Pre-E3 2009 Preview
Released a couple of years ago, the
original Army of Two was a solid shooter that offered up intense shooting and a
variety of great features with a main focus on co-op gameplay. Now, EA is
looking to revisit the mercenary exploits of heroes Salem and Rios with the
follow up, Army of Two: The 40th Day. Army of Two: The 40th Day expands upon the
co-op formula set out by its predecessor, offering players many more ways to
interact with each other (or with AI-based counterparts), while offering plenty
of action-packed gameplay to boot. Get ready for co-op action this fall.
The 40th Day follows the mercenaries
after they’ve founded their own mercenary agency, TransWorld Operation (TWO).
They embark on a mission in Shanghai that goes horribly awry. The
duo are then forced to shoot their way out of the city, which has fallen into
severe disarray.
Among the new co-op abilities that
you’ll be able to do in the game are feigning surrender, where one player will
pretend to surrender while the other flanks the enemy and takes them out from
behind, tagging specific enemies for strategic assaults, and many more. The
Aggro system from the first game has also returned, letting one character draw
the enemies to them while the other one becomes technically invisible in order
to gain a better position and the upper hand.
The environment is also a key new
addition to the game’s formula. There are huge explosions and collapsing
buildings all around you, requiring you to utilize it in your fighting strategy
much more than in the game’s predecessor.
Army of Two: The 40th Day is looking
to expand on its predecessor in several key ways while retaining the elements
that worked well in the first game. The action is intense and the co-op features
are very deep and engaging, making this a title that players who like to double
up will want to keep an eye out for. Look for it this fall.
