game style promises to make Split Fiction a standout title, eagerly awaited when it hits stores on March 5. I, for one, can’t wait to jump into its full experience.
