Split Fiction , the new creation from Hazelight Studios , has officially become the highest - rate game of 2025 so far . With a stunning91/100 on Metacriticand90 on Opencritic , this co - op risky venture has surpassed major deed of conveyance likeMonster Hunter Wildsand Kingdom Come : Deliverance II . But what incisively spend a penny this biz so peculiar , and why are critic calling it an early Game of the Year contender ?
Split Fiction is a New Chapter in Co-op Gaming
Four years after require home the Game of the Year with It have Two in 2021 , Hazelight Studios has returned with another split - silver screen co - op dangerous undertaking . Split Fiction abide by two characters , Zoe and Mio , who are authors trapped within their own stories . Together , player must navigate through a blend of sci - fi and phantasy worlds to escape .
Unlike many current gaming trends that focus on open populace or live overhaul models , Split Fiction symbolise a refreshing commitment to creativeness and focused co - op gameplay . The game requires two player throughout its roughly 14 - 15 hour hunting expedition , but follows Hazelight ’s friend pass system where only one mortal needs to own the game .
When I first saw the trailer being expose in The Game Awards 2024 , I was honestly brain - blown . Being a vast lover of It Takes Two , I could n’t think Hazelight was back with another co - op secret plan . The premix of sci - fi and phantasy configurations instantly grab my attending , and the conception of play as authors stuck in their own history finger like such a originative twist .
As someone who loves book of account and novels , having a game where the protagonists are writer made it even good . The visuals looked stunning , the gameplay seemed packed with variety , and the signature tune teamwork mechanics were clearly still at the core .
Why Split Fiction Got the Highest Score in 2025
The game ’s theater director , Josef Fares , is know for his strong passion for co - op gaming . AtThe Game Awards last twelvemonth , he confidently said that Split Fiction would be “ some next - level thing”—and judgement by the reviews , he was n’t wrong . What makes Split Fiction place upright out ishow it keep open changing and never stick to just one genre . That ’s why critic are giving it near - pure scores . Here ’s what makes it so great :
Genre-Bending Gameplay
Split Fiction keep on players on their toes by constantly switching up gameplay car-mechanic . Just as you get used to one , the biz introduce something young and moves on before it bewilder insistent . IGN described it as“a rollercoaster of gameplay theme and styles”that keeps the experience“fabulously fresh”from start to finish .
Stunning Visuals
The game ’s artistic production centering has been widely praised , with reviewers highlighting how smoothly it blends sci - fi and fantasy elements . Hazelight ’s signature of always - on rent - screen LET both player see what their pardner is doing , creating unequalled cooperative challenge .
Emotional Storytelling
Split Fiction may be start the pack for 2025 , but the class is far from over . With major titles likeGrand Theft Auto VIand The Witcher 4 still on the way , the backwash for Game of the yr will be intense . Still , Split Fiction has set a high legal community . As more histrion dive in after its March 6 release , it ’s looking more and more like Hazelight has another strong award contender on their hands .