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CRITIK

A Way Out

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of A Way Out
Item: A Way Out
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, Interactive Movie, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 23, 2018

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperHazelight

Overview

From the creators of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons comes A Way Out, an exclusively co-op adventure where you play the role of one of two prisoners making their daring escape from prison. What begins as a thrilling breakout quickly turns into an unpredictable, emotional adventure unlike anything seen or played before. A Way Out is an experience that must be played with two players. Each player controls one of the main characters, Leo and Vincent, in a reluctant alliance to break out of prison and gain their freedom.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of A Way Out are varied, with some praising its character development and engaging narrative, while others criticize its predictability and lackluster writing. GameGrin and GameWatcher both appreciate the well-developed characters and motivations, highlighting the thoughtful character study achieved in the game. IGN also commends the revenge-fueled plot, noting that the actors' performances improve as the story progresses. Cubed3 compares the story to watching an epic film on the big screen, emphasizing its compelling and thrilling nature. Digital Chumps and Game Informer, however, express disappointment in the story's predictability and its failure to strengthen the relationship between the characters through gameplay. On the negative side, PC Gamer describes the story as a boneheaded B-movie with predictable dialogue and forced banter, finding the attempts at emotion in the final third to be funny. GameSpot is particularly critical of the story, highlighting extreme tonal shifts, gimmicky QTEs, and a terrible finale that kills any emotion or tension in the game. They also criticize the generic protagonists and their motivations, as well as the stilted and unnatural dialogue. Hardcore Gamer echoes these sentiments, stating that the plot never gains steam and the attempts at emotional drama rarely rise above clichés. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, such as GameGrin, Cubed3, and Press Start Australia, appreciate the engaging and emotionally impactful nature of the story, others, like GameSpot and Hardcore Gamer, find it lacking in various aspects. IGN's multiple mentions of the revenge-fueled plot and cinematic feel suggest that these elements were well-received by some critics. However, the criticism of predictability and clichés from critics like PC Gamer, Push Square, and Shacknews cannot be ignored. Despite the divided opinions, it is clear that A Way Out's story has moments of brilliance and engaging character dynamics, but it also falls short in certain areas, resulting in a mixed reception among the critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on A Way Out's story - some praise its character development and engaging narrative, while others criticize its predictability and lackluster writing. Positive reviews highlight well-developed characters and a thrilling plot, while negative feedback points to predictable dialogue and a disappointing finale. Overall, the consensus is mixed, with some finding moments of brilliance while others feel it falls short in certain aspects.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of A Way Out are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the cooperative gameplay mechanics, emphasizing the need for teamwork and communication to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and accomplish goals. Game Informer mentions the simple button presses that make up the gameplay, but also acknowledges the central component of the characters' bond. Game Revolution highlights the inventive activities and the focus on co-op communication. The attention to detail in solving challenges and interacting with the environment is also commended by Cubed3 and God is a Geek. The split-screen presentation is mentioned by TheSixthAxis and AusGamers as a positive addition to the gameplay experience. The levels in A Way Out are well-designed, with multiple paths and a deep level of detail, as noted by GameGrin. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. PC Gamer describes the gameplay as basic and simplistic, with usually a single solution to any given problem. GameSpot criticizes the game for wasting scenes with gimmicky quick-time events (QTEs) and considers the third and fourth acts weak. Polygon mentions that the physical challenges are easy and the checkpoints are forgiving, which may lead to a lack of challenge for some players. Shacknews finds the gameplay fun but overly simple, with the game holding the player's hand every step of the way. Push Square mentions the gameplay as varied but rudimentary, lacking depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that A Way Out offers an engaging cooperative gameplay experience with a variety of mechanics and activities. The need for teamwork and cooperation is highlighted as a positive aspect, with critics like Digital Chumps and TrueAchievements mentioning the forced cooperation between players as a great time. The game's ability to make players work together in complex and sophisticated ways is praised by Cubed3. The inclusion of mini-games, puzzles, exploration, and action sequences adds to the overall enjoyment, as mentioned by Easy Allies and GamingTrend. However, there are criticisms regarding the simplicity of the gameplay and the reliance on quick-time events and basic puzzles, as noted by Game Revolution and Stevivor. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics appreciating the well-crafted gameplay segments, the variety of gameplay elements, and the immersive experience provided by A Way Out.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on A Way Out's gameplay, with praise for its cooperative mechanics emphasizing teamwork and communication. Positive aspects highlighted include well-designed levels, inventive activities, and attention to detail. However, some critics find the gameplay basic and simplistic, with criticisms of gimmicky quick-time events and lack of challenge. Overall, A Way Out offers engaging cooperative gameplay with varying mechanics, but some critics feel it lacks depth and complexity.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the Graphics and Visual Design of A Way Out, the majority of critics have praised the game for its stylish and immersive presentation. GameGrin commends the game for its attention to detail, stating that the levels are filled with variety and detail, making the world feel alive. GameSpew also highlights the top-notch production values, with impressive environments, character models, and animations that truly immerse players into the action. The Washington Post describes the visuals as precise and praises the extraordinary editing and camerawork, creating a cinematic experience. Press Start Australia notes the lush and visually stunning scenery, with subtle visuals that enhance the storytelling. These positive opinions highlight the game's ability to captivate players through its graphical presentation. However, there are a few critics who express some negative aspects regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of A Way Out. GameWatcher states that while the graphics are serviceable, they are not particularly impressive. Hardcore Gamer mentions the lack of details in characters and environments, although they do acknowledge the well-done camera work. Polygon mentions that some sequences feel overly familiar and lack detail. These criticisms suggest that while the game has its strengths in terms of visual design, there are areas where it falls short in terms of delivering a truly impressive graphical experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that A Way Out offers a visually engaging experience. The game's split-screen mechanics and shifting views are frequently praised for adding to the gameplay experience, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and TheSixthAxis. The cinematic framing and use of split-screen mechanics are highlighted as excellent by Metro GameCentral. The game's setting in the early 1970s is intensified by dynamic split-screens, reminiscent of cinematic split-screens from that era, according to Polygon. The positive opinions from critics such as Game Informer, GameSpot, and TrueAchievements further support the notion that the visual design of A Way Out successfully immerses players into its world. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of detail and familiarity in certain sequences, the overall sentiment is that the game's Graphics and Visual Design contribute to a captivating and immersive experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about A Way Out's graphics, praising its stylish presentation, immersive environments, and top-notch production values that truly immerse players. Some critics note shortcomings in character detail and familiarity in sequences, but overall, the consensus is that the game offers a visually engaging experience with innovative split-screen mechanics that enhance gameplay.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of A Way Out are quite varied. Several critics, such as GameWatcher and GameSpew, praise the game's voice acting and soundtrack, describing them as top-notch and well-crafted, respectively. These critics believe that the performances by the voice crew enhance the realism and grittiness of the story, while the soundtrack adds to the overall experience. Additionally, GamingTrend highlights the pulse-pounding action music and emotional melodies in the game's soundtrack, further supporting the positive sentiment towards the audio elements. However, not all critics share the same enthusiasm. Hardcore Gamer criticizes the soundtrack, deeming it forgettable and suggesting that it merely fulfills its purpose without enhancing the experience. Stevivor also expresses disappointment in the music, stating that it doesn't fit the scenes and lacks punch. These critics highlight the negative aspects of the Sound Design and Music in A Way Out, pointing out that it falls short in terms of creating a memorable and impactful audio experience. Overall, the general consensus among the critics is that A Way Out's Sound Design and Music have their strengths and weaknesses. While there are praises for the voice acting, soundtrack, and the way they enhance the intensity and immersion of the game, there are also criticisms regarding the audio mixing, fittingness of the music to the scenes, and lack of impact in certain areas. Game Informer's mention of occasionally hard-to-hear audio mixing and Windows Central's comment on the voice acting could have been better contribute to the mixed reception. Despite the negative feedback, the positive opinions of GameWatcher, GameSpew, and GamingTrend indicate that the Sound Design and Music of A Way Out do have their merits and contribute positively to the overall experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of A Way Out. While some praise the voice acting and soundtrack for enhancing the game's realism and intensity, others criticize the music as forgettable and not fitting the scenes. Overall, there are strengths and weaknesses in the audio elements, with some finding them impactful while others feel they fall short.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in A Way Out has received mixed reviews from the critics. Several reviewers, such as GameWatcher and GameSpew, praised the voice acting, stating that it is well-delivered by the cast and adds depth to the characters and story. They specifically highlight the contrasting views and chemistry between the main characters, Leo and Vincent, as a standout aspect of the voice acting. Additionally, Slant Magazine commends the voice acting of the main characters, mentioning specific lines that resonate with emotion and humor. These positive opinions suggest that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life and enhances the overall experience of the game. However, there are also critics who have expressed negative opinions about the voice acting in A Way Out. IGN and Hardcore Gamer criticize the early scenes of the game, mentioning notably wooden dialogue delivery and a lack of interest in the performances. Destructoid further adds that the dialogue is often clichéd and filled with forced one-liners, while also criticizing the writing for being repetitive and uninspired. These negative opinions indicate that the voice acting in certain parts of the game may not meet the expectations of some players and can detract from the immersion and enjoyment of the story. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the voice acting in A Way Out is mixed. While there are positive reviews that highlight the well-delivered performances and the chemistry between the main characters, there are also negative opinions that criticize the wooden delivery, clichéd dialogue, and lack of consistency in secondary and tertiary characters. It is important to note that some critics, such as Game Informer and GamingTrend, have expressed both positive and negative opinions about the voice acting, indicating that the quality may vary throughout the game. Ultimately, players may have differing experiences with the voice acting in A Way Out, with some finding it immersive and engaging, while others may find it lacking in certain aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in A Way Out. Some praise the well-delivered performances and chemistry between main characters Leo and Vincent, while others criticize wooden dialogue delivery and clichéd lines. Overall, the voice acting's quality varies throughout the game, with some finding it immersive and engaging but others feeling it falls short in certain areas.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, GameGrin mentions some initial stuttering issues that were easily resolved with a quick restart. This suggests that the game runs smoothly on this platform once the minor hiccup is addressed. Overall, GameGrin's opinion is that the technical performance on PC is good. Moving on to the PS4 platform, several critics provide their insights. Cubed3 highlights occasional issues with characters getting stuck on environmental barriers, but these moments are rare and mostly occur in slower-paced puzzle rooms. This suggests that the technical performance on PS4 is generally stable, with only minor hindrances in specific situations. Hardcore Gamer also supports this notion, stating that A Way Out maintains a steady framerate with only a few minor instances of technical issues. Press Start Australia adds that there are no major connectivity issues, aside from a few instances of heavy stuttering. These opinions collectively indicate that the technical performance on PS4 is generally satisfactory, with occasional but manageable hiccups. For the Xbox One platform, GamingTrend notes occasional graphical glitches, such as assets popping in and out, and characters sliding into place during cutscenes. However, these issues are rarely immersion-breaking. TrueAchievements brings attention to clunky controls and an annoying cover mechanic. These criticisms suggest that the technical performance on Xbox One may have some noticeable flaws, particularly in terms of graphical glitches and control mechanics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that A Way Out generally delivers a solid technical performance across all platforms. While there are occasional hiccups and minor technical issues, they do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The majority of critics express satisfaction with the game's technical performance, with only a few minor complaints. It is worth noting that specific details about technical performance and stability are not provided by all reviewers, making it difficult to gauge the extent of any potential issues. However, the overall sentiment suggests that the technical performance of A Way Out is generally good, with some minor flaws on certain platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

GameGrin found minor stuttering on PC easily fixed, indicating smooth gameplay overall. Critics noted rare issues on PS4 like characters getting stuck, but performance was stable. Xbox One faced graphical glitches and clunky controls. Overall, A Way Out offers a solid technical performance with minor hiccups on all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of A Way Out are quite diverse. Cubed3 praises the game for offering two unique story paths and a 'Choose-Your-Own-Adventure' element, suggesting that playing through the game twice is worth it to experience all it has to offer. Digital Chumps also expresses excitement about playing the game again to catch missed details, indicating that there are elements worth revisiting. GameSpew highlights the different choices and scenes to explore, as well as the engaging story and budget price, stating that these factors contribute to the game's replay value. On the other hand, Hardcore Gamer criticizes A Way Out for its inconsistent gameplay and uninspired story and presentation, suggesting that these factors limit the game's replayability. Game Revolution echoes this sentiment, claiming that the game lacks replayability and fails to inspire multiple playthroughs. Shacknews adds to the negative perspective by stating that the game leaves players wanting more, indicating a lack of replay value. Overall, while there are positive aspects mentioned by some critics, such as the unique story paths, engaging narrative, and different choices to explore, the negative opinions of Hardcore Gamer, Game Revolution, and Shacknews suggest that the replay value of A Way Out may be limited. It is worth noting that the positive opinions of Cubed3, Digital Chumps, and GameSpew provide a counterbalance, indicating that there are still elements within the game that make it worth revisiting. The presence of optional achievements and exploration off the beaten path, as mentioned by TrueAchievements, may also contribute to the overall replay value of the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of A Way Out. Some praise its unique story paths and engaging narrative, suggesting it's worth playing multiple times. Others criticize its inconsistent gameplay and uninspired story, questioning its replayability. Positive aspects include different choices to explore, while negatives include leaving players wanting more. Overall, opinions vary, but elements like optional achievements and exploration may enhance the game's replay value.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

A Way Out has received a generally positive reception from the critics, with many praising its unique cooperative gameplay and engaging story. GameGrin describes it as an "excellent game" that redefines co-operative storytelling, while Cubed3 calls it a "phenomenal co-operational interactive movie" with attention to detail and unique gameplay mechanics. The game's innovative approach to co-op play and its ability to be enjoyed both locally and online are highlighted as strengths by multiple reviewers, including GameWatcher and Digital Chumps. The game's creative flourishes and goofy charm are also mentioned positively by PC Gamer, who suggests having a forgiving partner to fully enjoy the experience. The gameplay variety and surprises are commended by Easy Allies, who recommend the game for co-op enthusiasts. However, there are some criticisms towards A Way Out, particularly regarding its gameplay inconsistencies and story execution. Game Informer mentions that while the co-op vision is a bold choice, the weaknesses in gameplay hold it back. Hardcore Gamer states that the game falls short due to inconsistent gameplay and an uninspired story and presentation. IGN also mentions that the story and dialogue of the game are criticized, but the co-op mechanics and entertaining environments are praised. Metro GameCentral acknowledges that the game is highly inconsistent but still provides compelling multiplayer entertainment. While these criticisms are present, they do not overshadow the positive aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that A Way Out offers a unique and engaging cooperative experience with a captivating story and enjoyable gameplay. Critics like GameSpew and DarkStation consider it a triumph for co-op games, praising its clear vision and flawless execution. The game's cinematic adventure and memorable moments are highlighted by IGN and Polygon, while Press Start Australia commends its wonderfully cinematic presentation. The game's ambition and successful experimentation in co-operative play are also acknowledged by Push Square. Despite some flaws and inconsistencies, the majority of critics recommend A Way Out as a must-play for co-op enthusiasts, with GamingTrend even stating that it's a game that everyone should take the time to play with their best friend.

TL;DR

"A Way Out" is a hit among critics for its innovative cooperative gameplay and engaging story, being praised for its unique approach to co-op play and enjoyable experience both locally and online. While some criticize its gameplay inconsistencies and story execution, the majority agree that it offers a captivating and memorable co-op adventure. Critics commend its cinematic presentation, gameplay variety, and recommend it as a must-play for co-op enthusiasts.

CRITIK

Reviews

149 reviews found

100

GameWatcher

Apr 4, 2018