Blood Message vs Split Fiction

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-Player Only
• Setting: 848 AD Tang Dynasty, China
• Platforms: PC and major console platforms
• Release Window: TBA (Estimated 2026 or 2027)
• Unique Feature: A grounded and realistic, cinematic action-adventure set in the rarely explored late Tang Dynasty, focusing on the emotional journey of a father and son.

• Perspective: Third-Person (Split-Screen)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
• Gameplay Focus: Exclusively Co-op (2 Players)
• Unique Feature: The Friend's Pass system, allowing one owner of the game to invite a friend to play the entire game for free online.

• Ning (Son): The protagonist's son, who accompanies him and is central to the story. He actively participates in the journey and its challenges.
  Human (AI)
• Temporary Allies: The game features temporary companions, like a mysterious lady and a monk, who join the messenger for specific parts of the journey and assist in gameplay, such as with sync stealth kills and puzzle-solving.
  Human (AI)

• Co-op Partner: The game is designed to be played by two human players. Your companion is essential for every aspect of the game, from solving puzzles and traversing the world to defeating enemies and bosses. The entire experience relies on communication and coordination with your partner.
  Human (Player)

• Historical Lore Items: Found throughout the world, these items will provide context on the 'Return of Shazhou to Tang' and the broader history of the era.
• Survival Resources: Gathered from the environment, these are essential for surviving the harsh journey and contending with hunger and disease.

• Minigames: Hidden throughout the levels are 25 optional, competitive minigames. Finding and playing these allows Mio and Zoe to take a break from cooperating and compete against each other in short, fun challenges.

• Chinese History (Tang Dynasty)
• Action-Adventure
• Narrative-Driven
• Father-Son Relationship
• Survival
• Wuxia-adjacent

• Cooperative Gameplay
• Friendship
• Imagination
• Sci-Fi vs. Fantasy
• Overcoming Differences
• Platforming
• Puzzle-Solving
• Action-Adventure

• Contextual Abilities: Varies by Level
  The game does not have a persistent arsenal. Instead, each level grants Mio and Zoe unique, temporary gadgets and abilities tailored to that specific world's theme. For example, in a sci-fi level, one player might get a gravity bike while the other gets a plasma rifle. In a fantasy level, one might get a magic staff while the other gets a grappling hook.

• Character Outfits: There is no armor system that affects gameplay stats. Mio and Zoe have their own distinct default outfits. Their appearance may change slightly based on the context of a level, but this is purely cosmetic.

• Period-Accurate Attire: The game focuses on historical authenticity. The protagonist's clothing is a rugged, battle-worn outfit that realistically renders different materials like leather and silk. Customization is not a confirmed feature.

While specific skill trees and crafting systems have not been detailed, the game's focus is on grounded realism. Progression is expected to be tied to acquiring new weapons and tools, and mastering the combat system, rather than unlocking supernatural abilities. Survival mechanics like contending with hunger, disease, and harsh weather are integral.

The game is a linear, narrative-driven experience, not an open world. The journey takes players across a wide variety of China's landscapes, including deserts, ruins, ancient capitals, wilderness, and snow-capped mountains, all based on the historical Hexi Corridor and Silk Road.

• The Messenger: Playable Protagonist
  An ordinary man and father on an extraordinary quest to deliver a message across war-torn 9th-century China.
• Ning: Companion / Son
  The protagonist's young son who joins the perilous journey, forming the emotional core of the narrative.
• Mysterious Lady: Companion
  A companion who assists the messenger in exploring tombs and with stealth takedowns.
• Monk: Companion
  A companion who provides strength and helps the protagonist push through obstacles.

• Mio Hudson: Playable Protagonist
  An aspiring sci-fi author who is logical, reserved, and somewhat pessimistic. She must learn to open up and work with the chaotic Zoe to survive.
• Zoe Foster: Playable Protagonist
  An aspiring fantasy author who is energetic, imaginative, and optimistic. She sees their predicament as a grand adventure and must learn to focus to help the pragmatic Mio.
• J.D. Rader: Antagonist
  The CEO of Rader Publishing. His desperation to find the next bestseller leads him to trap Mio and Zoe, eventually becoming the final boss of the game.

• Main Story Quests
  A linear, cinematic campaign that follows the messenger's 1,000-mile journey eastward to deliver his critical message to the Tang capital of Chang'an.
• Environmental Puzzles
  A recurring objective where players must solve sprawling, often light-based puzzles to navigate the environment and unlock new pathways.

• Main Story Chapters
  The game is divided into several chapters, each taking place in a unique new world from the writers' imaginations. The objective of each chapter is to master the new co-op mechanics presented in order to overcome the environmental puzzles and defeat the chapter's unique boss.

• Q: What is Blood Message?
  A: It is a premium, single-player, cinematic action-adventure game set in 9th-century China during the late Tang Dynasty. It focuses on a grounded, realistic story about a messenger and his son.
• Q: Is it a fantasy game with magic?
  A: No, the game is grounded in historical realism and eschews magic and fantasy elements to focus on raw human survival and conflict.
• Q: What games is it similar to?
  A: It is frequently compared to narrative-driven, linear action-adventure games like The Last of Us, the Uncharted series, and God of War (for its father-son dynamic), as well as Ghost of Tsushima for its historical setting.
• Q: When will it be released?
  A: No firm release date has been announced, but it is expected in 2026 or early 2027 for PC and major consoles.

• Q: Can I play Split Fiction by myself?
  A: No. Split Fiction is a co-op only game and cannot be played solo. It requires a second player, either locally on the same screen or online.
• Q: Do both players need to own the game to play online?
  A: No. Thanks to the Friend's Pass feature, only one person needs to own the full game. They can then invite a friend, who can download the Friend's Pass for free, to play the entire adventure together.
• Q: What kind of game is it?
  A: It is a narrative-driven action-adventure platformer that is constantly changing its gameplay. It is famous for its incredible variety and focus on creative, collaborative puzzles and set pieces.
• Q: Is Split Fiction cross-platform?
  A: Yes, the game supports full cross-play between all released platforms (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2), including for players using the Friend's Pass.

• SPECULATIVE PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. As official specs were not provided, these are hypothetical projections for a next-generation, cinematic title built on Unreal Engine 5.
• Laptop Performance Note: A title like this would demand a high-performance gaming laptop for the best experience. Actual performance would vary significantly based on the final game's optimization and the laptop's specific hardware configuration.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU would be essential to handle the advanced graphical features, such as the advanced lighting and realistic cloth physics.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game's visually rich world and intense combat sequences will require a laptop with a cutting-edge cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A powerful multi-core mobile CPU will be critical for handling the advanced enemy AI, physics, and large number of on-screen NPCs.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus would be a critical feature for reducing latency and ensuring the best possible performance in the deliberate, weighty combat.
• Game Name: Blood Message

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Epic Games Store and Steam pages. An SSD is recommended for optimal performance.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will vary based on the specific model's cooling and power delivery (TGP). Given the game's diverse and visually rich levels, a modern gaming laptop is advised for a stable experience.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's constantly changing environments and mechanics can be demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU is important for handling the game's physics, unique level mechanics, and ensuring a smooth co-op experience.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is recommended to avoid stuttering and ensure smooth gameplay.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game supports high refresh rates for a more fluid platforming and combat experience.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing input latency, which is helpful for the game's timing-based puzzles and platforming.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability.
• Game Name: Split Fiction

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU would be essential to handle the advanced graphical features, such as the advanced lighting and realistic cloth physics.
• Cooling Thermals: The game's visually rich world and intense combat sequences will require a laptop with a cutting-edge cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: A powerful multi-core mobile CPU will be critical for handling the advanced enemy AI, physics, and large number of on-screen NPCs.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus would be a critical feature for reducing latency and ensuring the best possible performance in the deliberate, weighty combat.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is critical for laptop GPU performance. A higher TGP allows the GPU to perform closer to its desktop equivalent.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: The game's constantly changing environments and mechanics can be demanding. A robust cooling system is essential to prevent thermal throttling and maintain consistent performance.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A strong mobile CPU is important for handling the game's physics, unique level mechanics, and ensuring a smooth co-op experience.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB in a dual-channel configuration is recommended to avoid stuttering and ensure smooth gameplay.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display. The game supports high refresh rates for a more fluid platforming and combat experience.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: A MUX switch or Advanced Optimus is beneficial for reducing input latency, which is helpful for the game's timing-based puzzles and platforming.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keeping GPU drivers updated is crucial for performance and stability.