Army of Two, released by EA on March 4, is an intense action game designed for
one to two players or up to four players in online environments. Reviews have
been mixed regarding this shoot-em-up game that centers around two-man missions.
Available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms, the game plays multiple scenarios that focus around strategies, tactics, and teammate dependency that allow users to customize vehicles, weapons, strategies and shooting scenarios. Teamwork is essential in this third person shooter game that has developed around two private military personnel who may also be considered mercenaries. The game provides timeline ranging from the early 1990s to around 2010 and is available on Blu-ray disc as well as DVD-DL. It is rated for mature audiences.
The game is capable of play with humans or what is commonly known as partner artificial intelligence (PAI). Both scenarios rely heavily on dependence on one of the two fictional partners, as objectives are impossible to reach without it; hence the name ‘Army of Two’.
Scenarios take players to Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, China, and Korea as well as the United States. The two main characters; Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem, are former Army Rangers who must deal with arms dealers, politics, and no shortage of combat situations.
One of the most popular aspects of the game is the ability of users to customize their weapons. Choices from pistols to submachine guns to rocket launchers and assault rifles are available. Attachments such as suppressors, barrels, and magazines can be swapped and interchanged.
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The Army of Two game features an Aggro system, which illuminates the player who is killing the most opponents to glow a reddish color. This focuses the attention of enemy forces onto that player, while the secondary player becomes nearly invisible and is able to use stealth and cover to annihilate their enemies. However, users who don’t want all of the attention focused on their character may alter the Aggro status to focus attention on the partner player.
Online capabilities allow for players, two on each team. Each team is given objectives to perform; anything from destroying an objective to completing an assassination is an option, although each scenario requires the Army of Two to overcome opposing team personnel. Remember, the focus on Army of Two is teamwork, and without watching out for each other, the main characters will find it extremely difficult to meet their objectives or successfully complete their missions.
Three multiplayer game modes are available in Army of Two game play: Bounties, Extraction, and War Zone. The War Zone method offers random scenarios, while the Extraction mode requires the two main characters to rescue personnel and get them to a safe position. However, one of the downsides to this online version of the game is that players are restricted to geographical regions, and Americans will not be able to play with Asians or Europeans and vice versa.
Army of Two has been receiving mixed reviews that range anywhere from 4 to 9 out of 10. Game Spot gave Army of Two a rating of 6.5 out of 10, while PS3 Game Reviews gave it a 6.8. Reviewers have addressed various issues such as the lack of adequate gaming capabilities and that "enemy" opponents always manage to hit their mark, many times before the user is even aware of their presence, while users must take the time to carefully aim in order to hit their fast-moving targets.
Cash to purchase weapons and accessories are earned by completing objectives and missions. However, many users feel that as the game advances, scenarios become repetitive, and at times, boring. Others have complained that the dialogue is lame, and that the storyline is weak.
Profanity abounds, and violence is extreme, which results in its mature 17+ rating. Many reviewers suggest that potential buyers rent the game first, while others feel it is one of the best action shooter games to hit the market in several years. As with anything else, personal opinion will differ, so users will ultimately be left to make their own choice. Regardless, renting or buying Army of Two will certainly keep users occupied for several hours of nonstop shooting action, guaranteed.
