Can You Brave Prison Break Alone in ‘A Way Out’? – Spoiler: You Can’t (and Shouldn’t Want To)
‘A Way Out’ is a prison break thriller. It attracts attention in gaming circles. You might think flying solo you can outsmart guards and escape. But wait. Playing ‘A Way Out’ alone is much like solving a Rubik’s Cube one-handed. It’s possible but misses the point entirely.
So here’s the direct answer: No, you cannot play ‘A Way Out’ solo. It’s definitive. This game requires two players. It’s designed this way. Picture a buddy cop movie, interactive, without cheesy lines (or with them, depending on you).
The developers emphasize this point repeatedly. “A Way Out is an experience that must be played with two players,” they state firmly. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a necessity. Think baking a cake without flour. It’s key. Ignoring this results in disappointment. There is no secret single-player mode or cheat code for solo play. It’s either co-op or nothing, folks.
So why do you need a partner? The co-op isn’t an afterthought. It’s integral to the game’s design. You and a friend control two characters: Leo and Vincent. They are convicts, forced into alliance for freedom. Picture ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ meets ‘Prison Break,’ with less wholesomeness.
The game revolves around two-player dynamics. Puzzles need teamwork; plans require coordination. The story unfolds through Leo and Vincent’s views. Playing solo feels like watching a tennis match with only one player. Half the experience just vanishes, leaving you staring at a blank screen. Awkward.
To reiterate: No single-player mode. Only co-op. Two players required. Understood? Good. Now let’s discuss how to get a friend to join this adventure, even if they’re tight on cash.
The ‘A Way Out’ Friend Pass: Your Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card (for Your Friend)
You want ‘A Way Out’ for co-op fun, but your friend hesitates to buy it now. Their funds might be low, or they may just be stingy (we all know this type). Don’t worry, for the developers of ‘A Way Out’ have given us a gift: the Friend Pass.
Think of the Friend Pass as your ticket to co-op joy without high costs. Here’s how it works: only one of you needs to buy the game. Yes, just one copy for two players! It’s like a buy-one-get-one-free offer for escaping! How generous is that? In an era of DLCs and microtransactions, this Friend Pass breathes fresh air into co-op gaming.
How does the Friend Pass function? It’s simple. If you own the game, invite a friend to join your escapades online, even if they haven’t bought it. They only need to download the Friend Pass – it’s like a free trial version, but an entire co-op experience with you. It’s not just a trial; it’s a ‘Friend’s Key to Freedom’ pass.
Your friend needs to go to the ‘A Way Out’ page on their digital store (be it EA app, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Marketplace). Instead of clicking ‘Buy,’ look for the “Play with Friend Pass” option. That option unlocks for them the whole co-op experience when playing with someone who owns the game. Just like that, they’re ready to escape without spending anything.
This Friend Pass isn’t unique to ‘A Way Out.’ Its successor, ‘It Takes Two,’ also uses this feature. Developers recognize co-op games shine best with friends. Making it easy for pals to play together is a smart move. Imagine saying, “Hey, you don’t even have to buy it!” How easy is that?
If you hesitate about ‘A Way Out’ because of your friend’s reluctance to spend, don’t stress. Embrace the Friend Pass, spread co-op joy, and gear up for exciting two-player action. Remember to thank developers later for this smart move that saves both of you cash.
Unpacking the Story and Gameplay: What Awaits You in ‘A Way Out’
Now that we’ve discussed not playing solo (and why you shouldn’t), and how the Friend Pass helps, let’s dig into what ‘A Way Out’ offers: its story and gameplay.
First off, let’s clear up a myth: ‘A Way Out’ is not based on a true story. There’s no real-life Vincent and Leo plotting a prison escape. It’s purely fictional, crafted to deliver an engaging co-op experience, akin to Hollywood drama in video game form.
The story follows Vincent and Leo, inmates thrown together in prison who must work together to escape. They aren’t friends at first; their personalities clash, their methods diverge, and their pasts remain mysterious initially. As you play, you’ll uncover their motivations and witness their evolving relationship – both good and bad. It’s a tale of desperation and trust in pursuit of freedom.
Gameplay mixes action, adventure, and puzzles designed with co-op in mind. You and your partner must collaborate to overcome challenges, sneaking past guards or solving puzzles together. Scenarios constantly change, keeping things engaging. One minute you sneak through corridors; the next, you’re in a car chase or fishing in a river (yes, really). Variety makes ‘A Way Out’ exciting.
Now about the ending: Prepare yourselves because ‘A Way Out’ isn’t afraid to deliver unexpected twists…
to the gut.‘A Way Out’ has two main endings. Just a heads up: neither ending is cheerful. The relationship between Vincent and Leo escalates to a dramatic rooftop showdown. Only one can win. Whichever character reaches the gun first, that character will kill the other.
Vincent Ending: If Vincent gets the gun first, he kills Leo. It’s a sad conclusion. Vincent must face the aftermath, and Leo dies. Leo Ending: If Leo gets the gun, he ends Vincent’s life. It is equally tragic and lacking a happy resolution.
For anyone wishing for a happy ending where both characters escape together, prepare to be let down. No third ending exists. Vincent and Leo cannot both survive. ‘A Way Out’ stays true to its dark theme. Sometimes, endings are not happy in life or games. This choice adds emotional weight, making your decisions in the game significant.
A quick note for parents or those wary of mature content: ‘A Way Out’ has a rating of Mature 17+ by the ESRB. It includes violence, strong language, and serious themes. Although it is a great co-op game, it is not suitable for younger players.
‘A Way Out 2’ – Is There a Sequel Coming?
After experiencing ‘A Way Out,’ it’s natural to wonder: will there be more? Will we see Vincent and Leo again? Is ‘A Way Out 2’ happening?
The short answer: not as you think. Josef Fares, the head of Hazelight Studios, has answered questions about a sequel. While he hasn’t ruled out future co-op projects, a direct ‘A Way Out 2’ is not in development.
He stated, “What I can say is that it’s not A Way Out 2.” He hinted that their next project would be story-focused with elements like those in ‘Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons’ and ‘A Way Out,’ but in a “very different way.”
So, while there might not be a sequel featuring Vincent and Leo (again, spoilers!), Hazelight Studios remains committed to co-op games and storytelling. Their next game will likely capture emotional narratives and innovative co-op features, but with new characters. Think spiritual successor, not direct sequel. Stay excited for future co-op experiences from Hazelight, but do not expect ‘A Way Out 2’ specifically.
How Long Does It Take to Escape? – ‘A Way Out’ Playtime Revealed
Ready for a prison break adventure? You may wonder about the time needed. Is ‘A Way Out’ a lengthy experience or shorter co-op game? Let’s clarify playtime expectations.
Player data shows that the main story of ‘A Way Out’ takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. This is for focused gameplay on the main narrative. If you’re rushing, you might finish in around 4 hours and 30 minutes. However, who would want to rush through such an engaging story?
If you enjoy exploration and side content, your playtime will likely be around 5 to 6 hours. This time allows you to appreciate dialogue and enjoy mini-games throughout the world. And trust me, ‘A Way Out’ contains fun details if you take time to explore.
Completionists aiming for 100% might stretch their playtime to around 6 hours and 9 minutes, considering possible prison guard pursuits. Still, ‘A Way Out’ remains concise. It is not an expansive RPG requiring countless hours of gameplay. It is a quick-paced, narrative-focused co-op adventure respecting your time.
The average playtime for ‘A Way Out’ comes in around 4 hours and 38 minutes. Whether planning a whole evening or multiple shorter sessions, ‘A Way Out’ is manageable. It feels substantial but short enough to avoid co-op fatigue (which is real). Ideal for a weekend gaming binge or weeknight escapades with your partner.
Online Escape Requires a Pass: PSN Subscription for ‘A Way Out’ Online Co-op
Thinking about a digital prison break with a friend in ‘A Way Out’? Great idea. But remember: to play online on PlayStation, you will need a PSN subscription.
This online subscription requirement is important. Both players need an active PlayStation Plus subscription for internet multiplayer in ‘A Way Out’.
But if you prefer local co-op, playing together on the same screen, no PSN subscription is needed. If you and your friend are together in person, you can skip the subscription and enjoy split-screen gameplay.
The PSN requirement only applies to online play on PlayStation consoles. Subscription needs may change on other platforms like Xbox or PC, so check requirements for your chosen platform before starting your online escape. For PlayStation players wanting to play online, remember that PSN subscription cost adds to the game’s price (or just the Friend Pass for your buddy). Consider it necessary for virtual freedom.
More Than One ‘Way’ to Co-op: Exploring Similar Games
If you enjoyed the co-op charm of ‘A Way Out’ and the Friend Pass system, you may seek similar games or solo experiences. Let’s look at other titles sharing traits with ‘A Way Out’ or offering different co-op (and solo) adventures.
‘It Takes Two,’ another co-op masterpiece from Hazelight Studios. Yes, it also has the fantastic Friend Pass system! If you like the story-driven co-op action of ‘A Way Out,’ ‘It Takes Two’ must be on your list. It follows a couple on the verge of divorce who become dolls and must work together to return to human forms. The story is whimsical with creative gameplay mechanics and heartwarming (and sometimes heart-wrenching) moments. If you loved ‘A Way Out,’ ‘It Takes Two’ will be your next co-op choice.
Now, if you want something lighter, perhaps…
even playable solo? Try‘Moving Out.’ This co-op game is about moving furniture. You do it in funny ways. It’s designed for four players. Yet, it has a great single-player mode. If you want silly, physics fun alone or with others, check out ‘Moving Out.’
While on solo play, the content brief asks “Can you play the game Go by yourself?” It sounds odd next to ‘A Way Out’ and other games. Yes, you can play Go alone. It’s a strategic board game. Usually, players have an opponent. But you can practice alone. Still, like ‘A Way Out,’ Go is likely more fun with someone else.
If you like ‘A Way Out’ for co-op, know many co-op games exist. Explore fun titles like ‘It Takes Two’ and ‘Moving Out.’ These offer unique experiences for everyone’s taste and friendship. But avoid playing ‘A Way Out’ solo. It’s better as a shared adventure.
