A Way Out Review: Is It Worth Playing?

What is A Way Out?

A Way Out is a cooperative action-adventure game released in 2018 by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It is a strictly two-player experience, playable either in local split-screen or online with a friend who does not need to own a copy of the game. The narrative follows Leo Caruso and Vincent Moretti, two convicts who meet in prison and plan an escape, but the story soon expands far beyond the prison walls. The game is directed by Josef Fares, whose later title, It Takes Two, would follow a similar design philosophy of mandatory co-op. The critical consensus, reflected in the game's Metascore, is broadly positive, with reviewers praising the inventive co-op mechanics and the emotional weight of the story, while noting some uneven pacing and simplistic shooting sections.

Gameplay

The core design principle of A Way Out is that every gameplay moment is built around two players. There is no single-player mode. The camera frequently splits the screen, sometimes showing both characters in the same room, sometimes showing them in entirely different locations. This split-screen approach is not cosmetic; it is the primary tool for storytelling and puzzle design. Many sequences require one player to create a distraction while the other sneaks past a guard, or one player to operate a crane while the other climbs a structure. The game constantly shifts between these co-operative set-pieces, from driving a stolen car to rowing a boat, from playing a hospital mini-game to orchestrating a prison riot.

The game is not mechanically deep in any single area. Combat, when it appears, is a cover-based third-person shooter with a simple aim and fire loop. Stealth sections are similarly basic, relying on line-of-sight and timing rather than complex AI manipulation. The puzzles are rarely challenging in isolation; the difficulty comes from coordinating with a partner under time pressure or in chaotic scenes. This is a deliberate choice. The game is not about mastering a skill system or upgrading a character. There are no experience points, no skill trees, and no inventory management. Instead, the progression is entirely narrative-driven. The developers have stated that the goal was to make every mechanic a vehicle for the relationship between the two protagonists. According to aggregated player reviews on platforms such as Steam, the most praised moments are the quiet, non-action interactions, such as playing a piano duet or having a conversation while fishing. These moments are frequently cited as more memorable than the action sequences.

Who is A Way Out for?

A Way Out is for players who have a dedicated co-op partner available for the entire duration of the game, which typically lasts six to eight hours. It is not a game for solo players, and it is not a game for those who prefer open-ended sandboxes or deep RPG mechanics. The target audience is anyone who values narrative-driven experiences and shared storytelling. The game is particularly suited to couples, siblings, or close friends who enjoy the social aspect of gaming. Because the game requires constant communication and cooperation, it works well as a "couch co-op" title, even though it also supports online play. The story deals with themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, and it is rated M for Mature in North America due to violence and strong language. Younger players, or those sensitive to gritty crime narratives, may find the tone heavy. Conversely, players who appreciate cinematic storytelling in the vein of classic crime films will find much to enjoy. The game is not for those who want competitive gameplay, as there is no versus mode, nor is it for those who want a lengthy, replayable experience; the story is linear, and while there are some branching dialogue choices, the overall plot remains fixed.

Graphics and performance

Visually, A Way Out is a solid representation of late-2010s AAA production. It runs on Unreal Engine 4 and features detailed character models, particularly for the two leads, whose facial animations are crucial for conveying the emotional beats of the story. The environments, ranging from a drab prison interior to rural farmlands and urban streets, are well-realised and varied. The game uses a realistic art style with a slightly desaturated colour palette, fitting the serious tone. In terms of performance, the game was well-received at launch on PC and consoles. Official technical documentation and post-release patches indicate that the game targeted 30 frames per second on the base PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with a performance mode on the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X offering a higher frame rate. User reviews from the period do not report widespread performance issues, though some players noted occasional frame rate dips during the most chaotic action scenes, particularly in split-screen mode. The split-screen rendering is technically demanding, and this is a known trade-off. On PC, the game offers standard graphics settings, and the system requirements are modest by modern standards, making it accessible on a wide range of hardware. The audio design is also noteworthy, with a licensed soundtrack and a score that underscores key emotional moments effectively.

Value for money

At its original retail price, A Way Out offered a relatively short campaign compared to many other AAA titles. However, the game's unique "Friend Pass" system significantly alters the value proposition. According to the official EA documentation, only one player needs to purchase the game; the second player can download a free companion version and play the entire game online with the purchaser. This effectively halves the cost per player. The game is also frequently discounted on digital storefronts, and it is included in the EA Play subscription catalogue. Given that the game has no multiplayer modes beyond the co-op campaign and no meaningful replay value beyond experiencing the story again with a different partner, the value is directly tied to the quality of that single playthrough. Most aggregated user reviews suggest that the experience is worth the price of admission, especially when the cost is shared. The game's length, while short, is dense with scripted events, and there are no filler fetch quests or grinding sections. For players who value a tightly paced, narrative experience, the price is reasonable. For those who expect a long, content-rich game, the value will be lower.

Verdict

A Way Out is a successful experiment in mandatory co-op design. It does not revolutionise any single gameplay mechanic, but it uses its split-screen structure to create a cohesive and emotionally engaging story that could not exist in any other format. The game is at its best when it focuses on the relationship between Leo and Vincent, and at its weakest when it falls back on generic shooting and stealth tropes. The critical consensus, as reflected in the Metascore, is that the game is a solid, memorable experience that is elevated by its innovative co-op structure. The technical performance is generally solid, and the Friend Pass system is a consumer-friendly feature that improves the value proposition significantly. The game is not for everyone, and its linearity and short length will disappoint some players. However, for those with a willing partner, A Way Out offers a compelling, dramatic, and often surprising journey. It is a game that understands that the most powerful tool in a video game is not a weapon or an ability, but the presence of another person. The ending, which forces a difficult choice on both players, is a bold narrative decision that has been widely discussed in player reviews. In summary, A Way Out is a flawed but essential experience for fans of co-op gaming, and it remains a strong recommendation for anyone seeking a story-driven adventure to share with a friend.