4 Reasons Why You Should Be Excited for A Way Out

Play With a Friend Without The Need for Two Copies

One of the biggest and most obvious issues that rears its head when you buy an exclusively co-op game is the need for a second player. If you haven’t organised the purchase with someone else, ensuring that they buy it as well, you’re stuck with a game you want to play, but can’t. Thankfully, that shouldn’t ever be an issue with A Way Out.

Two people can play A Way Out with just one copy of the game. The owner of the game can simply invite someone else to join them and both of them can play through the entire game. The second player doesn’t need to own the game in any form, all they need is a friend and an invite. This decision makes the game far more accessible. Those that are on the fence about picking the game up have the chance to play it for free, and anyone that does buy it shouldn’t need to worry about whether they’ll be able to find someone else.

An Experience Built to be Played Co-operatively

Most co-op experiences aren’t built to be primarily co-op. Whether it be online games like Monster Hunter World and Destiny 2, or more linear experiences like the upcoming Far Cry 5, they often see the co-op and single player components become one, rather than something being developed from day one with two players in mind.

A Way Out, however, has been built entirely with co-op being the focus across its 6-8 hour playtime. There’s no single-player options, with co-op tacked on; the game is a linear experience for two players. The interactions between the characters, how the story progresses, and the presentation are all developed to work well for two people, keeping each player interested and engaged.

Different Perspectives for Each Player

A Way Out isn’t the usual case of two players moving in the same space, helping each other over obstacles and providing cover fire. Instead, each player has their own unique perspective. As is clear in this gameplay trailer, what happens to each of the two characters is entirely different. One could be in the middle of a cutscene, while the other could be deep in combat, and this differs from moment to moment.

Not only does it make for a deeper and more detailed story, but it opens up the possibility for repeat playthroughs. What one character experiences may not be the same as the other, and it’ll be fun to play the game twice to experience both. Also, how each character plays differs, in terms of movement, personality, and combat, making each one unique to play.

The Story Is From the Mind of Josef Faris

Josef Faris came into the spotlight for many people at last year’s Game Awards, when his introduction turned into a rant that was both awkward for the host, Geoff Keighley, and surprising change of tone for the ceremony. His “F*** the Oscars” speech will be remembered for years to come and Faris stood out as someone different in an otherwise serious event.

Before the creation of Hazelight games, many members of A Way Out’s core development team worked on Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. Also directed by Faris, Brothers is a touching tale of two young boys who head out to bring back the Water of Life to their ailing father. The gameplay is unique and both characters are vital to the story – both of those things being important in A Way Out. Hopefully, the combination of Faris’ track record of creating engaging narratives starring two characters, and his over-the-top personality, will make A Way Out a special co-op experience.