Alright squad, listen up. If you thought It Takes Two was the peak of co-op gaming, buckle up because Hazelight Studios just dropped the mic with Split Fiction. I've been grinding through games since the Brothers days, and let me tell you, this ain't just an evolution—it's a full-blown revolution. The hype is real, and after sinking dozens of hours into it with my duo, I'm here to break down why this game is shaping up to be the undisputed GOTY 2026 contender. Forget what you knew; this is next-level stuff.

1. World Design: Sci-Fi Meets Fantasy, Perfection!

Remember exploring Cody and May's house and garden? Cute, but Split Fiction says, "Hold my energy drink." We're talking about two massively different, yet perfectly intertwined worlds. On one side, you've got Mio's dark, moody, cyberpunk-esque sci-fi landscapes that feel ripped straight from a Blade Runner sequel. On the other, Zoe's whimsical, storybook fantasy levels are bursting with color and magic. It's like playing two AAA games in one!

The detail is insane, guys. Dynamic skyboxes, vistas that are part of the puzzles, backdrops that make you stop and just... stare. It's a visual feast that makes It Takes Two look like a warm-up. The artistry here is next-level.

2. Story Vibes: From Marriage Counseling to Epic Buddy-Cop Drama

No more Dr. Hakim, thank god! The story ditches the 'fix your marriage' plot for a raw, character-driven journey about two total strangers. Mio and Zoe are struggling authors forced to work together, and let's just say the vibe is more "stranger danger" than "instant BFFs."

But that's the beauty of it! Watching their walls crumble as they confront their traumatic pasts... man, it hits different. The writing is superb, and by the end, you're 100% invested in these two. It's less about fixing a relationship and more about building one from scratch, trauma and all. The emotional payoff is chef's kiss.

3. Level Design: Ambitious Doesn't Even Begin to Cover It

Josef Fares said they doubled the budget, and brother, you can FEEL it. The level design is so ambitious it's borderline ridiculous. We're talking puzzles that require NASA-level coordination and timing with your partner. About 70% of them will have you and your duo putting on your thinking caps and communicating like a SWAT team.

Don't get it twisted—they're not unfairly hard. They're just brilliantly complex. The simple, genuine formula from the old days has been refined and evolved into something that constantly surprises you. The production value is through the roof!

4. Side Stories > Minigames. It's Not Even Close.

It Takes Two had fun minigames like whack-a-Cody. Cute. Split Fiction replaces them with 'Side Stories'—a treasure trove of unique, fully-fledged short levels. These aren't distractions; they're essential, high-quality content that fleshes out Mio and Zoe's characters and wild imaginations.

One minute you're doing a space escape with limited O2, the next you're traversing a living notebook. Josef Fares wasn't kidding when he said not to skip these. They're arguably some of the best optional content in any modern platformer, period.

5. Easter Egg Hunt: A Love Letter to Pop Culture

You liked the Zelda and Mario Kart nods in ITT? Prepare for a masterclass in references. Split Fiction is packed with easter eggs and odes to games, movies, and TV from across the decades. I'm talking deep cuts, not just surface-level stuff.

I won't spoil them all (half the fun is finding them!), but let's just say my friend and I lost our minds at an Akira bike slide reference early on. And yes, Josef's iconic TGA speech is immortalized in here too. It's a celebration of gaming culture.

6. Graphics: Bye-Bye Clay Dolls, Hello Real Humans!

This one's obvious but crucial. The jump to Unreal Engine 5 is a game-changer. Mio and Zoe look and feel like real people, not wooden dolls inhabited by souls. The graphical fidelity across both their worlds is breathtaking.

ITT had charm, but Split Fiction has sheer, jaw-dropping visual power. The details on characters, environments, and effects set a new bar for what a co-op game can look like. It's legitimately stunning.

7. Boss Fights: Pure, Unfiltered Adrenaline

The boss fights in Split Fiction are on another level—both in quantity and quality. They're dynamic, multi-phase spectacles that constantly keep you on your toes. Gone are the 'wait your turn' moments from ITT.

I can't spoil them, but the final boss of the 'Final Dawn' chapter... bruh. It made me realize this game does NOT play around. Each fight has unique mechanics, and just when you think you've got it figured out, BAM—phase transition. The adrenaline rush is constant.

8. The Final Level: Gaming's New Pinnacle

I saved the best for last. The final level of Split Fiction is the single most imaginative piece of game design I have EVER witnessed. It's the pinnacle of creative brainstorming. My friend and I literally put our controllers down at one point, just in awe of what was happening on screen.

Without spoilers: it's a massive, epic chase to take down the main villain, utilizing everything you've learned in the most genius way possible. It's a core gaming memory now. You'll finish it and just sit there, splitting your hairs trying to process its brilliance.

Final Verdict?

Split Fiction isn't just better than It Takes Two; it redefines what a cooperative puzzle-platformer can be. It's bigger, bolder, smarter, and more emotionally resonant. The jump in scope, presentation, and pure creativity is monumental. If you have a gaming partner, this is a MUST-PLAY. Hazelight didn't just meet expectations; they shattered them. 2026's Game of the Year race? It might already be over. GG, Josef Fares. GG.

TL;DR for my speedrunners:

• 🤯 Two gorgeous, distinct worlds (Sci-Fi & Fantasy)

• 🎭 Superior, character-driven story

• 🧩 Mind-bending, ambitious level & puzzle design

• 🎁 Side Stories > Minigames (by a mile)

• 🔍 Easter egg paradise

• 🌟 Unreal Engine 5 visual masterpiece

• 👊 Epic, dynamic boss fights

• 🏆 A final level that will blow your mind

Go play it. You can thank me later. Peace out! ✌️