Split Fiction

Critical Evaluation:

Split Fiction is one of the most unique and visually stunning games I've ever played. It's the first game I've played from Hazelight, so I wasn't sure what to expect from the two player mechanic, but it ended up being a fun and interesting play style that kept my friend and I engaged throughout the entire game. Every level introduces a new and exciting mechanic, ranging from gravity shifting space ninjas to dragon riding fight scenes, making the experience feel fresh throughout. While the gameplay shifts a lot depending on whose world you were in and what the story was, the consistency of certain buttons (like the "y" always being a clawshot or long range jump move) made it easy to transition from area to area. The addition of the side stories was also really fun and added extra flair, although some were definitely more memorable than others. The story is also really fun and engaging, and surprisingly relevant, as it explores themes of creative ownership and the threat of corporate and AI exploitation. That said, the plot is predictable and somewhat cliché, as it really does just have a corrupt millionaire as the central antagonist, which has been done a multitude of times. Also, while the emotional arcs of Mio and Zoe are enjoyable and the characters themselves are funny and likeable (I really enjoyed the cat and dog energies the characters had), the dialogue itself could get a bit cringey at times and seemed to lack true depth. Overall, the game is a really fun and unique concept, but the writing could've been better executed in terms of antagonist and dialogue. 

Speed Round Book Talk:

Split Fiction is a fast paced two player adventure, where a fantasy and a sci-fi author must team up after being trapped inside a virtual simulation together. Each level throws new challenges their way, from robot fights to dragon flights, forcing them to rely on each other’s strengths to survive. It’s a story about creativity, conflict, and what happens when two very different worlds collide.

Reason for Inclusion:

I chose to include Split Fiction because I think teens will love its fast paced, ever changing gameplay and the chance to play with a friend as two totally different characters working together. The mix of sci-fi and fantasy worlds keeps things exciting, and the constant new challenges make every level feel fresh. It’s fun and creative in a way that feels made for teens who enjoy adventure, humor, and a little bit of chaos.