It Takes Two Vs. Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios has made a name for itself in cooperative gaming. It Takes Two (2021) set the bar high for co-op adventures, and now the studio is back with Split Fiction (2025). Both games blend adventure, puzzles, and emotional storytelling, but in different ways. While the two games share the co-op foundation, the themes and gameplay differ significantly. As anticipation grows, it is natural for gamers to compare these two cooperative experiences. Let us explore their similarities and differences to see which offers the best co-op experience.

What is It Takes Two?

It Takes Two is a well-known action-adventure platformer launched in 2021. The game was exclusively developed for two players in either local or online split-screen co-op. It Takes Two is a critically acclaimed action-adventure platformer developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts in 2021. It has been designed solely for cooperative play and requires two players to collaborate to maneuver through its playful, amusing, and imaginative world. This game centers on the fractured relationship between Cody and May. The duo are a couple just a few steps away from divorce, and their daughter’s tears magically transform them into dolls. The game’s strength mainly lies in its wide range of gameplay mechanics.

Furthermore, the game features an emotionally engaging story, primarily focusing on the characters’ collaboration. Each level provides a unique challenge and requires communication, coordination, and problem-solving to progress. 

What is Split Fiction?

Split Fiction is a 2025 action-adventure video game from Hazelight Studios. The cooperative multiplayer game centers around two characters, Mio and Zoe. The duo is trapped within their interconnected story worlds. This game entails cooperative gameplay designed for two players. Furthermore, it emphasizes teamwork through split-screen or online play. The story focuses on the characters being pulled into a machine that steals their creative ideas. This forces them to navigate their blended sci-fi and fantasy narratives. The game dynamically shifts between science fiction and fantasy settings. This feature, therefore, creates a diverse and unpredictable gameplay experience.

Story

It Takes Two tells the story of a struggling marriage. The characters, Cody and May, face challenges in their relationship and are on the brink of divorce. The characters must mend their relationship while trapped in doll form. The couple’s impending divorce casts a dark shadow over their daughter, Rose. Her parents’ strained relationship causes her to cry and shed tears on her handmade dolls. The couple is magically transformed into dolls and transported into a fantastical world where they must overcome challenges to reignite their lost connection. The game’s narrative is linear, with a crystal clear beginning, middle, and end. However, it contains emotional depth and relatable themes. The themes mainly explored in the game are communication, forgiveness, and the importance of working together. 

On the other hand, Split Fiction follows the story of Mio and Zoe, who are both writers. The characters find themselves trapped in a simulation combining two different fantasy and sci-fi genres. They must work together and reconnect with their love for storytelling. The game’s story is unpredictable and shaped by the players, making each experience unique. Each player contributes to the story’s direction and outcome. Depending on the player’s choices, the game can be a light-hearted adventure, a tense thriller, or a complex drama.

Gameplay

Both games feature cooperative gameplay that demands communication, teamwork, and coordination. However, the two differ in their gameplay. It Takes Two gameplay features ever-changing gameplay mechanics. Each level delivers new challenges and abilities, calling for the players to be adaptive and collaborative. The two players complete puzzles and navigate different environments. Their unique skills also change depending on the setting. Therefore, each player must take a unique role to proceed to the next level. On one level, Cody might have time-controlling abilities, while May manipulates gravity. The game combines platforming, puzzle solving, and action sequences. The gameplay design is unique in that it allows communication and coordination. Players need to work together to overcome the challenges in the game. The gameplay changes with each level, ensuring the experience is fresh and engaging every time you play the game. 

In Split Fiction, you will experience collaborative storytelling and role-playing among the characters. The game seamlessly blends sci-fi and fantasy elements, ensuring you have diverse environments and challenges to explore. Unlike in It Takes Two, Split Fiction offers freedom in players abilities. As one of the players, you will have different abilities reflecting your narrative style. If you play as Mio, you will have futuristic and tech-based skills. On the other hand, Zoe will have magical abilities like summoning creatures or manipulating the environment.

Characters

Cody and May are the game’s main characters in It Takes Two. The two are flawed but relatable characters with strained relationships. You will take the couple’s journey of reconciliation and rediscovering their love. You can explore the characters’ personalities through their interactions and the challenges they face. These interactions are heartfelt and often humorous. Dr. Hakim, the talking love book, adds to the comedy while pushing the couple to reconcile. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles feel real. This allows you and your co-op partner to bear witness to their growth and reconciliation.

The main characters in Split Fiction, Mio and Zoe, start as bitter professional rivals. None of the characters wants to acknowledge each other’s skills, and they view each other’s writing skills as inferior. This leads to conflict throughout the game. However, they are forced to work together and appreciate each other’s strengths.

Verdict

Both It Takes Two and Split Fiction offer unique yet equally rewarding cooperative experiences. Fans worldwide have praised It Takes Two for its creativity, engaging gameplay, and emotional storytelling. The title won multiple Game of the Year awards in 2021 and has sold over 23 million copies. 

The game seamlessly combines narrative with gameplay mechanics while maintaining a light-hearted tone that appeals to players of all ages. This game is perfect for players seeking a structured and polished co-op game experience.

On the other hand, Split Fiction Split Fiction takes a more open-ended approach. The game lets players shape the story through creativity and improvisation. If you enjoy creative freedom, improvisation, or even emergent narratives, this game is for you. In comparison, Split Fiction gives players all the tools to build unique stories and experiences. The gameplay blend of two genres is innovative and challenging and provides players with the tools to craft unique stories and experiences.

Both games showcase Hazelight Studios’ ability to push the boundaries of co-op gaming while delivering memorable experiences. Whether you want to fix a failing marriage or navigate a professional rivalry, you’re in for an unforgettable journey filled with teamwork, humor, and innovation.