A Co-op Masterpiece

Reasons to Play:

• A complete package of entertainment
  
• The quality of Singleplayer created for Multiplayer
  
• A cinematic experience
  
• Tight story
  
• The feels
  
• Impressive cinematography
  
• Captivating dramaturgy

Negatives:

• Somewhat cliche ridden
  
• Not much gameplay to be had
  
• Multiplayer only
  
• Easy

The kind of experience you crave

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It is no surprise to see Josef Fares deliver a AAA title for the indie scene. A Way Out plays like a blockbuster mastodon but with the subtleness and creativity of sophomore cinephiles. It surprises, it captivates and it goes all the way in every single possible way. This is how Spielberg would have directed a video game and this is how your summer matinee guilty pleasure would have been brought to life in an interactive experience, all the while leaving very little to scrutinize and hark down upon. A Way Out is a love letter to cinema and a flirtatious invite for us monkey brains to be able to adventure in the shoes of our big screen hero. A POV dream come true.

That is basically the gist of the success I address this game, as it more often than not plays itself with easy mechanics and button holding skill checks. It is an immersive marvel that elevates a movie script into being larger than life through the eyes and fingers of the players. The game comes alive, much to the credit of its tight writing and editing. Camera shots that would impress you normally is elevated even further in the context of you playing the scene out. A Way Out is absolute cinema on the PC, but what about the game?

It plays out as a co-op split screen where you pilot a supposed main character each. You more often than not are assigned your own goal and free roam with npc chatting and minigames at your disposal, while coming together now and then for high stake quick time events or chases. The gameplay ranges from stealth, vehicle riding and gunplay, with adventure game feel in between. It is all pleasantly amusing and carefully balanced in the narrative, with slower moments surprising you with effectual progressions. You simply do not want it to end. The good thing is that you can take your time with before-mentioned dialogues and carefully sprinkled minigames. Maybe you just want to compete in Connect Four, pitch some ball or play some music together while gallivanting through the scenarios. A Way Out is not a gameplay masterclass but it can truly entertain you and give that well needed escape from reality.

The story is at points hammy but goes through enough change in scenery and objective that you wholeheartedly keep being excited for what lies beyond the next story beat. The unlikely pair of protagonists in the abrasive Leo and methodical Vincent keeps an equilibrium of humor and heart; while you escape prison and set out to right the wrongdoings that has befallen you.

Some passing negatives on my way out would be that the acting is not always up to snuff even though Josef's brother Fares Fares (that is his name) puts in a stellar showing as Leo. Graphics look great but will not age particularly well and the whole easy co-op spiel will definitely be a turn off for some. In a way it was for my duo who found it at times uneventful and void of gameplay, but did in the end still enjoy the time we put into it. That is after all the biggest crux of A Way Out. If you do not have someone that shares your interests, a playthrough might result in a monumental waste of time and money, as you are supposed to relish in it together. I am for one happy I had the privilege to do so.


9/10

Great game, highly recommend playing with a friend.

**Spoiler**

I didn’t like it at first, but eventually, I really enjoyed it. The two endings are great, and even during their fights, they never really hate each other!