Twice the action, double the fun!
I’ve always seen myself as a mercenary but, you know, don’t let my boss find out. And so playing Army of Two has felt like being united with kindred spirits; a couple of tough guys, Salem and Rios, getting paid to do the jobs nobody else can or cares to do. Working at Xbox isn’t quite the same as putting your life on the line in some of the world’s most notorious hot spots, but I considered myself mentally prepared.
Like heck I was! Army of Two had me nailed to my seat within seconds of it all kicking off. Only Gears of War has left me this shaken. When breaking cover for the opening two-man assault on a Somali warlord’s hideout this game doesn’t hold back. You need your buddy, and he needs you. The Partner AI (PAI) system makes all the resulting tension feel real, plus it makes for kick-ass gameplay opportunities. Even something as routine as rapelling down a wall creates anxiety, whether it’s you holding the rope or your buddy up there exposed. Helping each other over walls, standing back to back to fight your way out of a tight spot, or (my favourite) ‘playing dead’ so that your buddy takes all the flak – all these situations and more really add to the co-operative core appeal of the game. Another key element is the aggro (from aggravation) system which, just being honest, makes you feel totally badass. Wave the biggest gun and the enemies will come running, but refrain from shooting and their attention could switch toward your yelling buddy. By creating ‘aggro’ you can tactfully outsmart the enemy in any situation, and turn up the heat just the way you like it. I’ve got to say, Army of Two is twice the game I hoped it would become. Graeme Boyd, Xbox.com Community Manager, Gamertag: AceyBongos Out This Week A-Train HX Army of Two Bully: Scholarship Edition History Channel: Battle for the Pacific MX vs ATV Untamed Dynasty Warriors 6 Cabela’s Big Game Hunter |
