What can one say about Electronic Arts which hasn’t already been addressed? For the most part, their track record provides us with sufficient evidence to conclude they haven’t demonstrated innovation or superior game play in relation to “next generation” consoles. Some may argue EA’s haphazard projects extend much further, to a time when the PlayStation 2 had the console market cornered. With the hiring of former VP of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business division, Peter Moore, EA promised their loyal fan base the shoddy and second rate development would cease. They have recently acquired BioWare which many in the industry perceived as an attempt to purchase innovation rather than create it. Regardless of circumstance and skepticism, Electronic Arts is making a bid to redeem their corporation and assert themselves as one of the marquee publishers of quality products. Their first effort in doing such for 2008 comes by way of the oft delayed Army of Two. Did EA succeed? Let’s find out.
The majority of the Army of Two plot takes place over the course of 15 years from locals under the Florida sun to the dust bowls of Iraq. After serving your country and following the September 11th attacks, you become an enlisted member of the Security and Strategy Corporation, the largest privatized security force in the world. Apparently, the military has become oversized which has led them to err on the side of public perception by contracting private security forces to combat insurgents on a much smaller scale. The SSC cited military confrontations such as Mogadishu and the PR nightmare which ensued. With smaller forces and less media coverage it is agreed the SSC head for some Afghani mountain warfare and a “less publicized” risk of death. You are a single member of a two man killing machine. You are to select one man as your primary character; Salem, a lanky yet agile combatant or Rios, a yoked up fearless fighter who resembles a D-lineman more than a solider. Once everything is squared away you are shipped off and begin your career as a paid, legitimate mercenary.
Army of Two seems to combine the tactics of Ghost Recon, the team work of Rainbow Six: Las Vegas and the control of Gears of War. Containing various aspects of all three games respectively one would think Army of Two would be a sure fire hit. This is not necessarily true. To my disappointment, the game is entirely third person without any option for a first person perspective. It takes a moment to acclimate to the clunky controls and it is by no means as fluid as Gears of War. Unlike Ghost Recon where you can place your crosshairs or weapon to the right or left with a simple tap of a button, Army of Two requires unnecessary effort to switch your weapon position. While in cover and firing to the right, it is galling and extremely irritating to reverse cover positions and fire from the left. It’s a constant battle against the camera angle and at times it can lead to your death. Crosshairs and weapon position aside, the actual cover system is pedestrian. Rather than placing your characters back against the wall a la Gears, you stand facing whatever may be obstructing you from the enemies’ direct fire. Characters will also adopt the Marcus Phoenix method of discharging their weapon while holding it above the head, effectively limiting the target mass and preventing over exposure to the orchestra of bullets dancing to the ballads of speed. Using the left trigger, you may also target enemies while slightly exposed which will inevitably lead to a few hits taken. The learning curve for the controls is somewhat steep but after the first few missions you become more familiar and comfortable going in to battle.
