Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel for the Xbox 360 is a third-person co-op shooter that focuses on two new T.W.O. (Tactical Worldwide Operations) operatives, Alpha and Bravo, as they fight a ruthless Mexican drug cartel.
Storyline
The game's narrative takes place in modern Mexico, which is in the midst of a violent drug war. Players assume the roles of Alpha (the more focused and tactical partner) and Bravo (the hot-headed, wise-cracking partner), two new recruits. They are sent on a mission by T.W.O. founders Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem to protect a Mexican politician, Mayor Cordova, who is determined to dismantle the powerful La Guadaña (The Scythe) cartel and its leader, Esteban Bautista.
The mission quickly goes wrong when the convoy is ambushed. Alpha and Bravo must fight their way through waves of cartel forces. The story involves a plot twist late in the game that reveals the involvement of a former ally, and the campaign is centered around taking down the cartel and stopping its reign of violence and corruption.
Gameplay Features
The game emphasizes tactical, two-player cooperation, available via local split-screen or online multiplayer. Key gameplay elements include:
- Co-op Maneuvers: Players must work together, using tactics like flanking and dual-breach entries, to succeed against a large number of enemies.
- Destructible Environments: Built on the Frostbite 2 engine, the game features highly destructible environments, meaning cover can be destroyed by enemy fire, forcing players to stay on the move and communicate.
- Overkill Mode: Performing cooperative actions builds an "Overkill" meter. When activated, this mode grants both players temporary invincibility and devastating firepower for massive destruction, rewarding teamwork.
- Customization: Players can use extensive customization tools to personalize Alpha and Bravo's tactical gear, weapons, and masks.
The game is a cover-based shooter, with a mature rating due to intense violence and strong language. It does away with some previous series features like the "back-to-back" mechanic in favor of a faster-paced gameplay experience.
