Where would we be without cultural references? We surely wouldn’t have Family Guy, but also lessSplit Fiction! The cooperative multiplayer game is filled with references to many games, movies, books, and media. Let’s explore the best easter eggs inSplit Fiction!
What are the best Easter eggs in Split Fiction?
It Takes Two
Of course, the previous co-op platformer developed by Hazelight Studios gets a reference. Or well, more than one. First, there are plenty of billboards around for a drink calledIt Takes Two.
We also get a statue on a pet store roof referencing Cutie the elephant king who met quite the untimely end inIt Takes Two. They feel like necessary references since so much of the DNA of Hazelight Studios’ previous title is present here.
Akira
This one is perhaps a little too on-the-nose, but we can’t help but love it all the same. The classic cyberpunk manga/anime by Katsuhiro Otomo gets a direct reference right from the first level inSplit Fiction.
Of course, since that level includes a high-speed chase in a cyberpunk setting, the classic Akira red motorcycle makes an appearance. This is definitely a love letter to how much the anime by Otomo still reigns supreme in media and influences many works and games.
Assassin’s Creed
This is just a classic reference today. Once Zoe is on the rooftop of a building, she can take a leap of faith, and where does she land her jump? Of course, a pile of hay, so she can land safely without breaking anything.
This is, of course, a reference to the classic method of quickly and safely jumping off of a building in theAssassin’s Creedseries, which has been around since the first title of the series. Apparently, Hazelight Studios is a fan of the adventures of Ezio and Desmond Miles!
Dark Souls
Of course, references basically have to include one of the most well-known game series of the last 20 years,Dark Souls. It happens in a dark cave, right beside the Moonlight Market.
If you go there with both Zoe and Mio, you will find a fireplace with a sword next to it. If you interact with it, both the main characters will sit down in contemplation and a classic pop-up will appear saying “Moonfire Lit”. Too bad you can’t switch weapons or upgrade your characters here!
Dune / Prince of Persia
Who doesn’t love this classic science fiction series written by Frank Herbert and brought to life on the screen first by David Lynch? Hazelight Studios definitely does, as is apparent when the girls have to traverse the Sands of Time (yup, that’sPrince of Persia).
Zoe and Mio will have to ride a “Sand Shark”, in a way that closely resembles the Fremen’s use of worms ofDuneto traverse the dangerous sands. It may be the slightest of reaches, but only very slight.
Sailor Moon
This anime has been going strong for years and it well deserves a nod. In one of Zoe’s fantasy levels, she will change into the required outfit for the level and she executes a very particular sequence.
The way Zoe changes into the new outfit seems like a direct reference to the waySailor Moondisplays the heroines changing from ordinary schoolgirls to powerful goddesses (perhaps a slight exaggeration). Now if only we could also have a Jem & The Holograms little musical number…
Elden Ring
Of course, with Dark Souls,Elden Ringcouldn’t be left out. In the same Moonlight Market, while traversing the cave, you will see a huge dilapidated tower. Climb inside, and you will find a familiar table.
That is the Roundtable Hold, the area that exists outside of the Lands Between inElden Ring. It’s a place you can fast-travel to and interact with memorable NPCs. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do here, but all fans will love the little nod.
A Way Out
Again, another game from Hazelight Studios gets a nod but this one is pretty funny. If you head to the Isolation chapter, you will find two cages next to each other, with two characters inside, bickering.
They are Vincent and Leo, the main characters fromA Way Out, another co-op game from Hazelight that launched in 2014. This is a cute little nod, but unfortunately, we cannot solve their problems so let’s just leave them fighting. They seem to enjoy it.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Of course, the “gotta go fast” meme has to make an appearance. The way thatSplit Fictiondoes it is quite entertaining, though. It happens while Zoe is hand drawing and illustrating her story, you will see a familiar loop and a “gotta go fast” reference.
Interestingly, there was a loop to traverse inBrothers: A Tale of Two Sonsas well, another co-op game with an emotional narrative. Perhaps we could call these two references in one? Either way, go fast or Sonic will end up back in the Green Hill zone.
Metal Gear Solid
We have to end this list with a pretty… solid Easter Egg. You’ll find a level later in the game where you have to move stealthily to avoid being detected, and what better way to do so than inside a box?
This is, of course, a classic reference to the originalMetal Gear Solid,where Solid Snake could get around enemies and levels by hopping into a box and hiding there for as long as required. Ah, those cardboard boxes and the lives they saved.
