ollywood has the buddy flick, and now, as much as it pains me to say this, video games have the buddy game. Believe me, I could hardly bring myself to write that, but it had to be said. Not only does this game tell the story of two characters at the opposite ends of the social spectrum finding common ground on the battlefield, it insists that there is no wrong time for physical humor or airguitaring.
It also introduces gamers to an ensemble of characters that are just as obnoxious as Chris Tucker. As much as I wanted to place these unlikable personalities into a soundproof box, I was also compelled to bow down before their feet. They may be annoying, but they know exactly what it takes to entertain gamers seeking an explosive co-op experience (across online and split-screen).
As you are probably aware, there are a number of games out there offering enjoyable cooperative components. None of them, however, make it a priority like Army of Two does. Coordinating tactics to flank and suppress is only a fraction of what you can expect. The game and its beautifully built levels wedge players into situations where they can use physical teamwork. For instance, you can rip a car door off of its hinges, and use it as moving cover for your partner, who will follow you with a gun ablaze. You can also hoist your buddy up to the second story of a building (who will verbally tell you to go higher or lower) to sneak a peek, unload a clip, or climb up. You’ll also find yourself counting down to coordinate simultaneous sniper shots. Best of all, however, are the tandem parachute jumps, where one player controls the descent and the other picks off soldiers with a sniper rifle.
All of the cooperative moves are mechanically sound, ingenious in their design, and effective in their use. The game also offers great stability in its gunplay. Like Gears of War, it’s very much a game of finding cover, popping up to fire off a round, then finding new cover. The smooth targeting system allows for moving targets to be taken down with ease, and also the stability needed for precision aiming. The weapons, which favor the assault class, also pack a wallop, and can be upgraded with funds earned in the field to become even more ridiculously overpowered.
The overall result is a game that is gritty, intense, and well made. But it does have one design decision that I’ll never wrap my brain around. If you provide covering fire for your friend, you will draw the enemies fire. This will turn your friend invisible exactly like a ghost. Since enemies can’t see him, he can move through the battlefield. As you can imagine, this really throws a kink into the game. Not only does it feel like you are using a cheat code, you feel bad for the adversaries that hide behind the same cover as the invisible player. Outside of this unfortunate event, the enemy AI is impressive, showing steady aim, an impulsiveness to throw grenades, and intentionally designed suicide methods.
If your idea of gaming is you, yourself, and no one else, you can play the same campaign by yourself, but trust me, it doesn’t have the same bite with an AI-controlled partner, who rarely does what you want him to. Army of Two also features an enjoyable versus component that keeps the game’s strong cooperative themes in play for four players. Just like the main game, you are tasked to complete missions with your partner, such as escorting a hostage or securing intel. CPU adversaries are still present, but your biggest threat is another two-player human team working to complete the same goals as you. The team that earns the most cash for completing goals and piling up kills is the victor.
Like dysfunctional characters in a buddy flick, Army of Two has some annoying problems, but if you just want a fun cooperative experience, it gets the job done and delivers sizeable thrills you won’t find anywhere else.