The side-by-side multiplayer view is a new approach we have not seen in an online game before. Occasionally, the split turns horizontal rather than vertical. Photo courtesy of YouTube trailer
Matthew Will
Lantern Staff
As Nic and I sat down to begin this game, we were unsure what to think. As the game approached its release day, it had much praise surrounding it. A Way Out is a co-op only game directed by Josef Fares. The entire game is seen from a third-person, split-screen perspective. Each player takes control of one of the two characters, either Leo Caruso (Fares Fares, older brother of director Josef) or Vincent Moretti (Eli Krogh).
Its biggest draw was its new style of gameplay, showing both players of the co-op experience in a split-screen display. While Nic and I were playing the game online together, we could still see both sides of the game. The only other game to ever use this feature was Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, also directed by Fares. The game helps players out by only requiring one of the two players to own the game, as the “demo” version will let the second player join and play 100 percent of the game’s content.
As for playability, the controls are very simple. As for almost any game these days, you control your characters movement with the left analog stick, the characters view with the right analog stick and uses both triggers and interact buttons (X, Y, A, B or square, triangle, X, circle). Many steps in the game require you to work with your partner and do specific controls at the same time.
The game’s story is quite possibly the greatest one I’ve ever played (yes, I have played The Last of Us). Without spoiling any of the plot, Leo and Vincent find themselves in prison for different crimes. The two search for a way out of prison and follow their journey together. The characters are well developed, with whole and somewhat extensive backgrounds. Personally, I suggest playing the game with a closer friend, as I believe it enhances the gameplay and story experience.
The game’s score (music or game soundtrack) is written by Sam Hulick and Gustaf Grefberg. The score flows very nicely between the soft sorrowful sounds and emotions of being put in jail to the fast-suspenseful music that accompanies the act of escaping prison. The score does a great job assisting in the emotional ride that this game gives.
Overall, the game plays, feels and sounds great. Fares did a great job giving a good story that drives to the end along with stellar music to accompany it. With that, A Way Out finishes with an astounding 9/10.