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Army of Two is a co-op third-person shooter video game series developed by EA Montreal that encourages teamwork and tactical play. There are three core entries in the series — Army of Two (2008), Army of Two: The 40th Day (2010) and Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel (2013). All of the Army of Two games center their plots, characters, and gameplay around the theme of co-op play, though each offering takes its own spin on things.
Army of Two Games: Pros and Cons
Army of Two (2008)
Gameplay and Features
In the original Army of Two, mercenaries Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem are exposed to the world of private military companies. The setting is modern warfare between two opposing factions, where the player needs to get through a series of missions using strategy and cooperation. Its “agro” system allows one player to draw enemy fire while the other flanks or attacks from another angle. This mechanic is one for upfront teamwork and coordination.
Pros:
- Dynamic Cooperative Mechanics: The agro system allows for strategic gameplay, which rewards teamwork.
- Exciting weapons and gear: You can modify your arsenal to match your own playstyle.
- Compelling plot line: The story delves into issues of loyalty and betrayal amidst private military contracts.
Cons:
- AI Limitations: Players may find the AI’s performance lacking in tactical situations when playing solo with AI partners.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Some players noted that mission objectives could become monotonous over time.
- Graphics and Animation Issues: While visually appealing for its time, some animations were criticized for being less polished.
Army of Two: The 40th Day (2010)
Gameplay and Features
In Army of Two The 40th Day, we again follow the new duo Rios and Salem as they find themselves in Shanghai, under threat of a cataclysmic attack. The sequel builds on cooperative gameplay with refinements, such as having better AI when it comes to partner characters, as well as more diverse environments. The game also features a cover system to enable players to use their surroundings more effectively.
Pros:
- Better AI: Upgrades to partner AI make for a more satisfying solo experience.
- Different Places: Another great thing about the game is all of the locations.
- Better Graphics: Graphics and animation enhancements provide a more immersive experience.
Cons:
- Less Compelling Storyline: Some players felt that the narrative did not match the intensity of the first game.
- Shorter Campaign: The campaign duration was perceived as shorter compared to its predecessor.
- Difficulty Spikes: Certain levels presented unexpected difficulty spikes that could frustrate players.
Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel (2013)
Gameplay and Features
Army of Two The Devil’s Cartel sees the franchise take on a new direction, following droids Alpha and Bravo, two alpha-bots in the Mexican drug war. This edition uses the Frostbite 2 engine, which offers improved graphics and destruction. The core gameplay focuses on co-op tactics but adds features like “Overkill,” where players can execute powerful strikes when their meter is full.
Pros:
- Gorgeous Graphics: The use of Frostbite 2 engine offers some eye-popping graphics and environment destruction.
- Additional Gameplay Mechanics: Overkill and other new features enhance combat.
- Solid Multiplayer Features: Includes split-screen and online co-op modes.
Cons:
- Weak Character Development: Critics noted that Alpha and Bravo lacked the depth and charm of Rios and Salem.
- Storyline Criticism: The plot was viewed as less engaging than previous installments, with some clichés present.
- Technical Issues at Launch: Players reported bugs and connectivity issues during online play at launch.
Army of Two Games: Seven Alternatives to Play Instead
Army of Two is known for its cooperative gameplay, engaging stories, and dynamic character interactions. Two mercenaries working in a world full of combat, and you need to master strategy and teamwork. Many other games feature similar co-op mechanics and heart-pumping action for those looking for something similar to this tense experience. Let us present seven strong alternatives to “Army of Two Games,” each taking different approaches to the cooperative space.
Gears of War Series
The “Gears of War” series is a classic in the third-person shooter genre, renowned for its engaging gunplay and robust story. The franchise tracks the war between humans and the monstrous Locust Horde.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Players can join forces in the campaign and multiplayer modes using cover-based mechanics that promote teamwork.
- The weapons not only come in various types but also have their distinct features. Additionally, players can customize their characters, as well as their loadouts.
- Teamwork and strategy are paramount, as players must execute attacks and defenses against powerful opponents.
And like “Army of Two,” “Gears of War” is all about teamwork, allowing players to pull off strategies that require exact coordination.
Borderlands Series
“Borderlands” infuses role-playing game mechanics into a first-person shooter, all set in a colorful post-apocalyptic landscape chock-full of humor and madness. Players play as “Vault Hunters,” each with their unique abilities.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- It allows for up to four players in co-op for quests and missions.
- Great rewarding loot system gives you tons of weapons and gear, adding to your means of customization
- The cel-shaded aesthetic is something quite different from typical shooters.
The cooperation, character abilities, and humor are all factors reminiscent of “Army of Two.”
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
“Ghost Recon Wildlands,” which exists in an expansive open world, puts players in the shoes of elite operatives tasked with dismantling a drug cartel in Bolivia.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Players can explore vast landscapes, engage in missions at their own pace, and utilize various vehicles.
- Teams can approach missions with different strategies—stealth or all-out assault—requiring player coordination.
- Extensive options for character customization allow players to tailor their operatives to fit their playstyle.
The emphasis on tactical teamwork mirrors the cooperative aspects of “Army of Two.” At the same time, the open-world design offers freedom in mission execution.
A Way Out
“A Way Out” is a unique cooperative game where two players must work together to break out of prison and solve various challenges outside.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- This title is a two-player game only — either online or locally.
- Players experience a twist-filled cinematic narrative as they control two characters with intertwined fates.
- Different characters possess various abilities and viewpoints, allowing for different gameplay experiences as the narrative unfolds.
The cooperative emphasis and storytelling just feel so much like “Army of Two” and makes for a great experience.
Payday 2
In “Payday 2,” players take on the personas of criminals pulling off heists, from robbing banks to undertaking elaborate thefts. It features a wealth of customization options and strategic play.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Before pulling off heist missions, players must look at their approach and decide if they want to go stealthy or go guns blazing.
- Each character class has abilities that can enhance a teammate’s skillset on missions.
- In the game, the maps are built to facilitate different paths, promoting creativity in how the players accomplish goals.
Like “Army of Two,” “Payday 2” requires a great deal of team play and planning, so if you enjoyed the titular duo, “Payday 2” is a natural fit for fans looking for a similar experience.
Far Cry 6
“Far Cry 6” is an action-adventure video game set on a fictional Caribbean Island, where players engage in guerrilla warfare against a tyrannical regime.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Players will roam a massive open world, deciding how to handle missions—be it stealthily or guns-blazing.
- The game has a buddy system, where you can enlist a bevy of different characters with special abilities to help you in missions.
- Weapons and gear can be highly customized for the gameplay.
The focus on tactical decision-making and cooperative strategies work nicely with the teamwork concepts found in Army of Two.
Spec Ops: The Line
A third-person shooter, “Spec Ops: The Line” features a gripping storyline interwoven with moments of brutal action, exploring the psychological trauma of war.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- You lead a group of troops through a Dubai ravaged by a sandstorm to take on both enemies and ethical challenges.
- It requires tactical cooperation, and players have to team up to face obstacles and enemies.
- Dynamic cover mechanics and the ability to plan ahead for combat.
With a strong emphasis on narrative depth and cooperative gameplay mechanics, the game immerses players in a profound yet engaging experience akin to “Army of Two.”
The Army of Two games: Final Thoughts
The Army of Two games has significantly contributed to cooperative gaming, focusing on teamwork and tactical gameplay. While each installment has its strengths and weaknesses, they collectively offer an engaging experience for players who enjoy working together in action-packed scenarios. Despite facing criticism over certain aspects like storytelling and AI performance, the franchise remains notable for its innovative mechanics that emphasize collaboration in combat.
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