Army of Two is the latest release in the up-and-coming "Buddy Game" genre of games. Similar to its movie analog, the "Buddy Movie", the game focuses on a somewhat awkward pairing of individuals and shows how they somehow manage to get along and function together. This time, the focus is on Salem and Rios, two disgruntled Army Rangers who decide to enter the exciting world of "For-Hire" mercenary work.

Visually, Army of Two looks great. It doesn't quite reach the same heights as some of the PS3's best-looking games, but it comes incredibly close. There are a few texture issues and some of the areas aren't particularly interesting, but everything that matters looks great. Most of the attention is paid to Salem and Rios, who are huge and full of small details. Animations are smooth and transition nicely. The same can be said for enemies. Even though there isn't that much variety, enemies still feature a number of stand-out details and smooth animation.

Sound is equally excellent. Dialogue is a bit rough when it comes to language, though the delivery is spot-on. Most of the soundtrack is made up of gunfire and explosions; so, while music isn't a centerpiece, it does everything it needs to do.

Although having a second gun is always handy, Army of Two's primary gameplay mechanic focuses on something referred to as "Aggro" and isn't much different than a common tactic used by most MMO players. The idea is to have one guy divert enemy attention to himself while the other sneaks up behind them to attack or complete some other objective. The bigger and longer the distraction, the greater the benefit.

In addition to basic cover-fire techniques, the two can also use more advanced tactics like using each other as a step-up ladder or a moving-cover tactic where one guy holds a car door as a shield while the other shoots. There's even a part where they'll have to perform a tandem skydive; one guy steers the chute while the other snipes enemies below.

For the most part, Army of Two plays like a tactical shooter. The game can be played as either a single-player game or with a friend. When playing solo, you take control of one mercenary while the A.I. looks after the other. Overall, your allied A.I. is decent and follows orders pretty well. Of course, there are occasional, "What the hell??" moments, but otherwise there are few glaring problems.

The story spans six campaigns. In each mission, you are given a primary goal as well as secondary objectives. Completing missions earns you money which is used to upgrade or purchase weapons. Each mission also has a secret side-mission that will earn you a little extra money. Missions are fun, though incredibly short. The game can be completed in a matter of hours and is only worth going through again if you can find a friend to play co-op with.

Army of Two gives you plenty of multiplayer options. You can play split-screen with a friend in the same room or jump online. If working with others isn't your thing, there are also three competitive multiplayer modes. Although most of the modes are basically just take-offs of pre-existing multiplayer game types, Army of Two adds a different take. Games are played with two-man teams, which adds a different dimension to otherwise run-of-the-mill modes.

Army of Two offers two difficulty levels at the start and a third is unlocked once you've completed the game. Even on the easiest setting, enemies are aggressive and offer a decent challenge; learning to think for two is the game's biggest hurdle. Although other tactical shooters give you enough wiggle room to play as commando while your partner runs around chasing butterflies, Aggro guarantees that you have to learn to cooperate with your partner. Aiming on the run is almost impossible and enemies are good shots, so you'll have to learn to quickly move around the environment. Some troops, like grunts, are easy to kill with basic assault tactics. Others, like heavy troops (designated on the map in gold) can only be killed from behind - so you have to be sneaky.

If you have the option to play with someone, do it. Although the single-player option is fun, Army of Two is even more fun with someone else since it eliminates most of the silly A.I. hiccups. Again, the A.I. isn't that bad; it does everything you need it to do and gets the job done. However, it is also gets stuck on stupid things from time to time, which can put you in some pretty bad spots. The A.I. has major issues with using cover to its advantage and will even charge headlong into battle. This can really screw up your Aggro tactics.

Although co-op features are central to the gameplay, some feel pointless. You can knock your partner around or congratulate him on the battlefield. While the option to perform air guitars (and yell "Wild Stallions!" if you're playing co-op with a friend old enough to remember Bill & Ted) with your partner or slap him in the head is cool, it doesn't have much of a bearing on gameplay. You're A.I.-controlled partner doesn't get pumped or pissed, making it more of a cosmetic conceit. However, it is nice to have some way to interact with the A.I. partner other than shooting at him and yelling. There's also an option for the two to meet up back-to-back and cover all angles. Although it's a cool tactic, you aren't given the choice of when to use it, which cheapens it.

Each mercenary can carry three weapons into battle. Most of the time you'll stick with a machine gun of some sort, though every once in a while, you'll have to resort to either a handgun or a specialized weapon like a sniper rifle or shoulder-mounted rockets. Weapons can be upgraded with additions like larger-capacity cartridges or barrel extensions. There's also an option to bling out your weapon, adding gold plating or other decorative accents. Not only is it just a cool option, but it also increases your Aggro ability.

Each add-on gives the gun some sort of upgrade while also lowering another stat. While some sort of trade-off is expected, a few of the penalties aren't really worth the upgrade. Eventually you'll settle on one setup and forget about the system altogether. You can switch weapons with your partner, though it is really just another pointless option.

Army of Two is by no means a perfect game; it's short and there are some issues with the weapon system and some of the co-op tactics. At the same time, when compared to similar games, such as Kane & Lynch or Conflict: Denied Ops, it is a stand out game. If you're a fan of tactical shooters or want a great co-op game, Army of Two is worth a look; however if you're not the type the works well with others, you might want to give it a rent first.