(Image credit: EA)
Split Fiction, the newest creation from the acclaimed studio behind the award-winning It Takes Two, has taken the gaming world by storm even though it has been available for just under two weeks. Astoundingly, two players have already managed to conquer a hidden challenge level. Josef Fares, the Hazelight co-founder and the game’s visionary, has promised them a journey to the studio in Sweden for an exclusive glimpse of his upcoming project.
The mysterious level, aptly named Laser Hell, is a testament to the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets in video games. These clandestine features bring out the excitement and sense of discovery gamers crave. To access this level, players must input a binary sequence in an elevator—a detail not even apparent in the game’s source code, making the feat of the initial duo who unlocked it even more remarkable.
The achievement belongs to Chinese speedrunners E1uM4y and Sharkov, who skillfully maneuvered through a precise platforming challenge fraught with swift-moving lasers and perilous drops. As someone indulging in It Takes Two with my partner to gear up for Split Fiction, I can’t imagine reaching the prowess displayed by these players. Watch this YouTube video showcasing another team tackling the heart-pounding challenge.
Following their success, an in-game message from Fares personally congratulates the champions. He declares: “Wow, amazing! You have to understand that there are barely people on our team that can make it. It took us a lot of time to finish it. And I’m telling you that this is a crazy, crazy achievement that you have done.”
Addressing those who witness the accomplishment on YouTube, Fares cheekily adds: “And I’m not talking to you guys who are looking at this on YouTube. If you see this on YouTube, you should go to the game. It’s a really hard challenge. But for those of you who are actually in the game seeing this video, I am super amazed.”
The ultimate reward for E1uM4y and Sharkov is an invitation to see what’s in store at Hazelight. Fares tantalizingly teases: “I’m going to say one thing, if you see me in real life, somewhere, and you can prove to me that you actually did this challenge, I can promise you, the first one to do that, I’m going to fly you to Sweden and show you footage of our next game.”
True to his word, Fares tweeted: “Congrats to ‘sharkOvO’ and ‘E1uM4y’ for finishing the secret challenge ‘Laser Hell’ in Split Fiction. Very impressive! I will keep my promise and invite you both to Sweden for an early look at our next game. We’ll be in touch!” Such an opportunity going to ardent fans is enviable, yet heartwarming. If you’re searching for new adventures, explore our list of the best co-op games available now.