A game built only for two people, with the screen split the whole time so you and a friend each control one writer trapped inside their own stories. One side may be riding a dragon while the other is dodging lasers in a sci-fi city, and you constantly have to describe what you see to each other. Only one person needs to own it for both to play together.
Gameplay video
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Screenshots & review notes
The short version
This only really works with a second player, and as a two person game it is a clever, generous idea. Playing alone is not an option, which limits who can enjoy it.
In the hands
You and a friend each control one writer trapped inside a different story, one moment riding a dragon while the other dodges lasers in a sci-fi city. You constantly have to describe what you see to each other to solve puzzles together.
Look and sound
The two split screens contrast wildly different settings, from fantasy to science fiction, with music and sound shifting to match each side. Only one person needs to own a copy for both to play.
The long haul
It is best enjoyed in a handful of longer sessions rather than short bursts. It suits close friends or couples playing side by side more than solo players.
Frames captured from the gameplay video above; notes are our own take on the game.
What it's like to play
You and a second person each take one half of a permanently split screen, controlling two different writers who have been pulled inside their own fictional stories, and from the very first scene the two halves look completely different from each other. One stick moves your character and a couple of buttons handle jumping, attacking, or whatever ability that particular story hands you, and those abilities change constantly, so you might be riding a dragon on your half of the screen while your partner is dodging lasers in a futuristic city on theirs. The controls reset with nearly every new area, so you are frequently learning a fresh trick together within the first few minutes of each new setting.
The goal is simply to make it through each story's obstacles together, and most of what you actually do is talk to each other, since your half of the screen often affects what your partner needs to do on theirs, like a lever only you can reach that opens a door only they can walk through. Difficulty rises less from any one hard section and more from the constant need to coordinate and describe what you are seeing, since neither of you can see the other half of the screen without looking over. New abilities and settings keep the middle of the game feeling fresh rather than repetitive.
A session works best as a dedicated block of time with a friend sitting beside you or playing online together, since the whole experience depends on two people being present and talking. It suits people who enjoy cooperative games and do not mind constant back and forth chatter to solve puzzles, and only one of you needs to actually own a copy for both to play. The honest drawback is that it is essentially unplayable alone, so anyone hoping for a solo experience will need to look elsewhere.