Army of Two: The 40th Day
EA (XBOX 360, PS3, PC)
Rating: 
Get ready to kick co-op ass. The sequel to the acclaimed Army of Two features all new missions, moves, and one-liners. This time, you and your mercenary buddy are in Shanghai when a private military force starts blowing up the city. Your partner—either Salem or Rios can be played by your buddy or by the computer, after you choose to play as the other—enables you to perform two-man maneuvers that help you both survive. There’s also an improved cover system, killer guns that you can steal from dead enemies, and the ability to customize your weapon with found parts or to swap parts among guns.
A benefit of a real-life teammate is that you can use the aggro meter to work together and get through a level. If, when you’re heavily outnumbered, one guy gets the enemy’s attention—such as by laying down suppressive fire with a turret—the other can sneak up undetected for a melee kill. Or, if you’re both pinned down, try faking your own death when the on-screen prompt comes on. This works best in a crowded area when your partner can take the heat, but don’t do it too often. Eventually, the enemies will catch on.
It’s not all fun and mayhem, though. You have to make some difficult decisions along the way, such as whether or not to murder the guys who hired you—and the conse quences affect gameplay. The multiplayer modes include Deathmatch and a variation on Capture the Flag, in addition to the original’s Warzone and Extraction. If you can find a good partner—and yes, we know that’s easier said than done—you’ll have a hell of a time blasting through this military coup.
