Same studio, same co-op-only formula, same creative genius — but which Hazelight game should you play?
Josef Fares and Hazelight Studios have carved out a unique niche: co-op-only games that force two players to work together through constantly shifting gameplay mechanics. No filler, no repetition, just 12-16 hours of "wait, is THIS the game now?!" energy.
It Takes Two won Game of the Year in 2021. Split Fiction launched in 2025 with a 91 Metacritic score. Both are co-op-only — you literally cannot play them alone. Both come with a Friend's Pass so only one person needs to buy the game. The question is which one to play first.
| CATEGORY | IT TAKES TWO | SPLIT FICTION |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay Variety★ Split Fiction | Insane variety — every chapter is a new genre. Racing, fighting game, side-scroller, top-down shooter, all within one game. | Even more variety — sci-fi and fantasy worlds that constantly remix genres. More polished execution of the same concept. |
| Story & Characters= PREFERENCE | Married couple on the verge of divorce, turned into dolls by their daughter's tears. Emotional but sometimes tonally uneven. | Two writers sucked into their own stories. Lighter tone, funnier characters, better chemistry. Less emotional weight but more consistently enjoyable. |
| Co-Op Design★ Split Fiction | Each player gets unique abilities per chapter. Asymmetric gameplay forces real cooperation. | Builds on ITT's formula with more meaningful asymmetric mechanics. Boss fights require tighter coordination. |
| Replayability★ Split Fiction | Minimal. The magic is the first playthrough. Some mini-games to replay. | Slightly more — bonus challenges, collectibles, and some branching paths. Still primarily a one-and-done experience. |
| Accessibility★ It Takes Two | Friend's Pass included — only one copy needed. Available on every platform including Switch. | Friend's Pass included. Current-gen only — no PS4, no Switch. |
| Value★ It Takes Two | $30 (often $15-20 on sale) for 12-15 hours. Friend's Pass means effective cost is halved. | $40 for 12-16 hours. Newer, less likely to be on sale. Same Friend's Pass value. |
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