Introducing Co-op Heroes Mio and Zoe – PlayStation.Blog

If you’ve ever tried out a game from Hazelight Studios, you’ll know just how remarkable their character creations are. They have this knack for crafting personalities with distinct backgrounds and motives for you and your co-op buddy, leaving you with unforgettable experiences as the story unravels.

The upcoming release from Hazelight, Split Fiction, is carrying on this unique tradition. Launching on March 6 for the PS5, it introduces us to two fresh characters: Mio and Zoe. These two are aspiring authors with vastly different writing styles and personalities, and they quickly find themselves in an unexpected predicament. Under the pretense of securing a publishing deal, they’re trapped in a simulation reflecting their own stories, and it’s up to you to guide them out. Let’s delve into their characters so you can decide which one you’ll want to dive into:

Meet Mio Hudson, a Science Fiction writer through and through. Reserved and realistic, Mio’s life in the city with her dad has been tough. Writing is a financial means to an end for her, not a pursuit of fame. Her works are filled with brilliant sci-fi landscapes, depicted in glowing cyberpunk urban areas, powerful futuristic weaponry, and the chilling vastness of space. In the game, you’ll see her sci-fi passion reflected in her abilities, whether she’s slicing through enemies with an energy sword, remotely piloting drones while suited up in advanced tech, or blasting foes with dual laser guns.

Then there’s Zoe Foster, a Fantasy aficionado with an outgoing demeanor. She’s a lively soul from the countryside, driven by the need to prove her worth to her family. Zoe’s tales bring readers into worlds where trolls overtake towns, mystical creatures and spellbinding adventures are the norm, and heroes protect the dwindling dragon species. In the simulation, anticipate transformative moments where she might fly as a fairy, wield an epic sword from a dragon’s back, or glide on a magical kite through cloud-piercing mountains.

Despite their stark differences, Mio and Zoe need to work together to escape their tumultuous imaginations. They’ll learn to adapt, uncover hidden strengths, and rely on each other, highlighting the power of unity and friendship to overcome challenges.

During The Game Awards in December, Josef Fares, Hazelight’s creative force, shared that the names Mio and Zoe hold personal significance, being the names of his daughters. With this in mind, the decision remains for you and your co-op partner: who will take on the role of Mio, and who will become Zoe?

The game also features The Friend’s Pass, a Hazelight hallmark seen in previous titles like A Way Out and It Takes Two. It allows a player who owns the game to invite a friend to join in online for free, making co-op gaming even more accessible. Plus, Hazelight plans to introduce crossplay, simplifying the experience so you can pair up with friends regardless of their gaming platform.

Get ready for Split Fiction, set to hit the PlayStation 5 on March 6, 2025. Make sure to get The Friend’s Pass** installed so you and your friend can enjoy the full co-op gameplay together.

**Keep in mind, The Friend’s Pass requires installation, a steady internet connection, and the proper platform account. One user must have the full game to enable the other to participate in the complete experience.