A Tale of Two Co-op Adventures: Which Reigns Supreme, A Way Out or It Takes Two?

Hazelight Studios has carved a niche for itself, becoming synonymous with innovative, story-driven co-op experiences. Their two major titles, A Way Out and It Takes Two, offer distinct but equally compelling journeys for players willing to team up. But the question remains: which game is truly better?

The answer, while subjective, leans heavily towards It Takes Two. While A Way Out offers a gritty, grounded narrative and a unique co-op experience in its own right, It Takes Two elevates the genre with its unmatched variety, inventive gameplay, and emotional depth. It’s not just a good co-op game; it’s a masterclass in game design that consistently surprises and delights. While It Takes Two is the better game, it is really based on the player and what they expect in a good game!

A Deep Dive into the Duo

Let’s break down the key aspects of each game to understand why It Takes Two generally comes out on top.

Story and Narrative

• A Way Out: Follows the intertwined stories of Vincent and Leo, two convicts who forge an unlikely alliance to escape prison and seek revenge on a common enemy. The narrative is grounded, featuring themes of betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice. The story features some unexpected twists and turns that keeps the players engaged.

• It Takes Two: Centers around Cody and May, a couple on the verge of divorce, who are magically transformed into dolls by their daughter Rose. They must navigate a fantastical world filled with sentient objects and solve their marital problems through cooperative challenges. The story, while lighter in tone than A Way Out, tackles complex themes of communication, compromise, and the importance of love.

While A Way Out‘s narrative is engaging and offers a compelling crime drama, It Takes Two‘s story resonates more deeply with its exploration of universal relationship struggles. The emotional connection players form with Cody and May, and their journey towards reconciliation, is a significant factor in the game’s overall impact.

Gameplay Mechanics

• A Way Out: Employs a blend of stealth, action, driving, and puzzle-solving, all designed to be tackled cooperatively. Players must coordinate their actions and rely on each other’s strengths to overcome obstacles. Split-screen is always active, showing both characters’ perspectives simultaneously, emphasizing the cooperative nature.

• It Takes Two: Showcases an unparalleled level of gameplay variety. Each new area introduces unique mechanics, from using magnetism and time manipulation to riding spiders and flying through the air. The constant shifts in gameplay keep the experience fresh and exciting, ensuring players are always on their toes.

The sheer inventiveness of It Takes Two’s gameplay is a major differentiating factor. While A Way Out offers a solid co-op experience, It Takes Two constantly innovates, making it a truly unforgettable gaming adventure. The Games Learning Society understands the importance of innovation and the implementation of creative game mechanics to drive players and keep them engaged. The GamesLearningSociety.org can better help you in your journey.

Co-op Experience

• A Way Out: Is purely a co-op game, requiring two players to experience the story. Its split-screen gameplay and focus on coordinated actions make it a truly collaborative experience. The players must rely on each other to finish the game.

• It Takes Two: Also designed exclusively for co-op, offering both local and online multiplayer options. The game’s challenges are specifically tailored to require teamwork, forcing players to communicate, compromise, and support each other.

Both games excel in their co-op design, but It Takes Two arguably offers a more rewarding experience due to the diverse and creative challenges it presents. The feeling of accomplishment after successfully navigating a particularly difficult section with your partner is incredibly satisfying.

Replayability

• A Way Out: Offers limited replayability. While you can switch characters on a second playthrough to experience the story from a different perspective, the core gameplay remains the same.

• It Takes Two: Has moderate replayability. Discovering all the minigames and finding hidden secrets extends the experience. Playing with different partners can also lead to new approaches to solving puzzles and challenges.

Overall Impact

While A Way Out is a commendable achievement in co-op game design, It Takes Two surpasses it in almost every aspect. Its engaging story, innovative gameplay, and focus on emotional connection make it a truly exceptional gaming experience. It’s a game that not only entertains but also encourages players to reflect on their own relationships. It’s no surprise that It Takes Two received numerous accolades, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is A Way Out the same as It Takes Two?

No, A Way Out and It Takes Two are two distinct co-op games developed by Hazelight Studios. A Way Out is a prison escape drama, while It Takes Two is a romantic comedy about a couple fixing their relationship.

2. Is A Way Out worth buying?

Yes, A Way Out is worth buying if you are looking for a grounded, story-driven co-op experience with a focus on action and stealth. It is a unique experience, heavily involving both players throughout the adventure.

3. How long does it take to beat A Way Out?

A Way Out typically takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete.

4. How long does it take to beat It Takes Two?

It Takes Two takes around 14 hours to complete, with additional time if you explore for extras and minigames.

5. Is It Takes Two a solo game?

No, It Takes Two is exclusively a co-op game designed for two players, either locally or online.

6. Is A Way Out a solo game?

No, A Way Out is also exclusively a co-op game and cannot be played solo.

7. Is It Takes Two good for kids?

It Takes Two is suitable for older kids and teenagers, but parents should be aware of some adult themes and occasional strong language.

8. How scary is A Way Out?

A Way Out features some graphic violence and strong language, but it is not overtly scary or disturbing.

9. Is It Takes Two too easy?

It Takes Two can be challenging at times, but it’s generally not frustratingly difficult. The game is designed to be accessible while still providing a rewarding challenge.

10. Can a 14-year-old play A Way Out?

Given its M rating for violence, language, and some sexual content, parents should exercise caution when allowing a 14-year-old to play A Way Out.

11. How big of a game is It Takes Two?

It Takes Two requires around 50 GB of storage space.

12. How big of a game is A Way Out?

A Way Out requires around 25 GB of storage space.

13. What are the themes in It Takes Two?

The major themes are marriage, love, communication, family, teamwork, and forgiveness.

14. Which is better to play in A Way Out, Leo or Vincent?

There are no real gameplay differences between the two characters in A Way Out, just that the story is split between the characters.

15. Is A Way Out inappropriate?

A Way Out contains sexual content, and is often perceived as innapropriate by many gamers.

In conclusion, both A Way Out and It Takes Two are excellent co-op games that offer unique and memorable experiences. However, It Takes Two‘s inventive gameplay, engaging story, and emotional depth make it the superior title overall. If you’re looking for a co-op adventure that will surprise, delight, and challenge you and your partner, It Takes Two is the clear winner.