A Way Out Review: One Of The Best Stories Of The Generation

2. Ending

Though the majority of A Way Out is hugely enjoyable, it's completely made by its gut-punch of an ending. There's really no way to talk about it without spoiling the hell out of it, so if you don't want the finale revealed then just know it's a heartbreaking culmination of not only the narrative of the whole game, but also the entire gameplay style. If you want to know more then spoilers ahead...

Okay, so after spending the entire title bringing Leo and Vincent closer together, watching them get their revenge in glorious, gory fashion, a final betrayal pits the two characters against each other. While you've been cooperating for hours now, the final chapter sees the title's signature mechanics inverted, using the same prompts and systems not to make players help each other, but to kill each other.

It's not an entirely unique concept, but the way A Way Out presents it, so confidently and with so much heart, makes the twist so effective. This is where the attachment to your character comes in as well; you might think that either man is right and not want to kill them, but the fact you've spent this long with your protagonist means you feel enough of a connection to them to want to murder the other.

It's by far the best part of the game, and is the reason why you shouldn't chop and change who you play as. Also, while it would still be impactful when playing online, there's something special about two people sitting together, both mashing buttons to grab a gun before the other one does, with the victor having to use it to put a bullet in their friend's chest. It's the type of scenario games were made for.