Hazelight Studios has quickly made a name in the video game industry with its innovative approach to cooperative games. It Takes Two and A Way Out, praised by critics and players alike, offers unique gameplay mechanics and deep narratives.

The following comparison of the two games across story, characters, gameplay, length, environments, and replayability aims to determine which stands out the most, highlighting the developer’s exceptional contribution to the co-op genre.

• Release Date: Mar 26, 2021.

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch.

• Metascore: 88.

“It Takes Two” is a remarkable example of a couch co-op game, offering a unique experience for those playing online or local co-op.

The game is about a couple facing a divorce, later transforming into a series of cooperative exercises set in a whimsical world.

It Takes Two EU Xbox One/Series CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: Mar 23, 2018.

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, Android.

• Metascore: 78.

“A Way Out” is an intense couch co-op game from Hazelight Studios, contrasting significantly with its successor, “It Takes Two.”

It presents a story focused on two prisoners who must work together to escape jail. Their challenges and adventures will lead them through various plot twists and a heartbreaking ending.

A Way Out Origin CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

This versus considers seven pretty straightforward points. Each one isn’t absolute, but a mere perspective of what we think you should focus on when choosing one game.

Story

“It Takes Two” offers a different narrative from "A Way Out.” As they both present a rich and emotionally resonant story, “It Takes Two” explores love, commitment, and the complexities of relationships.

The story focuses on a couple, May and Cody, who are on the brink of divorce. The game takes a fantastical turn when they find themselves transformed into dolls by a wish from their daughter, Rose.

This situation leads them on a rediscovery journey that metaphorically represents various aspects of their marriage, from communication breakdowns to forgotten passions.

“A Way Out” is a gripping adventure story centered around two prisoners escaping jail, Leo and Vincent. The narrative unfolds as they join forces, each driven by their personal motives and backgrounds.

The game’s plot is not just about the physical act of escaping the prison but also explores the emotional and psychological aspects of their journey. Leo and Vincent's stories are marked by moments of tension, camaraderie, and moral dilemmas, making the story more than a simple escape plan.

The game’s journey involves trust, redemption, and survival against the odds. The narrative’s strength lies in blending action and emotion, creating a compelling experience that will keep you invested from start to finish.

Verdict: While both games have emotionally rich narratives, "It Takes Two" excels with its unique take on relationships and transformation.

Characters

In “It Takes Two,” while the main characters, May and Cody, drive the narrative with their journey of reconnection, the game truly shines with its side characters.

They are integral to the story, adding humor, challenge, and depth to the gameplay.

For example, the mythical therapy book named Dr. Hakim plays a pivotal role in the story. He will help May and Cody repair their relationship by placing obstacles and tests in their path to encourage collaboration and communication.

All these characters’ unique roles and integration into the game’s strong story demonstrate the developer’s innovative approach to character design, enhancing the overall cooperative gaming experience.

In “A Way Out,” Leo and Vincent are central to the game’s narrative and emotional core. This title doesn’t involve side characters, focusing on developing Leo and Vincent’s story.

Each character is a distinct person with a unique backstory. Leo is known for his direct and confrontational approach, reflecting his tough past. In contrast, Vincent is more calculated and methodical.

Compared to “It Takes Two,” where both main characters know each other and work to get back their relationship, Leo and Vincent are strangers, each viewing the other as a means to an end for their escape.

As the story progresses, their relationship evolves, with them learning to trust and rely on each other, facing challenges that test their partnership and individual resolve. This dynamic is a pivotal game aspect, offering a deeper connection to their journey.

Verdict: It Takes Two has a diverse character range and depth, whereas A Way Out focuses intensely on its main duo.

Co-op Gameplay

As we all know, “It Takes Two” is a game meticulously crafted for co-op play, requiring two players to team up online or locally. 

It offers multiple gameplay mechanics, but not just for the show. Each mechanic is intricately tied to the game’s story and the level’s theme, making the cooperative experience immersive and meaningful.

May and Cody also have unique, separate abilities. For instance, Cody can rewind time in one level, while May can create replicas of herself. They can combine these two abilities for solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles.

Additionally, “It Takes Two” most notable aspect, comparing it with “A Way Out,” is its large number of mini-games. You can find them throughout the main game, offering a fun and often humorous break from the main storyline.

This game is designed exclusively for cooperative gameplay, offering a unique online and local experience. 

It requires two players to work together constantly, emphasizing player agency in every aspect. This design choice means that the game can only be played with a friend or another player. 

The game features a variety of mechanics, from stealth and action sequences to puzzle-solving and driving. Like "It Takes Two," every challenge's success depends on individual skill and the ability to work as a cohesive unit.

Verdict: It Takes Two stands out due to its well-integrated gameplay mechanics tailored for co-op and online play.

Chapters Length

It Takes Two’s story is structured into nine distinct chapters, each with its own fantasy world and challenges. On average, a chapter takes around an hour to complete, making the game approximately 12 hours long.

This duration can extend to around 14 or 15 hours if you take your time to explore and engage fully with the game’s narrative.

The extended playtime in “It Takes Two” allows you to expand the relationship between the married couple and more opportunities for engaging in the game’s cooperative exercises.

“A Way Out” offers a shorter adventure than “It Takes Two.” This game packs all the twists and turns into a focused 6 to 8 hours of gameplay. This duration is ideal if you are a fan of complete stories without the commitment of playing for long hours.

Despite its 37 chapters, they’re designed to be engaging and rich in content, ensuring every moment of play is meaningful and contributes to the overall narrative. This shorter length makes the game more accessible and appealing.

“A Way Out” respects the player’s time, providing a satisfying and complete experience without unnecessary filler.

Verdict: It Takes Two provides a longer, richer experience. A Way Out offers a concise, focused narrative.

Environments

“It Takes Two” has vibrant graphics and colorful landscapes, offering a visually enchanting experience that contrasts with the muted and realistic tones of "A Way Out.”

The landscapes’ diversity and creativity in this game are notable. Each chapter introduces you to a unique and imaginative environment, ranging from the inner workings of a tree to a space station.

The meticulous artistic design and attention to detail in “It Takes Two” create a world that feels alive and interactive.

The environments are specifically designed to complement the game’s intense narrative, offering a darker contrast to the colorful settings in “It Takes Two.” It presents a more grounded and realistic world.

Each setting in “A Way Out” enhances the story’s gravity and the character's plight, creating an immersive experience that is integral to the game’s overall impact.

Verdict: It Takes Two impresses with vibrant, imaginative worlds, contrasting with A Way Out's realistic settings.

Replayability

The story of “It Takes Two” seems pretty straightforward. Hazelight is known for its focus on narrative-driven titles and crafted this game with a clear emphasis on delivering a complete story in one playthrough. 

This design is reflected in the game’s structure and gameplay, which are centered around a single, cohesive narrative journey.

Additionally, the absence of traditional replayability elements like collectibles or branching storylines is a deliberate choice by its developer, highlighting its commitment to quality storytelling and cooperative gameplay.

This game has two endings and offers a different kind of replayability. While It Takes Two might entice players to revisit its world for its varied stories and mini-games, “A Way Out” captivates with its intense narrative, drawing you back to experience the other half of the duo’s story.

Playing as either of the two main guys, Leo or Vincent, offers unique perspectives on the same events, fueling The player’s passion to see the story unfold from both sides.

This replayability aspect is more about understanding the complete narrative and less about exploring different gameplay elements, making each playthrough a deep dive into the character’s story.

Verdict: "A Way Out" offers unique narrative perspectives for replay, while "It Takes Two" focuses on a single, comprehensive story.

Honestly, both co-op games from Hazelight Studios are great and have game awards, each one with totally different stories. In a basic summary, one story is about two men escaping from prison to get revenge, and the other is about a couple forced to fix their marriage.

So, who is the winner in this “It Takes Two vs A Way Out” contestant? 

If you want a shorter game with a strong narrative, play “A Way Out.” It’s full of surprises. But the better game, undoubtedly, is “It Takes Two.”

Even though it’s longer and a more straightforward story, “It Takes Two” brings something new to co-op games. Every level feels like its own game, which keeps it fun and fresh. You won’t get tired of playing because there’s always something new.