When you dive into a game by Hazelight Studios, you immediately feel the warmth and complexity of the characters, each crafted with rich backstories and motives that pave the way for memorable gaming experiences with your co-op partner.
This tradition continues in their upcoming release, Split Fiction, hitting the shelves on March 6 for PS5. This game introduces you to Mio and Zoe, two unpublished authors who couldn’t be more different. Lured into Rader Publishing Headquarters with the tantalizing promise of a publishing deal, their hopes take a turn for the worse, trapping them in a simulation of their own stories. Your mission? Help them find their way out. In this blog, we delve into their individual personalities to help you choose your favorite when you start playing!
### Mio Hudson – Science Fiction Author
Mio is a character defined by her reserved and decisive nature, with a practical mindset leaning towards introversion. Raised by her father in the bustling city, she’s been keeping her head above water. Fame isn’t on her radar; writing is simply a way to make ends meet. Her passion for science fiction permeates through her writing, drawing you into neon-drenched cyberpunk settings and the cold expanse of space.
Inside the simulation, Mio’s sci-fi aspirations transform into formidable abilities. Picture her navigating the realm as a gravity-defying ninja with a razor-sharp energy sword, mastering drones with an advanced exosuit, or engaging in combat with dual laser blasters.
### Zoe Foster – Fantasy Author
Zoe, in contrast, is all about charisma and optimism. As an extroverted soul from the countryside, she’s eager to prove to her family that she’s anything but a failure. A publishing deal, she believes, could be the answer to her troubles. Her work taps into fantasy, crafting tales of villages teeming with trolls, epic forest battles, and intense quests to save the last dragons.
Zoe’s love for fantasy is perfectly expressed as she becomes a magical shapeshifter. Imagine her soaring through the skies as a fairy, brandishing a mythical sword on dragonback, or gliding between floating islands with a magical kite.
Despite their polar opposite natures, Mio and Zoe must reconcile their differences, uncover hidden layers within themselves, and use their contrasting traits to forge an unbreakable bond. Their journey is one of friendship and mutual growth, culminating in their escape from the enigmatic simulations.
Revealed during The Game Awards in December, Josef Fares shared that the names Mio and Zoe hold a special place in his heart; they’re named after his daughters.
Now, the question for you and your co-op buddy is: who will step into the shoes of Mio, and who will take on the role of Zoe?
### The Friend’s Pass
A beloved feature from A Way Out and It Takes Two, The Friend’s Pass, is back with Split Fiction. This allows someone who owns the game to invite a friend to join them online for free. And with crossplay coming soon, teaming up with friends across different platforms has never been simpler.
Mark your calendars for March 6, 2025, when Split Fiction arrives on PlayStation 5. You won’t want to miss this thrilling adventure!
*Note: The Friend’s Pass requires installation, a persistent internet connection, and an applicable platform account. One player must own the full game for the complete co-op experience.
