A Way Out
Release Date: March 23, 2018
Action, TPP, for 2 players, co-op, action adventure, splitscreen, 60s and 70s, Game Pass, EA Play, multiplayer, internet
Steam
An action-adventure game developed by Hazelight in collaboration with Electronic Arts, and designed with co-op gameplay for two people in mind. The main protagonists in A Way Out are two convicts: Vincent and Leo. Together they are devising a way to escape from prison and then build their lives anew outside its walls. When it comes to mechanics A Way Out offers quite a variety in gameplay.
A Way Out on the PC, PS4 and XONE platforms is a unique action adventure game designed exclusively for two people. During the game we get to know the story of two convicts who join forces to get out of an American prison. The production is the responsibility of the debut studio Hazelight, consisting of the authors of the well received cooperation adventure Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, which was released in 2013. The development team is headed by Josef Fares, a Swedish film director of Lebanese origin, whose films have received awards and distinctions at various European festivals.
Story
A Way Out has two main characters, Vincent and Leo, convicts with contrasting personalities. Initially, they are united only by an accidental meeting and a common goal, which is to escape from the prison. However, thanks to the difficulties and obstacles they quickly become true friends. Leo is a hardened criminal who likes risk and is committed to solving all problems in the simplest way known to him, that is with the help of his fist. Vincent is the opposite of his companion. He takes a cautious approach to dangerous situations and usually prefers to avoid open conflict, but he can also be very dangerous when pushed to the wall. During the adventure we try to get out of prison, and then escape the pursuit of the guardians of the law. Both protagonists have their own individual goals - they not only want to get free and meet their families again, but also to take revenge on the people through whom they were put behind bars.
Mechanics
At the beginning of the game it is up to each player to decide which protagonist he or she will take on during the campaign. The action in A Way Out is observed from the perspective of a third person. We control characters as in many other action adventure games. They are able to sneak, run, stun guards or shoot from firearms. If a pair of heroes is not in the same place, the screen is divided into two parts, separately representing the deeds of Leo and Vincent. This happens even during dialogue scenes and film interviews.
The title offers a large variety of gameplay mechanics. Throughout the fictional campaign, players take part in hand-to-hand fighting, shooting, car chases, as well as in stealth segments. There are two ways to deal with many obstacles - the aggressive one proposed by Leo and the more deliberate one, the originator of which is Vincent. A Way Out focuses on close cooperation between players. Both players need to coordinate their actions, as well as demonstrate speed of reaction during many quick time events and mini-games.
Game modes
A Way Out has been designed exclusively for playing in two people. Due to the complexity of the game, the creators did not foresee the possibility of playing with computer bots. Production allows for cooperation through the network, as well as a local game with a partner sitting next to us.
All buyers A Way Out receive a pass for friends, which unlocks access to the second free version of the game for a co-operative partner.
Technical issues
A Way Out is based on the Unreal Engine 4 engine. The game's graphics were prepared in a quasi-realistic style, which distinguishes the title from many other productions of this type. The plot is presented in an exceptionally cinematic way, which is additionally enhanced by an interesting musical path and good acting of the main characters.
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Last updated on April 5, 2018
Videos and Screens
[1:17] A Way Out launch trailer
[2:29] A Way Out TGA 2017 trailer
The main pros of the game
- Engaging Storyline: Many users praised the gripping and emotional narrative, highlighting unexpected plot twists and character development. The story was often described as cinematic and immersive.
- Co-op Gameplay: The game is designed exclusively for co-op play, which users found to be a fun and bonding experience. The split-screen mechanic allows both players to have unique perspectives, enhancing teamwork.
- High-Quality Graphics and Presentation: Players appreciated the impressive visuals and animations, contributing to the overall cinematic feel of the game.
- Innovative Mechanics: The gameplay includes various mini-games and interactive elements that add depth and fun to the experience.
- Emotional Impact: The game left a strong emotional impression on players, particularly with its endings and character arcs.
The main cons of the game
- Short Playtime: Many reviews mentioned that the game is relatively short, typically lasting around 6-8 hours, which some players felt was not worth the price unless bought on sale.
- Heavy Reliance on Cutscenes: Several users expressed frustration with the amount of time spent in cutscenes compared to actual gameplay, feeling that it detracted from the gaming experience.
- Mixed Reception of the Ending: The endings were polarizing, with some players feeling disappointed or unsatisfied by the choices leading to tragic outcomes.
- Gameplay Mechanics: A few reviews criticized the gameplay as simplistic or lacking depth, describing it as more of an interactive movie rather than a traditional game.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Single-Player Mode: The game does not offer a single-player experience, which limits accessibility for those who prefer to play alone.
- More Gameplay Variety: Some users wished for more diverse gameplay mechanics and challenges, as they felt the game was too linear and straightforward.
- Replayability: While there are two endings, many players felt that the choices made throughout the game did not significantly impact the story or gameplay, leading to a lack of replay value.
- Improved Online Experience: Several reviews mentioned issues with online play, particularly related to EA's servers, making it difficult to connect with friends.
Summary
- Overall, "A Way Out" is celebrated for its storytelling and cooperative experience, but it faces criticism for its brevity and reliance on cutscenes.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 1139 votes. 191 players anticipated the game.
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A Way Out Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Developer: Hazelight
Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
Similar Games:
Quantum Break
A Way Out System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3-2100T 2.5 GHz / AMD FX-6100 3.3 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 650 Ti / Radeon HD 7750 or better, 25 GB HDD, Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-3750K 3.4 GHz / AMD Ryzen 3 1300X 3.5 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 960 / Radeon R9 290 or better, 25 GB HDD, Windows 7/8.1/10 64-bit
Excellent Sales of A Way Out
A Way Out is selling great, as the game's developer, Hazelight, boasted on Twitter. No wonder that the developers have started working on another co-op-focused production, which will be published by Electronic Arts.
video games
Christian Pieniazek
August 8, 2019
A Way Out and Detroit Devs: Twitch and YouTube Do Help Sell Games
David Cage of Quantic Dream and Josef Fares of Hazelight Studios noticed that streams and gameplays showing complete playthrough of Detroit: Become Human and A Way Out actually helped them sell more copies. Players are looking for unique experiences.
video games
Milosz Szubert
July 16, 2019