If you fell in love with It Takes Two (2021), the Game of the Year-winning co-op masterpiece from Hazelight Studios, you’re probably eyeing its spiritual successor, Split Fiction (2025), with curiosity. Both games deliver inventive cooperative gameplay and heartfelt storytelling, but they cater to slightly different vibes and skill levels. For players who started with It Takes Two and are wondering if Split Fiction will scratch the same itch, here’s a breakdown of key differences to help you decide if it’s your next couch co-op obsession.
1. Narrative Themes: Personal Bonds vs. Creative Collaboration
It Takes Two centers on Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce, magically turned into dolls by their daughter’s wish. The story is a deeply personal metaphor for love, family, and reconciliation, with levels reflecting their emotional journey. The narrative’s stakes—saving their relationship and their daughter’s happiness—feel intimate and grounded, even in its whimsical settings.
Split Fiction, on the other hand, follows Mio and Zoe, two aspiring authors trapped in a virtual simulation of their sci-fi and fantasy stories. The plot explores broader themes: the power of creativity, the dangers of AI exploiting art, and how strangers with opposing personalities can forge a bond. While It Takes Two tugs at your heartstrings with its focus on a failing marriage, Split Fiction feels more cerebral, critiquing tech-driven plagiarism and celebrating artistic collaboration. Its stakes are hazier—escaping a machine stealing their ideas—which some players find less emotionally gripping than It Takes Two’s family-driven quest.
Will it tickle the same itch? If you loved It Takes Two for its emotional depth and relatable characters, Split Fiction’s odd-couple dynamic and tech-focused story might feel less intimate. However, its character-driven arcs, especially Mio and Zoe’s evolving sisterhood, still deliver emotional moments, though they lean more on personal trauma than familial love.
2. Gameplay Variety: More Ambitious, Less Accessible
Both games are known for their dizzying variety, with mechanics that shift dramatically from level to level. It Takes Two throws players into a toybox of ideas—shooting goo, manipulating time, or riding frogs—while keeping things approachable. Its puzzles and platforming are designed for casual gamers, making it ideal for couples or friends with mixed skill levels. The game’s brilliance lies in letting go of mechanics before they overstay, ensuring a breezy, cooperative flow.
Split Fiction cranks the variety to eleven, packing even more mechanics into its 12–15-hour runtime. Expect cyberpunk shootouts, hoverboard chases, shapeshifting platforming, and dual-wielded shield-breaking guns. Each chapter introduces new tools, often tied to Mio’s sci-fi or Zoe’s fantasy worlds, and the final chapter is lauded as a mind-bending culmination of everything you’ve learned. However, Split Fiction is noticeably harder, with complex mechanics introduced early that demand tighter coordination and gaming fluency. Some levels, like shooter-heavy segments, can feel repetitive or punishing for non-gamers, and the longer chapters (split into 85 sublevels) may test patience.
Will it tickle the same itch? If you adored It Takes Two’s constant surprises, Split Fiction delivers even bolder ideas and jaw-dropping set pieces. But if you played with a less experienced partner, its steeper learning curve and higher difficulty might frustrate. Generous checkpoints help, but it’s geared more toward seasoned gamers.
3. Co-op Dynamics: Teamwork vs. Independence
It Takes Two is the gold standard for co-op synergy. Cody and May’s abilities are interdependent, forcing constant communication and teamwork. Puzzles require both players to contribute equally, whether it’s Cody planting seeds for May to swing on or May freezing time for Cody to navigate. This tight integration mirrors the game’s theme of rebuilding a relationship, making every victory feel shared.
Split Fiction still demands cooperation, but it’s less rigid. Mio and Zoe often have distinct roles—Zoe might grapple with a whip while Mio slashes with swords—but some sections allow players to progress independently, crossing paths only occasionally. Puzzles can sometimes be solved without much discussion, which reduces the need for constant chatter. While this makes the game more flexible, it can feel less collaborative, with some players noting it lacks the “we’re in this together” magic of It Takes Two. Side Stories, optional levels that replace It Takes Two’s competitive minigames, add variety but don’t always require tight teamwork.
Will it tickle the same itch? If It Takes Two’s forced collaboration was your jam, Split Fiction might feel a tad disjointed, as its co-op leans more on parallel play. But if you enjoyed exploring unique abilities, the game’s diverse mechanics and Side Stories (like turning into pigs with rainbow farts) keep the fun alive.
4. Visuals and Settings: Whimsical House vs. Sci-Fi/Fantasy Mashup
It Takes Two transforms a mundane house and garden into a vibrant, fantastical playground. From scaling bookshelves to exploring a daughter’s toy-filled room, its tiny perspective creates a cohesive, lived-in world. The art style is cartoonish and approachable, amplifying the game’s charm.
Split Fiction trades this for a bolder, more diverse aesthetic. Mio’s moody sci-fi cities and Zoe’s lush fantasy forests alternate across eight chapters, with settings like neon-lit highways, snowy castles, or infected planets. Built in Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are more photorealistic and breathtaking, with dynamic skyboxes and hidden details that reward exploration. However, the rapid shifts between genres can feel less coherent, and some players find the worlds less immersive than It Takes Two’s grounded setup.
Will it tickle the same itch? If you loved It Takes Two’s cohesive, whimsical world, Split Fiction’s genre-hopping might feel disjointed. But if you’re a sci-fi or fantasy nerd, its varied landscapes and stunning visuals will dazzle, especially in Side Stories that lean into absurd creativity.
5. Accessibility and Audience: Casual Fun vs. Gamer’s Challenge
It Takes Two was designed to onboard non-gamers, with a gentle difficulty curve and forgiving mechanics. It’s perfect for couples or families, emphasizing shared joy over challenge. The Friend’s Pass lets one player join for free, making it easy to rope in a partner.
Split Fiction targets a more experienced audience. Its early introduction of high-speed chases and shootouts can overwhelm players expecting It Takes Two’s gradual ramp-up. While it retains the Friend’s Pass and adds cross-play (unlike It Takes Two), the game’s longer levels and tougher challenges cater to gamers comfortable with action-platformers. Some fans appreciate the added depth, but others miss the beginner-friendly vibe.
Will it tickle the same itch? If you and your co-op partner bonded over It Takes Two’s accessible fun, Split Fiction might feel like a leap. It’s still a blast with a skilled teammate, but non-gamers may struggle. Try it if you’re both ready for a meatier challenge.
Final Verdict: A New Flavor of Co-op Magic
Split Fiction is not It Takes Two 2. It’s an evolution, not a continuation, pushing Hazelight’s co-op formula into bolder, more ambitious territory. It trades It Takes Two’s emotional intimacy and casual accessibility for a grander scope, tougher gameplay, and a cerebral story about creativity. If you loved It Takes Two for its heartfelt narrative and easygoing teamwork, Split Fiction might not hit the same sweet spot—its less cohesive story and steeper difficulty could leave casual players wanting. But if you’re craving more of Hazelight’s genre-defying creativity with a sci-fi/fantasy twist, it’s a thrilling ride that could surpass its predecessor for seasoned gamers.
Tips for It Takes Two Fans:
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Play with a partner who’s comfortable with action games to avoid frustration.
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Don’t skip the Side Stories—they’re some of the game’s most creative moments.
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Embrace the chaos of its variety, even if the story doesn’t grab you as much.
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Use the Friend’s Pass to try it with a friend before committing.
Split Fiction is available on PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, and will hit Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025. Grab a friend, dive into Mio and Zoe’s wild worlds, and see if Hazelight’s latest co-op gem sparks the same joy
EsportsHeaven
2025-04-18 09:06:16