Split-Screen :: The Game-Geek’s Daily Read

by gSathe

The state of gaming has undergone a major change over the last five years, and the single player component has dwindled greatly in importance over time. This is nowhere more true than in action games, and while some, like Call of Duty still provide a strong and polished single player campaign, for most such games now even the campaign mode is a multiplayer experience, with co-op being some of the most fun there is.

Army of Two is a good fit in this modern world, because if you’re playing the game by yourself, then you’re doing it wrong. There have been a lot of sites reviewing the game which have given it a lower score than it really deserves because the single player mode doesn’t really deliver as much fun as the rest of the game, but the point is, with a name like that, what were you thinking of, going it alone?

The campaign has you following two mercenaries, Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem, who’re sent off to blow up military installations and assassinate terrorists. You’re mercenaries and it’s not about the God or country here - you’re after the money here, and the somewhat sophomoric dialogue (and the air guitar after a slaughter) are there to reinforce the point.

You’re dumped right into the heat in the missions, and the game is really just about blasting your way through each level. Though if you’re playing the game single-player, then you’re just blasting your way through each level alone, because your team AI is more than a little useless. It makes the strangest decisions at times, regarding cover, and particularly if you’ve been downed.

One interesting feature though is the aggro system - if you’re shooting more, you’re being more aggressive, so you’re going to draw more of the enemy fire. The system actually works a little too well - if your partner is giving you enough cover fire, and you keep your finger off the trigger, you can waltz around the enemies without their caring, though admittedly, the moment you open fire this changes.

The story of Army of Two is of course just there to provide an excuse for all the shooting and it provides enough to keep you going, without really mattering in the slightest. Which isn’t really all that shocking - we are talking about a game which lets you pimp out guns.

Though the game’s weapon upgrades are actually pretty cool. You basically get to custom fit your guns with new stocks, barrels, add on armor, all of which affect the weapon’s performance, not just the damage and accuracy but also the aggro.

So for instance, a pimped out, gold plated AK generates more aggro than a regular AK, while being the same gun in every other way…

The game is good looking, and sounds good too. It’s right up there with most of today’s top line shooters. But the level design on the whole is very limited and repetitive.

If you’re looking for a good single player shooter, and you’ve already played the other biggies, then go for it. The co-op and multiplayer for this game on the other hand are more than just a little fun. With co-op in particular, EA has formed a very good gameplay concept and one which hopefully will be continued.