Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Army of Two for Xbox 360, developed by EA Montreal and released in 2008, is a third-person shooter that focuses heavily on cooperative gameplay. The game follows two mercenaries, Salem and Rios, as they embark on various missions around the world. The duo is hired to perform military contracts, often finding themselves caught in global conspiracies. The game is known for its emphasis on teamwork and tactical combat, making it stand out from other shooters of its time. Here's a detailed review of Army of Two for Xbox 360:
Gameplay and Mechanics
Cooperative Gameplay
At its core, Army of Two is designed to be a cooperative experience. While you can play alone with an AI partner, the game truly shines when played with a second player, either locally or online. The gameplay revolves around working together to overcome obstacles, outsmart enemies, and tackle complex combat situations.
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Two-Player Dynamics: The game thrives on cooperative mechanics, where each player takes control of one of the two main characters. Both characters have distinct abilities and roles, and working together is key to success. For example, one character can act as a "decoy" while the other provides cover fire, or players can perform synchronized takedowns for more effective stealth kills. The game encourages teamwork, and the two-player dynamic is central to the experience.
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AI Partner: When playing solo, the AI takes control of the second character, and while it is functional, it often feels inconsistent and sometimes lacks the tactical intelligence needed for more complex scenarios. The AI will generally follow commands, but it is often prone to standing in the open or getting stuck on the environment. This can be frustrating, especially in intense firefights.
Combat System
The combat in Army of Two is a blend of tactical shooting and cover-based mechanics. Players can use cover effectively, move between pieces of cover, and blind-fire to suppress enemies. The game is focused on action and doesnt require deep strategy, but it encourages teamwork and coordination between players.
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Cover System: The cover system works well, allowing players to hide behind objects and pop out to shoot. There are moments where the system feels a bit clunky, and the character can sometimes be exposed while trying to switch covers, but it generally works well enough for the gameplay style.
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Weapons and Customization: Army of Two features a wide range of weapons, from assault rifles to shotguns, and offers extensive customization options. Players can modify their guns by adding scopes, silencers, and other attachments, which affects both the performance and appearance of their weapons. This adds a fun layer of depth to the combat, as players can tweak their loadouts for specific situations.
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Aggro System: One of the game's unique features is the "Aggro" system, which is designed to highlight the need for coordinated play. When one character engages in combat, they generate aggro, drawing the attention of enemies while their partner can take advantage of the distraction to flank or take out enemies from a different angle. The concept of aggro encourages players to communicate and plan their movements effectively.
Mission Design
The game features a variety of missions, ranging
