A Way Out is an exclusively co-op adventure where you play the role of one of two prisoners making their daring escape from prison.
Players take on the roles of two convicts, Leo and Vincent, and must work together to progress through the story and ultimately escape prison. The game supports both local and online co-op, as well as the option to use Steam's "Remote Play Together" feature, allowing players to team up even if one doesn't own the game.
Leo is depicted as a hardened inmate who resorts to brute force, while Vincent relies more on his quick wit and cunning. This contrast in personalities and abilities leads to compelling scenarios where players must strategically leverage each other's strengths. For instance, Leo may need to use his physical prowess to break through barriers, while Vincent's stealth skills become crucial for navigating certain sections.
Beyond the core prison escape, the experience offers a varied mix of gameplay, including stealth sequences, combat encounters, driving segments, and even lighthearted mini-games like Connect Four and baseball. This diversity helps to maintain player engagement and a sense of progression throughout the runtime.
One of the game's standout features is its seamless camera transitions between the two characters' perspectives. The split-screen presentation allows players to see both viewpoints simultaneously, and the camera dynamically shifts to keep this view as the characters move and interact with the environment. This unique approach helps to reinforce the sense of unity and cooperation between the two players.
While the overall narrative is predetermined, the game features numerous instances where players' choices can influence the course of events, ranging from dialogue options to more significant actions that impact the relationship between Leo and Vincent. These choices can lead to different outcomes and endings, encouraging players to carefully consider the consequences of their decisions.