Split Fiction (Switch 2) Review – Must Play Co-Op Adventure

Split Fiction (Nintendo Switch 2) Review

Split Fiction was first released a few months ago on a variety of platforms to rave reviews. Our own review saw it receive an astonishing 97/100 that praised its user-friendly design, stunning visuals, and clever writing. Split Fiction has since gone on to sell approximately 4 million copies and a movie is reportedly in the works already. Clearly, Split Fiction has resonated with gamers the world over. And now, Nintendo gamers will get their opportunity to experience this sensational game on the Nintendo Switch 2. Did the jump to Nintendo’s latest console hit the mark?

Split Fiction is a tale of two aspiring writers, Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster, who have both been invited to Rader Publishing with the promise of having their works published. The upbeat fantasy writer Zoe and the edgy sci-fi writer Mio soon learn that they’ll be placed inside a device called “The Machine” where they’ll be able to experience their stories in a sort of virtual reality. While Zoe has no problem participating, Mio senses something feels off and expresses her desire to quit. After a bit of a kerfuffle, both Zoe and Mio end up in a combined simulation, where they’ll experience the stories of both writers in a wild adventure. If it feels like I’m glossing over the story a bit, I am. But that’s only to avoid spoiling one of the many great aspects of Split Fiction, the story.

It Takes Two

Split Fiction is a co-op game that allows players to play together locally via split screen, or online. Online is available with cross-platform play, which means you’ll be able to play with another person on any other platform. As an added bonus, you can invite a online partner in for free using the Friend’s Pass. This means only one person needs to own Split Fiction for two people to play together online. I did not play Split Fiction online, instead, I opted to enjoy the game locally with my son. Setting up a game was as simple as deciding which player plays as Mio and which player plays as Zoe. Each character has unique moments and abilities throughout the game, which adds a welcome element of replayability. It is worth noting that there is no single player option in this game. If you don’t have a live, human being to play with, you can not play. Period.

Split Fiction is broken down into a variety of chapters, each with their own distinct gameplay elements. While some basic platforming is consistent throughout, such as the ability to double-jump and dash, each chapter will give players story-specific skills useful for that particular chapter. One example of this was shape-shifting into various creatures, with each creature being able to complete a specific task, and it’s up to the players to figure out how to use these creatures to solve puzzles and navigate areas. Throughout each chapter, there are a few different side-stories that offer a completely different mini-story, again with unique gameplay elements such as surfing down a sand dune or shooting a boss in a shoot-em-up side-scrolling style. The variety in the gameplay is quite impressive and pays homage to so many different classic video game genres.

Impressive Visuals

Since I haven’t played Split Fiction prior to the Nintendo Switch 2 version, it’s difficult for me to assess how it compares to other versions visually. What I can say is that for the most part, the game is a quite stunning on the Switch 2. The set pieces are often quite well detailed and vast. The first chapter takes place primarily in a futuristic sci-fi setting with a Blade Runner-like city landscape looming. You’ll find yourself jumping between flying cars in one section. In yet another, you’ll be racing from building to building in a futuristic motorcycle. It all looked great, and ran very smooth on the Nintendo Switch 2. The character models, particularly of the two protagonists, look amazing. Unfortunately, their hair looked a bit fuzzy. I’m not sure if this is some sort of hardware limitation, or maybe something that’ll get patched in the future. All in all, there are more than a few moments when my son and I were impressed with what was happening on screen. It also helped that the voice acting for all the characters was top-notch.

GOTY Contender

Split Fiction is an incredible game. I was surprised how much fun I had with it, especially playing it via local co-op with my son. The Nintendo Switch seemed to handle the game quite well, aside from a minor issue with the main characters’ hair. A word of warning though, the retail version of Split Fiction does not contain a game card, but rather a full game download code. And since it’s a beefy game – around 70 gigs – it’ll take up some valuable real estate on your new Nintendo Switch 2. It’s also worth reiterating once again that this is a co-op only game. You can play locally via split screen or with GameShare, or you can play online via cross-platform play. But if you do not have someone else to play with, you can not play. Despite these minor notes, Split Fiction is an absolute gem of a game that will most definitely be in the Game of the Year conversation.

***Split Fiction code for Nintendo Switch 2 provided by the publisher.***