Army of Two: The 40th Day Review – Explosive Co-op Action Unleashed

Game Information

• Game Name: Army of Two: The 40th Day
• Developer: EA Montreal
• Initial Release Date: January 12, 2010
• Genre: Third-Person Shooter
• Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP

What is Army of Two: The 40th Day

Army of Two: The 40th Day is a third-person shooter video game developed by EA Montreal. It’s the sequel to the 2008 game Army of Two, and like its predecessor, it focuses heavily on co-operative gameplay. Set in a fictionalized version of Shanghai, the game follows the story of two private military contractors, Rios and Salem, as they fight through a besieged city while uncovering a deeper conspiracy.

Gameplay Overview

Cooperative Gameplay

The heart of Army of Two: The 40th Day is its cooperative gameplay mechanics. Players can either team up with a friend or an AI-controlled partner to navigate through the game’s missions. The game emphasizes tactical cooperation, where players must work together to flank enemies, perform synchronized sniping, and utilize unique ‘Aggro’ features to control the battlefield.

Weapon Customization

A standout feature is the extensive weapon customization. Players can modify their firearms with various parts, such as barrels, stocks, and scopes, affecting the weapon’s performance and appearance. This system allows for a personalized approach to combat, adapting to individual play styles.

Morality Choices

The game introduces morality choices that affect the storyline and gameplay. These decisions are made collectively by the players and can lead to different consequences, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.

Environmental Design and Graphics

Shanghai in Chaos

The setting of a war-torn Shanghai is portrayed with stunning detail, providing a chaotic backdrop for the game’s intense action. The destructible environments add to the realism and strategic depth, as cover can be obliterated, changing the dynamics of firefights.

Graphical Fidelity

For its time, Army of Two: The 40th Day boasts impressive graphics. Character models are well-detailed, and the game’s use of lighting and particle effects creates a visually immersive experience.

Multiplayer Experience

Competitive Modes

Beyond the main campaign, the game offers competitive multiplayer modes. These modes extend the game’s replayability, offering a range of match types that capitalize on the game’s core mechanics.

Verdict

Rating: 7.5/10

Army of Two: The 40th Day stands out with its focus on cooperative gameplay and weapon customization. The game’s morality system and destructible environments add depth to the gameplay. However, some repetitive level designs and a less engaging storyline compared to its predecessor slightly mar the experience. Overall, it’s a solid choice for fans of co-op shooters, offering a fun and tactical gameplay experience.