In the current gaming landscape, where service - based games and large - scale multiplayer online games are ubiquitous, and struggling with network connections has become a common occurrence, the concept of local multiplayer games has suddenly become incredibly precious. Although we occasionally come across some outstanding local cooperative games, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, Overcooked, and Hazelight Studios' It Takes Two, none of the similar games I've played recently have left as deep an impression on me as Split Fiction.

In Split Fiction, players take on the roles of Mio or Zoe, two aspiring writers selected to participate in the early testing of a machine that can bring their written stories to life. In my opinion, this plot setting not only helps to construct the game's worldview but also provides an excellent basis for the seamless switching between science - fiction and fantasy scenes for the protagonists.

During the short - term trial play of just a few hours, I never felt any abruptness or boredom when switching between scenes. Even though I admit that I'm not very interested in the "fantasy" genre unless it's something like "Final Fantasy," the fantasy world created by Zoe never bored me. This is also thanks to the well - arranged and believable character dialogues in Split Fiction, which made me feel like I was watching the interactions between two real people with vastly different personalities in their fictional worlds.

If you've played Hazelight's previous works (It Takes Two and A Way Out), you're likely to have high expectations for Split Fiction. This is a multiplayer game that supports both split - screen and co - screen play. It's filled with ingeniously designed puzzles that require players to collaborate and communicate to solve. These elements are integrated into exquisite graphics and an engaging script. What sets Split Fiction apart from other two - player cooperative games is its ability to skillfully blend multiple gameplay styles, keeping the player experience fresh and interesting.

In fact, the most prominent feature of Split Fiction is its diverse gameplay. During my brief trial play, it was clear that this wasn't just another ordinary two - player puzzle - solving or fighting game. Hazelight clearly spent a lot of time polishing the various game types in this work, as I didn't feel that any of the gameplay elements were rushed or added just for the sake of diversity.

One memorable segment had Zoe and Mio escaping from a war - torn area on snowboards. This level felt more like a combination of Sonic Adventure 2 and SSX Tricky rather than the typical scripted slope - sliding sequence. Moreover, Split Fiction introduced a scoring mechanism at this point. I had to race against time with my partner, performing as many stunts as possible, like grinding rails, grabbing boards, and doing flips, while trying to avoid death. Although many games have similar gameplay designs, in this game, this mechanism is just the tip of the iceberg of its many interesting gameplay elements, demonstrating the great potential of Split Fiction.

Of course, not all the gameplay in this game is perfect. In one level, we had to play a combined platform - jumping and pinball - inspired game. I controlled the ball while my partner controlled the flippers. This required seamless cooperation between us. It was a very novel design, introducing a relatively slow - paced puzzle - solving mechanism into a game full of action elements. Although I was a bit frustrated each time I missed the right jumping timing, when my partner and I successfully completed the cooperative task in the game, the sense of satisfaction truly enhanced the overall gaming experience.

It should be noted in advance that Split Fiction is a game that requires full - focus two - player cooperation throughout and does not support a single - player mode. However, unlike most multiplayer cooperative games, where two players usually have to fight hordes of enemies on - screen or break through a lot of obstacles to progress to the next level, in Split Fiction, both the intense combat and the relaxing puzzle - solving parts require a great deal of teamwork and in - depth thinking from the two players.

During my trial play, I found myself frequently communicating with my partner and working together to solve puzzles and defeat bosses. Surprisingly, Split Fiction doesn't provide much guidance throughout the game. It doesn't directly show us the way forward or tell us what to do. Although the game isn't as minimally - guided as soul - like games, its UI design indeed doesn't indicate the next goal for players. This is precisely the essence of Split Fiction and all its multiplayer cooperative gameplay, allowing me to enjoy a highly interesting and fulfilling experience during this trial play.

In today's era, games either support single - player play or are filled with NPCs or online players who interact minimally with players. However, Split Fiction is wholeheartedly dedicated to raising the bar for the cooperative gaming experience. I love every aspect of this game, such as its diverse gameplay that skillfully combines multiple styles, its well - written dialogues, and its beautiful world setting. More importantly, it requires players to actively cooperate with others and think outside the box to solve puzzles. With so many anticipated games emerging this year, Split Fiction will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd with its unique and rare design concept.