If you've ever considered a career in extensive travel and fighting your way through the world's various hot spots, but could never find an application, then Army of Two might be the game for you.

In the EA game's newest third-person shooter, the player(s) will assume command of two mercenaries through their 16-year career from Somalia to Afghanistan and even Miami.

Players have access to two characters, the tactical and level-headed Rios or the kamikaze-esque tactics of his more aggressive counterpart, Salem.

The game features a playing style reminiscent of Gears of War with the abilities to blind-fire around corners, heal your squadmates, and utilize any cover possible. However, this is where the similarities end and the new features are brought to light. Players will have access to a fully customizable arsenal, the new "agro" system, and the ability to keep shooting no matter the circumstances.

Teamwork is essential to survival in this game either with your standard AI partner or a friend via CO-OP or online play. Certain parts of the game or sections of the mission will trigger borderline superhero-sidekick moments like distracting an enemy to allow your partner to flank them, or going into "back-to-back" mode allowing you to spray (in slow motion) insane amounts of bullets toward your enemies.

Despite all of this game's new and exciting features, it does have its flaws. The single player campaign and its six (that's right, six) missions will get boring after a while, though you can save yourself with CO-OP and online play. And although the AI has its brilliant moments, sometimes it can be as slow and quirky. Finally, the overall unfinished feel to the game doesn't do wonders for replay value.

All in all, Army of Two is a very likable game once one looks past the flaws. However, some might not look hard enough to plop down 60 bucks for it and will have to wait till it reaches a more likable price.



Francis Trujillo is a sophomore at Academy for Technology and the Classics. You can reach him at fx-trujillo@hotmail.com.