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More than 5 new EA titles to have Unreal Engine 3 under the hood
Electronic Arts likes what it has seen from Unreal Engine 3, so much so that the company has extended its relationship with Epic, giving EA the rights to incorporate the popular middleware solution into more than five upcoming titles. As to what games this impacts EA won't say, only noting that each of the games are currently in development. The company first inked an agreement with Epic in 2006 to use the technology, which has since made its way into such recent titles as Medal of Honor Airborne and last month's fist-pounding Army of Two, proving once and for all that even great technology doesn't make the game.
Zero Punctuation is an army of one in Army of Two
The normally solitary Yahtzee (he is a PC snob after all) takes on Army of Two this week, a game designed to be played co-op -- so we already know this is going to end badly. After becoming frustrated with his computer partner's AI, he decides to invite a friend over and proceeds to become frustrated with his human companion's abilities as well. Like any listener of the Joystiq Podcast already knows, Army of Two has a lot of issues, the least of which is forgetting that for a co-op action shooter it sort of missed the boat on creating an enjoyable co-op experience. This week's NSFW review of Army of Two can be found after the break. Watch it with a friend, or if you're a PC gamer your favorite plant.* *Oh, calm down ... this is coming from the blogger who can spend days playing Civilization IV and Sins of a Solar Empire.
EA explains Army of Two's regional lockout
Though reviews haven't been consistently kind, most critics seem to label Army of Two's cooperative, fist-pounding gameplay as the best reason to start shooting. The promise of leaving a bloody terrorist trail with a buddy-in-arms does come with one caveat though: The members of your army can't have an ocean between them. Army of Two's online modes are restricted according to region, with the US, European and Asian versions unable to exchange so much as a salutation, let alone a barrage of bullets. Consequently, we spoke to EA Montreal's Reid Schneider, senior producer on Army of Two, in the hopes of learning more about the decision to introduce a territorial lockout across Xbox Live and PSN. While the explanation is unlikely to dissolve your disappointment (not to mention that of Claus, your Swedish best friend), it does spring from EA's belief to do what was best for its game. We don't believe it was the best decision for modern, borderless gamers, but Schneider assured us that the developer is "actively looking into" retooling the game in the future. "We are looking to find a way where we can do it," said Schneider," and not expose users to super slow connections..."
No EU-US play for Army of Two
"NOTE: The online game modes in Army of Two are not cross region compatible and is only supported between PAL discs." So says page six of the European Army of Two manual, as reported by Sarcastic Gamer. Or, to put it a different way, Europeans and Americans won't be playing any Army of Two together. it's unclear if the European version is still cross region compatible with other countries that use the PAL standard, such as Australia. We join in Sarcastic Gamer's belief that this is really the kind of information that should be listed on the box. We also wonder along with them whether or not this is something we should come to expect from future EA titles. Let's hope not.
Metareview -- Army of Two (Xbox 360, PS3)
Despite a suspicious silence accompanying its (delayed) arrival, EA's smack-talkin' shooter seems to have mostly delivered on its promise of consistently cooperative violence. Unsurprisingly, most reviewers seem to agree that a one-macho-man army is at a disadvantage in Army of Two, with the lone experience highlighting some of the game's flaws and unremarkable design. It might be worth a look if you and your BFF have already blasted everything in Halo 3, Crackdown and Gears of War. IGN (79/100): "As a single player experience, Army of Two is a fine game -– one that manages to provide a fun, engaging time despite its length, AI issues and elements that don't seem fully implemented. However, it's really co-op play and multiplayer where the game stands out, and these two modes will most likely keep you playing for a long time." Game Informer (75/100): "Like dysfunctional characters in a buddy flick, Army of Two has some annoying problems, but if you just want a fun cooperative experience, it gets the job done and delivers sizeable thrills you won't find anywhere else." Eurogamer (70/100): "Any level of the current co-op king, Halo 3, has more spectacle and incident packed into it than the entirety of Army of Two; more that you'll want to relive in company over and over again. Bearing the strong Vs. mode in mind, it would be wrong not to warmly recommend this as a smart twist on a stupid shooter, but perhaps it should have taken itself a little more seriously after all."
Five Army of Two videos to get your blood pumping
So Army of Two is already out in stores. Haven't picked it up yet? Perhaps these five videos can persuade you otherwise, and get you into the mood for blowing stuff up. Just remember though, make sure you play with a buddy. Why? As if "Army of Two" wasn't enough of a hint. In the videos, you'll get to see the skull-masked duo tear it up merc-stlye on a train, on the highway, in the jungle, or just about anywhere these vagrants are getting paid to go to. The co-op gameplay is a welcomed spin on the usual shooter experience, and we can't say we don't love all the funny remarks shared between these two characters. Check out the rest of the clips right after the break.
Xbox World condemns Army of Two as an 'Army of Sh*t'
EA's newest IP -- Army of Two -- apparently isn't all it's cracked up to be. So says GamesRadar sister-magazine Xbox World, who were set to review a near-final build of the game, until EA Montreal decided the game wasn't quite ready for release. The resulting preview is downright nasty in its condemnation of the cooperative FPS, which it fancifully re-titles "Army of Sh*t." The criticism lies mostly with the game's storyline and main characters, the latter of which Xbox World decries as the least likable in video game history. The plot of the game is apparently incredibly xenophobic, with generic terrorist enemies who refer to the main characters as "f*cking infidels." The gameplay, meanwhile, is described as bland and repetitive, with numerous cut-scenes and clumsy controls. Is there any hope for Army of Two? Not according to Xbox World, who describe the game's delay as nothing more than "a stay of execution." Considering their qualms lie largely with the game's intrinsic plot, writing, and characters, they could very well be right. We'll have to see come first-quarter 2008 whether the game is truly as sh*tty as they make it out to be. [Via X3F]
Army of Two dubbed Army of Sh*t by Xbox World
Games Radar has posted an incredibly damning article about Army of Two from their sister magazine Xbox World. Apparently the magazine had been prepping to review the game -- they had played a near complete beta and were awaiting final code -- when EA decided to put the game back in the oven until next year. According to Xbox World, that was a good choice, but it's probably not going to save the game. It seems the game has no saving graces whatsoever, as the magazine can not come up with a single positive thing to say about it. The article damns everything, especially the plot ("based on some right-wing idea of how great the war on terror is") and characters ("infantile high-fiving redneck jackasses"). In a nutshell: "As it stands, Army of Two is a juvenile swear-fest with clumsy controls, a story apparently penned by a seven year old who hates them ay-rabs, laughable level design that tosses you into a cut-scene every thirty seconds, sub Perfect Dark Zero graphics and the two least likable characters in gaming history." The article concludes that the delay "is a stay of execution" and advises gamers to "Hope for a miracle." Wow, we can't wait for the actual review.Hit the "read" link for the full article.[Via nukoda]
Joystiq hands-on: Army of Two (360/PS3)
I recently played an almost-complete version of Army of Two, days before the decision to delay it until Q1, 2008. Originally planned to be released November 13, EA told me that the delay related most to them wanting to make sure this new intellectual property can be all it can be. (Did somebody say "franchise?") Of course, the company will easily benefit by spacing the game out from the current flood of mega hits. Army of Two casts players as mercenaries, responsible for blowing up the local scenery while following your employer's missions. Often, those objectives are the same. The Army of Two I played was a risky game that stood out in its story tone and gameplay mechanics. Some of those gambles clearly paid off -- the co-op style is the best part of the game. But EA may take this extra time to re-tune repetitive elements, like the revive-your-teammate mini-game. %Gallery-3678%
Army of Two delayed until Q1 2008
Which, if we're reading 1UP's interview with executive producer Alan Tuscan correctly, is to "add the polish." They must be having a devil of a time finding a translator, eh? But seriously, folks, Army of Two has been delayed until the first quarter of 2008. While those looking forward to the co-op macho men antics of the high-profile shooter will restrain their bitter tears until they're alone, EA's November bail-out is probably for the best. "This is an important new IP for us and we don't want to spoil it," says Tuscan, displaying full awareness of the competition found in Halo 3 and even Gears of War. "Are they setting the bar at a certain level? Sure. But that's the bar we're hitting anyway -- it's the bar we were aiming for even before seeing these games." Though it sounds like a slight against the game, it's clear that nobody is going to miss Army of Two in a holiday brimming with a ludicrous number of $60 epics, least of all an unpolished version of it. Let's hope a few more publishers realize the calendar goes on after you page past the holiday months. [Thanks, Corey] %Gallery-3678%
Army of Two trailer features 9-11 imagery
We've got to be honest, when we heard that a new trailer for Army of Two featured imagery from the attacks of Sept. 11, we were a little nervous. After all, the last time gaming and 9-11 were mixed, the results were ... well, for fear of getting our lights punched out, let's say less than stellar. But after watching this trailer, we were actually kind of impressed.In the first place, it's kind of nice to see the subject being dealt with. It's something we all know about, all experienced, why shouldn't the medium deal with it? But it's still pretty gutsy to bring it up. We're not sure why that's still the way of things, but kudos to EA for stepping up. Also impressive is how it's dealt with. Images don't smack you in the face, it's never sensationalized, it's just two guys (who just happen to be mercenaries) having the same experience that millions of us did that morning. It is (dare we say it?) tasteful.... Now, about those tampons.
Army of Two official European boxart released
EA UK has just released the official Army of Two boxart for the EMEA region. The artwork is damn cool and drives home the two most important things about this game -- guns and co-op play. The (not so) subtle integration of guns into a city skyline gives off a cool vibe, as do the battle scarred helmets the two main characters are wearing. And surprise, surprise -- the game is rated 18 (M), so all the blood thirsty little kiddies out there are gonna have to ask their parents nicely for the game.
Army of Two lead designer talks sequels: 'This is EA, right?'
If you were thinking that you may enjoy EA's Army of Two this November, lead designer Chris Ferriera would like you to consider the possibility of looking forward to a potential sequel. Perhaps even more of them -- a series, if you will. We're already looking forward to Army of Two as is, so while we're hoping it warrants a sequel, Ferriera assures us they're not slacking off on the first go."This is EA right? So when we have a hit we'll make more," says Ferriera. All kidding aside he explains, "We want the first game to be perfect, because if we launch an IP and it isn't what we want to make and isn't made to the right quality level, then the future for the franchise doesn't exist. We want to really build something strong."There is the troubling naming convention to work around, as Army of Two 2 just doesn't sound right. May we suggest Army of Deuce? Or how about the classic, Army of Two: Electric Boogaloo? Dear readers, what do you suggest?
Army of Two dated for November 15 in NA and Europe
Those of you itching to do some crotch level hoisting with your bestest buds can mark off November 15th on your 2007 Hunks of Blackwater USA calendar, as EA has just confirmed the highly anticipated multiplatform co-op infused Army of Two's release date. With a unique focus on two-man gameplay, Army of Two manages to pull itself up from the crowded ranks of generic action shooter and into the elite corps of shooters with legitimate gameplay innovations. Now, just put your foot here and we'll puusshh ...%Gallery-3678%
Army of Two release date gets officialized
Adding to this Fall's crazy-jam-packed game release madness-o-many, Electronic Arts just announced that Army of Two will be hitting retailers in both North America and Europe this November 15th. The "two-man combat" that is Army of Two will be releasing with other big hitters this November including Assassin's Creed, Rock Band, Mass Effect, Call of Duty 4, and Splinter Cell: Conviction, which makes our wallets ache. Bring on the games this Fall guys ... bring 'em on.
Joystiq impressions: Army of Two
If you've stood up to a bully and told him he was gonna get a beating, a clever response from him would be "Oh yeah? You and what army?" If you'd responded, "Um ... me and this guy," you probably would have been laughed into oblivion.In Army of Two, that's all you get ... you and a buddy as private military contractors. The game is completely built around co-op, which the developers frequently found themselves enjoying in games like Halo and Contra (shout out, old school style!) so why not make a game that's all about co-op gameplay? Your buddy can be sitting next to you, via splitscreen, or they can be sitting in Sydney, Australia, via the online co-op. Two's company, three's a crowd.%Gallery-3678%
Army of Two video details on-the-spot heart surgery [update 1]
It's a pretty glorious thing to see Trauma Center: Under the Knife and any other FPS combine into what can be described as a horrifying mess. We mean that in the best possible way -- it's a terrifying experience to sit down in the middle of a hectic battlefield so you can operate on your buddy who has a bullet lodged in his stomach, heart, leg, etc. Of course, to get to this juicy footage, you'll have to suffer through 1UP's narrative and discussion with some folk at EA. But even so, it's worth a watch. The footage of the game looks amazing. Army of Two looks to be interesting stuff and we're going to keep an eye on it.[Update: removed WWII from the FPS analogy -- Army of Two is not set during WWII, but when we think FPS, that automatically springs to mind. Especially under the watchful gaze of EA.]
New Army of Two screens celebrate militaristic dualism
The meaning of the clichéd phrase, "Two heads are better than one," has always been pretty obvious to most (ask a second head to explain it to you if it's not). Two people working together stand a much better chance of surmounting problems -- that much we know. What the phrase fails to highlight, however, is how effective those two people can be when they're both equipped with unnecessarily large guns. If that's the case, problems have a habit of becoming entirely surmountable, awkwardly posed corpses. Though devoid of any such defeated problems, the latest batch of screens for EA's Army of Two (taken from the Xbox 360 version) serves as a reminder of not only the game's sharp visuals, but its emphasis on cooperative combat from behind cover. We've seen jump-in-anytime online play before in Gears of War and Crackdown, but it's not something we've yet seen enough of. If anything, our gallery should get you excited for the inevitable sequel, Army of Two 2, set to feature a deranged Anglican bishop clone out to conquer the world with his deadly robot ballerinas. Probably. %Gallery-3678%
New Army of Two screenshots: Destructible environment + vehicles
Five new screenshots of EA's co-op shooter, Army of Two, have been released over at GameSpot. This game is looking better and better each time I see it, and this latest batch is no different. I particularly like the bridge falling apart in the above screenshot, though it is also cool to see the first shot of the tank in one of the other shots. Nothing like co-op and destructible environments to get me excited about a game! Now, if they only fix the dialog problem, I'm sold.[Via GameSpot]
Army of Two wants your weapon ideas
Today, EA launched a new contest on the official Army of Two website where they're asking fans to create a weapon for the game. They want fans to submit a brief sketch of what the ideal Army of Two in-game weapon would look like and write a brief description. Two winners will be selected and their winning weapon designs will be implemented in the game as a preorder exclusive weapon for those who get their Army of Two preorder on. And with a certain Halo 3 emblem contest going on right now, the creative/designer types have their work cut out for them. So, get to work already.[Via TeamXbox]
