Split Fiction delivers unforgettable co-op moment

A thoughtful look at how Split Fiction renews the sense of wonder in co-op games and what it says about gaming's evolution.

35 years after being dazzled by my first video game Split Fiction showed me there's no stopping their ability to astonish

The author recalls the rapid leaps in video game history, from 1993 FIFA to 32-bit and polygonal worlds, and notes that awe now comes less often. Split Fiction, a two-player co-operative game from Hazelight, is praised for turning a shared screen into a living, split world that blends fantasy and science fiction. The piece emphasizes the game’s co-op focus and its final sequences, which the author describes as strikingly innovative and emotionally resonant. While the author notes a preference for Hazelight’s It Takes Two in terms of loose experimentation, Split Fiction earns its own praise for its craftsmanship and memorable moments.

Spoilers are kept at bay, but the writer stresses that the strongest parts come from how players discover and react together, not from flashy cutscenes alone. The review closes with a personal reflection: Split Fiction delivers a sense of awe that reminds us why games matter, and why great co-op design can still surprise us years after the medium’s rise.

Nostalgia for past gaming breakthroughs can intensify the impact of a current achievement. The piece uses personal memory to frame a broader argument about how innovation evolves in small, carefully crafted moments rather than giant leaps. It highlights Hazelight’s strength in designing cooperative play that requires real collaboration, turning shared discoveries into the core experience. The author also cautions against assuming novelty for its own sake, noting that Split Fiction earns its wow factor through timing, pacing, and the way its mechanics invite joint exploration.

The piece suggests a broader trend in contemporary game design: a renewed interest in moments that feel intimate and collaborative, rather than solitary speedruns or solo cinematic experiences. It posits that a well-executed co-op idea can resonate across generations and continue to surprise players, including families exploring games together. This is less about pushing technology than about orchestrating human connection through gameplay.

Highlights

Wonder endures when play is built with care and shared with others.