Does this dynamic duo have what it takes to reach the top, or are they just another group of guys with guns?
Army of Two is a third person shooter, and it is best played with another player. The objective of the game is simple: shoot your enemies, complete your objective, collect your payment, upgrade your weapons, and repeat all over again. Army of Two separates itself from other shooters mainly because the gameplay revolves around co-op mechanics. You and a partner can combine forces to use a riot shield, help each other get onto higher ledges, and co-op snipe. The game also utilizes something called the Aggro system. The player that shoots the most, or is considered the biggest threat will have all the enemies shooting at him or her and will glow red. The other player on the other hand will be practically invisible and will be able to outflank the enemies. The Aggro system isn't as cool as it appears to be. I actually found that Aggro was a ridiculous addition to the gameplay as I got further within the game. Many of the enemies can be easily killed just by going up to them and doing a melee attack. Believe it or not, it is actually easier to kill the enemies by knocking them out instead of shooting them. The gunplay within the game is weak. Shooting enemies is incredibly difficult, and it is just a hassle. The enemy A.I. is about as bright as rock. Whenever you approach them all they do is run away and before you know it you're trying to chase them all over the map like an old Tom and Jerry cartoon. The in-game camera likes to jump from place to place, which doesn't make the game any easier.
Army of Two looks great from its character design to the weapons you hold in your hands. The level design on the other hand feels tacked on, and dull. All the levels felt the same, there just wasn't any variety. There were also instances where the lighting effects suddenly jumped from pitch dark to incredibly bright; it was very strange and disturbing.
The voice acting in the game was nicely done, but I can't say the same thing for the dialogue itself. Rios and Salem say some of the strangest things ever heard in gaming, they try to be funny but end up falling flat on their butt. The in-game music was barely noticeable, and the sound effects overall were average.
Overall: Army of Two has the potential to be a great game, but there are so many bugs, and problems that prevent it from being anything less then mediocre.