With the stress of finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, I think sometimes we forget what this holiday is all about: spending time with the people you love.
Before you decide on a movie to snuggle up to, consider an option that will build your relationship and cause lots of laughs by downloading this co-op video game.
“Split Fiction,” which was released early in 2025, is a unique game by Hazelight Studios that is unplayable unless two characters are used. Because of this, each purchase comes with a “friends pass” that allows someone to join on either split-screen or from another platform. With one purchase of $50, you can replay the game with anyone, which is a steep deal for the content it offers.
Many might remember its wildly popular predecessor, “It Takes Two,” which was released in 2021. This co-op puzzle/platform game follows a struggling couple who are turned into dolls by their daughter, wishing for them to stay together.
“Split Fiction” takes this gameplay to the next level with its protagonists, Mio and Zoe, who get stuck in a machine that wants to steal their creative ideas. The players must solve a slew of puzzles to keep their memories, navigating Mio’s sci-fi and Zoe’s fantasy plotlines.
While Zoe and Mio choose to write in very contrasting genres and hate each other for it, they grow closer throughout the story. Navigating their own ideas prompts them to reflect on why they write, which they learn is not for very different reasons.
The beauty of this dynamic is watching you and the other player grow closer as well, as you celebrate teamwork and offer encouragement. There is nothing better than a crisp high-five after that boss battle that felt like it took hours.
Each chapter offers unique tools for the protagonists, like the ability for Zoe to turn into a small fairy that can fly above objects and an otter-like creature for Mio that can swim in piranha-infested waters.
There are also “side stories” that can be accessed in the main chapters. These are fun mini challenges that explore anything from pigs who fly from their rainbow farts to running from an exploding sun.
For seasoned gamers, you will be surprised to find tons of easter eggs sprinkled through each story, from references to the Dark Souls franchise to Assassin’s Creed, Shadow of the Colossus, Ocarina of Time and tons more. This is evident in the gameplay as well, which takes obvious inspiration from popular media.
After playing this game with my partner, it was evident that it was much different from sitting down and playing a multiplayer shooter, which, of course, is still a lot of fun. But this was an experience that yielded conversations about ourselves and reminded us how much of a team we are. To me, that is the best gift I could receive this Valentine’s Day.
“Split Fiction” is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and through Steam and Epic Games on the PC.
