A Way Out is a cooperative action-adventure game designed exclusively for two-player split-screen play, either locally or online. Each player controls one of two protagonists, Leo and Vincent, who form a reluctant partnership to break out of prison. Gameplay involves stealth, combat, driving, and environmental puzzle-solving, with both characters taking different cooperative roles in each situation. The game features a branching narrative that unfolds simultaneously for both players through its split-screen presentation.
Usually, in the course of gameplay, a game's character becomes an avatar for you. But A Way Out accomplishes something far more subversive and bold. Eventually, for better or for worse, you become an avatar for your character.
Though it's fun with a friend, A Way Out struggles with clunky set-pieces and story clichés.
There's a constant mood about A Way Out that makes it seem like it's more inventive than it really is. Disregard that and you're left with a decent-enough story with some genuinely enjoyable video game moments. It's campy fun and that's perfectly fine. Just don't expect too much more.
Fresh presentation and admirable dedication to its big idea can't save this two-player adventure from mediocrity.
It's highly inconsistent, but this is still one of the most daring co-op games of recent years and shows how well playing together can work for story-based games.
