The return of Couch Co-op
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I remember a time when the most popular video games were all shared screen, or split screen. Whether competitive or co-operative they all shared one thing in common. They were enjoyed as a group. Everyone found a spot on the couch, or floor and prepared themselves for hours of video game domination. I’ll never forget the ridiculous four port splitters required to play four player dungeon crawlers. There were wires absolutely everywhere. The graphics weren’t great, and the more players that played increased the likelihood of frame rate issues. Games would freeze, or totally crash two hours in when the game consoles got too hot. To prevent it from happening I purchased one of those external fans that clipped to the back of the game system. Even with all those issues we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. What made it special was the shared experience.
Developed by Hazelight, and produced by Electronic Arts – A Way Out is banking on the appeal of those classic Co-operative games. They believe that the shared experience is what makes a game special. Even if it has a few flaws.
Buy 1 get 1 free
Something that’s totally unique about how A Way Out is being sold. A Way Out cannot be played solo. It requires a second player. Now you might have assumed that it was a crafty sales trick to get somebody who purchases the game to talk their friends into buying it as well. Well that’s not the case. When you purchase a copy it includes a fully playable download that you can give to your gaming partner. It allows them to play the game as the other character online with you. Of course you can always play couch co-op split screen. I haven’t played the entire game, but ivI’ heard that it takes roughly 8 hours to complete. So playing online might be the best way for many to complete the game easily. Providing the additional download wasn’t necessary. Electronic Arts could have just forced everyone to buy a copy. I see this as a very smart marketing move though. As a video game enthusiast and blogger I keep up on what’s new. When I mentioned the upcoming release of A Way Out to some of my friends. Not all of them were aware of it. Those that were aware, were split between those that were buying it, and those that weren’t. By providing the free playable download, Electronic Arts will effectively double the number of Players. If the game is even moderately successful. The next co-operative game they release will have a larger audience. They have turned their customers into salespeople. And who’s more passionate about the games they create than the people that play them?
Attractive Pricing
As a Canadian I’m getting accustomed to paying upwards of $80 for a single video game. Feels like highway robbery to me. I’m sure many of you feel the same way. It takes a lot of hype, great reviews, and an interesting type of game to encourage me to buy it on Day one. Well at only $40 for A Way Out the choice to purchase it was far easier. Especially when it includes a partner copy. Even if it ends up being a bit of a flop. It becomes a little easier to stomach when it’s only half the price of most new releases. Lets be honest, there haven’t been many marquee releases yet this year. While you are waiting for something like the sequel to your favourite franchise to come out. Why not give A Way Out a try. It isn’t an exceptionally long game, and one of your friends will owe you one to boot.