Split Fiction: A Masterclass in Co-op Gameplay and Technical Excellence
In a world where co-op gaming is more popular than ever, it’s refreshing to come across a title that truly understands the art of split-screen gameplay. Enter Split Fiction, the latest creation from Hazelight Studios, the team behind It Takes Two, A Way Out, and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. This game is a masterclass in co-op gameplay, with slick visuals and great performance on all platforms. But what makes it truly stand out is its ability to deliver a seamless experience across a wide range of devices, from PS5 and PS5 Pro to PC and Xbox Series X/S.
A Philosophy of Inclusivity
One of the most impressive aspects of Split Fiction is its inclusive approach to co-op gameplay. Not only can you play with a friend on the same console, but you can also play online and on different platforms. And if your friend doesn’t own the game, you can still play together thanks to the game’s pass system. This level of flexibility is rare in co-op games, and it’s a testament to Hazelight’s commitment to making Split Fiction accessible to as many players as possible.
Visuals and Performance
Visually, Split Fiction is a treat. The game’s use of established techniques, such as baked global illumination and smaller environments, allows for impressive image quality without the usual compromises that come with Unreal Engine 5. The result is a game that looks sharp and polished on all platforms, with no signs of visual pop-in or stuttering. On consoles, the game runs at a native 4K on PS5 Pro, 1800p on PS5 and Series X, and 1080p on Series S, all at a smooth 60fps. On PC, the game performed well on a high-end system, running at max settings and 4K with 150% resolution scaling at a locked 120fps.
Technical Excellence
So, what makes Split Fiction’s technical performance so impressive? For starters, the game’s use of traditional techniques allows it to avoid the usual issues that come with Unreal Engine 5, such as compromised image quality and traversal stuttering. Additionally, the game’s shader precompilation step on first launch seems to be effective, with only a few instances of small frame-time drops on camera cuts during the intro sequence. And on PC, the game’s option to play co-op with a mouse and keyboard for one player and a gamepad for another, or two gamepads if you prefer, adds to the game’s flexibility and replay value.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Split Fiction is a must-play for co-op enthusiasts and gamers looking for a technically impressive experience. With its inclusive approach to co-op gameplay, sharp visuals, and smooth performance on all platforms, this game is a rare example of a perfect Unreal Engine 5 release. So, what are you waiting for? Join the fun and experience Split Fiction for yourself.
Actionable Insights
- If you’re looking for a co-op game that’s easy to play with friends, Split Fiction is a great choice.
- The game’s inclusive approach to co-op gameplay makes it accessible to players on different platforms.
- If you’re a PC gamer, be sure to test the game on a high-end system to see how well it scales to lower-end machines.
- The game’s shader precompilation step on first launch seems to be effective, so you won’t experience any significant frame-time drops.
Summary
Split Fiction is a co-op game that truly understands the art of split-screen gameplay. With its inclusive approach to co-op gameplay, sharp visuals, and smooth performance on all platforms, this game is a rare example of a perfect Unreal Engine 5 release. Whether you’re a co-op enthusiast or just looking for a technically impressive experience, Split Fiction is a must-play.