A Way Out: How Long Does It Take to Escape and Is It Worth Your Time?
So, you’re eyeing A Way Out, the cooperative prison break adventure from Hazelight Studios. One of the burning questions on your mind is likely: How many hours does it take to finish A Way Out? The answer is roughly 6 to 8 hours for a complete playthrough. Now, let’s delve into the details, explore what fills those hours, and answer all your burning questions about this unique co-op experience.
Understanding the Playtime of A Way Out
While 6-8 hours might seem like a short runtime compared to sprawling open-world games, it’s crucial to understand what kind of experience A Way Out offers. It’s a tightly focused, narrative-driven game designed specifically for two players. This isn’t a grind; it’s a rollercoaster. Every moment is crafted to push the story forward and deepen the bond between you and your co-op partner. The shorter length allows for a more intense and impactful experience without padding.
The developers were intentional about the playtime. Josef Fares, the visionary behind Hazelight, has stated that they wanted to create an experience that felt fresh and engaging from start to finish. Avoiding unnecessary filler was a key design principle.
Another critical factor to consider is the price point. A Way Out was initially released at a significantly lower price than your typical AAA title, usually around $29.99. This means you’re getting excellent value for your money, even with the shorter playtime. Think of it as a high-quality, interactive movie that you get to star in with a friend.
What Fills Those 6-8 Hours?
A Way Out isn’t just about running and gunning. It’s packed with variety and cooperative activities. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Intense Story Moments: The narrative is the driving force. Expect twists, turns, and emotional beats that will keep you and your partner engaged.
- Cooperative Puzzles: Numerous puzzles require teamwork and communication to solve. These are designed to be challenging but not frustrating.
- Minigames and Activities: Scattered throughout the game are fun minigames like arm wrestling, baseball, and Connect Four. These offer lighthearted distractions and opportunities for friendly competition.
- Stealth and Action Sequences: The gameplay alternates between stealthy infiltration and intense action set pieces. You’ll need to coordinate your strategies to succeed.
- Character Development: As you progress, you’ll learn more about Vincent and Leo, their motivations, and their pasts. These characters grow and evolve throughout the story.
Replayability and Alternate Endings
While a single playthrough might only take 6-8 hours, A Way Out offers some replayability. There are two different endings depending on the choices you make throughout the game. This gives you a reason to play through it again with your partner, making different decisions and experiencing a different conclusion.
Exploring these alternate endings adds depth to the story and can significantly impact your emotional connection to the characters. It also encourages discussion and debate with your co-op partner about which choices were the “right” ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About A Way Out
Here’s a comprehensive list of FAQs to provide even more insights into A Way Out:
1. Is A Way Out longer than It Takes Two?
No. A Way Out is significantly shorter than Hazelight’s later game, It Takes Two. It Takes Two typically takes around 12 hours to complete, roughly double the length of A Way Out.
2. Is A Way Out a good game?
Yes, A Way Out is generally considered a good game, especially for those who enjoy cooperative experiences. Critics have praised its innovative co-op gameplay, engaging story, and cinematic presentation.
3. Can A Way Out be played solo?
No, A Way Out is designed exclusively for two players. There is no single-player mode. You must play with a friend, either locally via split-screen or online.
4. Is A Way Out split screen?
Yes, A Way Out is designed to be played in split-screen mode, whether you’re playing locally on the same console or online.
5. How many endings are there in A Way Out?
There are two different endings in A Way Out. The ending you receive depends on the choices you make throughout the game.
6. Is A Way Out good for couples?
Yes, A Way Out can be a great game for couples. The cooperative gameplay encourages communication, teamwork, and empathy.
7. What year is A Way Out set in?
A Way Out is set in 1972.
8. Is there blood in A Way Out?
Yes, there is blood in A Way Out. The game features action sequences with gunfire and violence, which are accompanied by blood effects.
9. Is A Way Out hard for beginners?
A Way Out is not particularly difficult, even for beginners. The puzzles are relatively straightforward, and the quick-time events (QTEs) are manageable.
10. Can a 12-year-old play A Way Out?
A Way Out is rated M for Mature by the ESRB, indicating that it is generally not suitable for children under 17 due to violence, language, and suggestive content.
11. Is there going to be A Way Out 2?
As of now, there are no plans for A Way Out 2. However, Josef Fares has hinted at future projects that will share similar themes and gameplay mechanics.
12. Who is Leo based on in A Way Out?
While there’s no definitive answer, Leo’s design and story arc in A Way Out share some similarities with Tommy from “The Shawshank Redemption,” leading to speculation that he may be inspired by that character.
13. Who is the secret cop in A Way Out?
Vincent is revealed to be an undercover cop working for the bureau.
14. Is A Way Out okay for a 14-year-old?
The game is rated M and has some graphic violence including action, pervasive language and for sexual content/nudity. The choice for playing the game is up to the parents discretion.
15. Does A Way Out have inappropriate content?
The game is rated M and contains Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, and Strong Language.
The Value Proposition: More Than Just Playtime
Ultimately, the value of A Way Out isn’t solely determined by its playtime. It’s about the quality of the experience. The game offers a unique and memorable cooperative adventure that focuses on storytelling, character development, and teamwork.
Consider the impact that games have on society and learning. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society are dedicated to studying the intersection of games and education. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Whether you’re looking for a game to play with your significant other, a close friend, or a family member, A Way Out is an excellent choice. It’s a game that will spark conversations, test your communication skills, and leave you with lasting memories. The 6-8 hour playtime is just the right amount of time to tell a compelling story without overstaying its welcome. So, grab a friend, fire up your console, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable prison break adventure!