'A Way Out (2018)' is a cinematic, co-op only adventure that focuses on two convicts as they attempt to escape prison and settle their unfinished business. It's a great idea, an almost old-school ode to classic split-screen experiences, but it is let down by a number of issues. Firstly (and, for a game as focused on story as this, most importantly), the writing is generally quite clunky. The overall narrative is decent, if trope-laden, but the dialogue just doesn't quite feel natural. There is some decent character development, though, and the two leads are likeable enough. Secondly, the gameplay is pretty restrictive right the way through. The thing never quite decides what it wants to be. There are segments that see you wandering around semi-open areas, talking to NPCs to no real effect and playing oddly in-depth (ish) mini-games at inopportune times. There are others in which you're pushed through action set-pieces, typically just holding the left stick forward and mashing the buttons you see on screen. There are even rudimentary driving and shooting sections. Because it tries to do so much, it only ends up being somewhat effective; it's scatterbrained, to say the least. It also constantly holds your hand. It's very difficult to actually fail anything, which makes for a sort of consequence-free experience. This is true of its narrative, too; only one choice affects anything other than the scene in which it is presented. However, for all the game's flaws, it's ultimately a good experience. A lot of this is down to the fact that its ending makes a bold choice and sticks with it, easily becoming the most compelling segment of the game. What you do here really feels like it matters and it adds a layer of complexity to the otherwise straight-forward narrative. It really reinvigorates the affair just when it seems to have run out of steam. The rest of the game isn't bad, either, even though it is flawed and, even, sometimes frustrating. It's typically an enjoyable time and some of its oddities are actually pretty funny, to boot. Its central co-op conceit mitigates a lot of its issues, especially if you're playing with someone in person, and each segment is only as long as it needs to be. If it had more consistent and impactful gameplay or a truly breathtaking and nuanced story, it could have been great. As it is, it's just good. 7/10