A Way Out is Josef Fares’ second game, following Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, which also featured two protagonists controlled by a single player using each analog stick, demanding considerable cognitive effort. A Way Out advances this concept as an interactive, split-screen co-op experience, requiring two players to collaborate in real-time to progress. Co-operative play is essential; however, only one player needs to own a copy of the game. While local co-op is strongly recommended, a reliable online connection and microphone can also provide a satisfactory experience.
The narrative centers on Vincent and Leo, two convicts who must escape prison and exact revenge on a prominent gangster (a brief, spoiler-free summary). Players choose which character to control – Vincent, the analytical strategist, or Leo, the hot-headed enforcer – and embark on their mission. The split-screen presentation allows players to observe each character’s actions simultaneously, creating moments of compelling and engaging gameplay when executed effectively. This visual connection is beneficial, as exemplified in an early sequence where the characters must coordinate to distract a nurse while the other procures a necessary tool for their escape. This mechanic initially feels both innovative and engaging. Each player has free movement within a 3D environment and can interact with non-player characters; dialogue choices can influence the story’s progression.
The inherent limitation of this ambitious design is that the mandatory two-player mode can become restrictive over time. The game’s pacing is deliberately cinematic, featuring extensive dialogue and cutscenes that showcase Fares’s film background. Consequently, players may experience prolonged periods of passive observation or find themselves in a standby role while the other player is actively engaged. Ideally, players should be in the same physical space, exchanging tips and ideas. This highlights the second potential issue: online play with unfamiliar partners may be less enjoyable than local co-op. Similar to Sea of Thieves, though A Way Out features a more defined narrative and campaign, this reliance on co-operative play is unavoidable. A single-player mode, where a computer AI takes over one character, isn’t viable. A pre-programmed AI would either lead to player frustration or a predictable, unengaging experience.
The graphics are adequate, although the level of detail in character faces and motion capture is somewhat simplistic. While the game demonstrates considerable ambition, it’s clear that it lacks a AAA budget, reflected in its more accessible price point. Given that the game is designed for two players, this can be considered reasonable. A Way Out is released under EA Originals, EA’s “indie” label. The game features extensive voice acting, with competent performances from the cast. Fares Fares (who portrays Leo) delivers a performance consistent with his previous work in film.
A Way Out doesn’t quite achieve the same emotional depth as Brothers. The tone is reminiscent of a lighter version of The Sopranos, featuring East Coast mannerisms akin to New Jersey gangsters, set against a generic prison backdrop frequently seen in American cinema. Nevertheless, it offers an enjoyable and distinct co-op experience for players who appreciate the genre and can dedicate the time to play together. The gameplay is not particularly fast-paced or challenging, but more akin to an interactive film with simplified button inputs, similar to David Cage’s Quantic Dream titles (Heavy Rain, Beyond, etc.), albeit without the same level of narrative complexity or branching storylines. Its reliance on co-op play requires a significant time commitment. Completing the story in a single day is theoretically possible, but may not be feasible for players with family or other commitments. The game’s structure, requiring synchronized schedules with a gaming partner, makes it less suitable for short, impromptu play sessions.
Hazelight Studios deserves recognition for their innovative vision. In its best moments, played with a compatible friend locally or online, A Way Out offers a genuinely enjoyable experience. However, the genre’s inherent limitations, with periods of inactivity, suggest that an adapted single-player mode would have been a valuable addition.
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