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. 

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.