Anyone who has spent a
long period of time in the arcades a long while back can tell you that games
such as Contra or Double Dragon were best played with another
gamer providing backup because going at it solo was just asking to lose all your
quarters. Thankfully, today’s games have been keeping up the tradition of
playing a game co-op with a buddy whether you’re a ruthless criminal duo (Kane
& Lynch: Dead Men) or hired mercenaries trying to make a living in a
post-9/11 war like in EA’s latest action game called Army of Two. Two is
definitely the magic number for a game that pushes teamwork in a game that’s
just way too much fun.
“Leave me, Sergeant. Save yourself. Leg cramp … too painful
to go on.”
Meet Rios and Salem, two
members of a Special Forces operation who – during a mission in the Middle East
– have finally had enough of the military putting them in harm’s way with very
little in terms of arms or armor. So the pair quit and decides to join a
mercenary group that not only pays top dollar but also arms them with the latest
equipment not available to the US military. It isn’t until the darkest day in
American history that the duo accepts a number of assignments that take them
back to Iraq during the war on terror. Being that they are mercenaries that act
outside the government or the US military’s authorization, Rios and Salem see
opportunity to make bigger bucks … but don’t think it’s going to be easy.
Aside from the intricate
and occasionally interesting story that touches on real current themes, Army
of Two’s protagonists never really get out of control (like Blackwater) and
they never overstep the boundaries. The game is broken up into two parts:
single-player and co-op (online or offline). If you’re playing the game solo,
you start off by picking either the burly and tough Rios or the cocky and
handsome Salem. Really, the difference between the two is simply cosmetic (Rios
is tall and his mask is scarred just like his face) since both control the same.
Taking place over a span
of six campaigns, you and your computer-controlled partner take on missions in
places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, China, Somalia as well as two missions that
take place in a sinking aircraft carrier and Miami during a Category 5
hurricane. You’ll face a number of dangerous terrorists as well as other hired
guns and even suicide bombers. The great news is that you are more than well equipped and your partner does a good job of backing you up as well as redirecting enemy
gunfire away from you. For the most part, your AI partner has your back by
shooting accurately, providing good covering fire and even pumps up your
character. Sadly, the computer-controlled ally also makes some head-scratching
decisions like running off ahead of you, not responding to your few commands.
“Urk! I told you already! I can’t tell you how to get to
Sesame Street.”
Still, as I mentioned,
this game was meant to be played with a friend and having a real person take up
the role of your partner fixes the occasionally poor AI problems found in the
single-player game. Taking on the campaign with a friend allows you to
coordinate attacks better and faster. This is far better seeing as there are
plenty of moments in the game that play up the co-op features. For instance,
there are times when you will go back-to-back with your partner to cover each
another. You can even trade primary weapons with your partner on the fly. If
you’re injured in battle, your partner can heal you on the spot or drag you to a
safe spot to administer first aid. The best feature is Aggro, which allows you
to go into a slow–mo killing rage when the Aggrometer fills up.
Completing missions and
fulfilling mission objectives means you’ll be earning money you can spend in the
black markets to purchase new weapons, armor, masks and even weapon upgrades.
Unlike the Xbox 360 version, the PS3 version of the game uses the SIXAXIS
controller to reload your weapons (just shake the controller once) and to guide
your character during a parachute drop. Online the game moves at a steady
framerate and since you can use a USB headset, you’ll still be able to
communicate different attacks.
Army of Two
is also a very attractive-looking game with
detailed character models, sharp backgrounds that bring the exotic locales to
life whether you’re taking on enemies in Afghanistan or a flooded Miami. There
are times when the textures can look flat up close but then again the great
lighting effects and dazzling visual effects more than make up for it. The
animation is also smooth and the characters move realistically. While the action
has the enemy dropping like flies it never gets too bloody or gory. Having seen
the Xbox 360 version, I can safely say that PS3 looks just a great in every way.
Mercenary Community Theatre Presents: Brokenback Mountain
The game’s sound is also
decent even though the soundtrack is familiar fare heard in just about every
military-themed action game. As for the voice acting in the cut scenes, it’s not
bad at all although the in-game voices seem to repeat themselves often when they
get hurt or when Rios just can’t take the pressure anymore. The sound effects
are loud so play this one with the sound cranked up.
Army of Two
for the PlayStation 3 is a fun, action-packed
shooter that has it’s few flaws but even those aren’t able to stop you from
having a real blast with this fun action game. Sure, the missions are on the
short side and your computer-controlled partner isn’t very bright at times but
the action is hot and the co-op mode is sheer perfection. If you’re buying this
one solely for the single-player game, then be prepared to be a bit
disappointed. If, however, you enjoy a good shooter meant to be played alongside
a friend then, by all means, buy this game.
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Gameplay: 8.0
The game’s controls and excellent
Agro feature come together nicely throughout the short campaign, and both Rios
and Salem has some pretty sweet co-op moves (back-to-back equals lead salads for
everyone around you). As a single-player game, your ally can make some pretty
boneheaded mistakes on the field. There’s also decent use of the SIXAXIS
controller.
Graphics: 9.0
On the PS3, the game looks
absolutely gorgeous at times and the character models really stick out in the
detailed environments. Explosions look great and so do the burst of gunfire as
fallen enemies fling their limbs about in true rag-doll fashion.
Sound: 8.0
The voice acting is just Ok and the
soundtrack feels like we’ve heard it a million times. Still, the sound effects
are loud and awesome. You really must play this game using a good sound system.
Difficulty: Medium
There are certain missions that will
have you restarting from the last checkpoint more than a couple of times and
there are boss battles that are not easy at all. Still, this game is about
teamwork and how well you fight together will mean your survival.
Concept: 8.0
The missions really push the action
over the top and the pair does manage to work well together. While the ally AI
isn’t too bright, it occasionally knows when to pull you out of a sticky
situation. The co-op online or offline option is excellent and you have the
ability to purchase and upgrade better weapons.
Multiplayer: 9.0
Whether you play online with a gamer
from across the country or with a friend sitting right next to you, this is a
game that should be shared. Offline or online the framerate remains steady and
the action flows well even when there’s multiple enemies on screen. Plus, the
co-op moves are downright cool.
Overall: 8.0
Like an overblown Hollywood action
flick, Army of Two is an explosive good time that has its weaknesses here
and there but it won’t stop you from enjoying the bullet-fueled action. The
single-player experience isn’t bad at all but this is a game best played with
others to get the most out of this fun shooter.
