A Way Out

Hazelight Studios · Electronic Arts

A Way Out is a 2018 co-op-only adventure by Hazelight Studios, directed by Josef Fares and published by EA. It tells the story of Leo and Vincent, two prisoners from very different backgrounds who plan a break-out together and then find themselves on the run. What makes it unusual is that it must be played by two people. There is no single-player option. The screen is split for most of the game, and often both players see different things at the same time: one might be distracting a guard while the other sneaks past, or one stealing a tool while the other keeps watch. The story is cinematic and moves between stealth, chases, driving and mini-games. The game is short compared to most adventures, around six to eight hours, which makes it achievable over a few cafe visits or one very long session. It also has a memorable ending that people tend to talk about for a while afterwards. Setup A PS4, PS5 or PC with two controllers on a single screen is ideal. A Way Out is listed for PS4, Xbox One and PC, and PS5 can run the PS4 version. Make sure the game is installed and ready before booking. Tips for the pair Talk to each other constantly; many scenes depend on timing and coordination. Do not skip conversations or side activities; there are mini-games like arm-wrestling and baseball scattered through the story. Try making different choices at key moments. And share the controller decisions fairly, because each character's story is unique. Time Each chapter takes 30 to 60 minutes. Plan on two hours to get through the prison escape section and a bit more. Who should play Pairs of friends, siblings and couples who enjoy movie-style stories. It is rated M, so it is for adults and older teens. If you like it, It Takes Two and Split Fiction continue the co-op-only idea with more variety.