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Metareview: Army of Two: The 40th Day
You've already heard our incredibly well-thought-out critique of Salem and Rios' latest mercenary endeavor, Army of Two: The 40th Day -- however, we understand your impulse to shop around. Here's what some of the other reviewers have been saying about the supremely bromantic game. IGN (85/100): "A disaster movie in a game package, Army of Two: The 40th Day capitalizes on its co-op play to deliver an awesome action experience that's incredibly fun to play." Official Xbox 360 Magazine (80/100): "Marry that to some satisfyingly chunky gunplay and the odd spectacular, building-levelling explosion and you have an action game that is far more fun than it has any right to be. You get plenty of co-op games, but not that many 'buddy' games and this is a fine example - a frantic, punchy bullet-storm that's best enjoyed with a friend." 1UP (B): "Even though I think they ultimately contributed to the Army of Two's inconsistent tone, which moves from "flippant" to "serious business about how messed up people can get," the morality moments are what I'll remember most about The 40th Day." Game Informer (65/100): "With so many great co-op experiences available to gamers, it's tough to recommend The 40th Day. Lacking a cohesive story, solid controls, key multiplayer features, and polish, this sequel fails to close the gap of mediocrity running through its core game design."
Tekken 6 patch adding online co-op to Scenario Campaign
Good news if you're sick of playing Tekken 6 online purely for the purpose of beating up on your friends -- come January 18, you can beat up on computer-controlled opponents together instead, thanks to an incoming patch. The title update for PS3 and Xbox 360 will add online co-op to the Scenario Campaign of the game, along with voice chat. (You know, for working out those incredibly deep strategies -- "I'll punch the guy on the left!") Mokujin's AI has also been tweaked for online versus play, causing his fighting style to change every round. He won't voice chat with you, though. Sorry.
Splinter Cell: Conviction also gets split-screen co-op
While we were flipping through the Facebook this morning, looking for pictures of Bobby Jones with that tramp Kelly Sue Eakins, we couldn't help but notice that our best buds on Ubisoft's Splinter Cell account had put up a sweet new pic. The snap captures our pals helping out some Russian friends with their makeovers (aren't they the nicest guys?), though we can't make any sense of the inexplicable caption below the image that reads, "Co-op mode split screen confirmed!" What does that have to do with makeovers, guys? Come on! [Thanks, SpyderTaco] %Gallery-80549%
Left 4 Dead 2 goes free-to-play on Xbox Live next weekend
If you've been sitting around on your hands waiting for the next free opportunity to play Left 4 Dead 2 on Xbox Live with your friends, well, we think you're a bit strange and should likely find a better habit. That being said, you'll be happy to hear that the game will be free-to-play for all Xbox Live members (even you lower class Silver folks) next weekend, starting promptly at 12:00PM ET on Friday, January 15, and finishing up on Monday the 18th (also at noon, as confirmed to CVG by Microsoft). We can't imagine that those of you still holding out will be convinced of an Xbox Live Gold account's worth after just one weekend, but it certainly can't hurt, now can it? Update: The free weekend has been confirmed for Europe only. A Microsoft representative tells Joystiq the company has "nothing to announce at this time" about a North American promotion. When asked if they had a timetable to announce something, the representative politely said that we'll hear something soon one way or another. %Gallery-64704%
Hands-on: Splinter Cell: Conviction co-op multiplayer
The chatter surrounding the multiplayer aspect of Splinter Cell: Conviction began late last month, culminating in yesterday's release of the co-op teaser trailer on Xbox Live. Well, I can one-up the trailer. I've actually played the mode. Everything you may have heard is true: The main co-op mode (either online or local / split-screen play, with a human partner or A.I.) is a prequel to the events of the game and doesn't star series staple Sam Fisher. Instead, the estimated 5- to 6-hour campaign focuses on two wetworks operatives -- one American, one Russian -- who must work together to recover stolen nuclear warheads before they're sold on the black market. The game will also feature co-op play in what are being called "deniable ops" -- more conventional intrusion missions and the like -- as well as a player-vs-player-vs-CPU "duel" mode. What I played was part of the the prequel campaign: an admittedly brief but eye-opening mission set in Moscow's fortified metro system. You can watch a walkthrough video of the section I played above. Read on after the break for my thoughts. %Gallery-80549%
New Splinter Cell Conviction trailer reveals co-op campaign
A new trailer for Splinter Cell Conviction has landed on Xbox Live, giving us the first official reveal of the rumored co-op mode. The game will feature an entire co-op campaign, which will serve as a prequel to the single-player story of Sam Fisher taking on his old organization, Third Echelon. The co-op campaign stars two special agents, an American Third Echelon agent named Archer and a Russian Voron agent named Kestrel. From what we can glean from the trailer, the two agents are paired up to stop a "rogue element within the Russian military" who has acquired "advanced warheads" to sell on the black market. They do this by sneaking, killing hapless guards and blowing things up. In short, it looks like a lot of fun. Download the trailer yourself -- using the handy link below -- and expect some fresh impressions of the game right here on Joystiq very, very soon. Shortcut: Add the Splinter Cell Conviction co-op trailer to your 360 download queue [Via Xbox.com]
Report: Splinter Cell: Conviction to have co-op, new multiplayer mode
According to a recent post on CVG, the publishing partner of PC Zone magazine, the next issue of the latter will drop some knowledge on us regarding Splinter Cell: Conviction's multiplayer modes. CVG reports that the last issue of PC Zone teases an article on Conviction, claiming the piece will feature "hands-on, co-op reveal and a brand new mode." If the game truly does have co-operative play, then we're kinda bummed about the aesthetic changes the title has undergone over the past year. Can you imagine: Secret two-man hobo operations to blow up a whole park's worth of hot dog stands? Party game of the year. %Gallery-64705%
LucasArts whipping up online co-op patch for Lego Indy 2
Soon, friends who see that you're playing Lego Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues on Xbox Live or PlayStation Network won't need to sit idol-y by -- they'll be able to join in. LucasArts has tweeted that it's working on a patch that will bring online co-op play to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the latest Lego game on the block. What's more, the publisher has also confirmed that the patch will let players collaborate in the game's level editor, tweeting, "In LIJ2's new co-op, you'll be able to join others as they build and play their levels." As for timing, LucasArts says to "give it a few weeks" before the update is transported by submarine from Cairo to a secret island base Microsoft and Sony's servers.
BioWare considers storytelling challenge of multiplayer experiences
Outside of the MMO genre, solitary experiences are de rigueur for role-playing games, most of all those emerging from the venerable story specialists at BioWare. Speaking to VideoGamer.com, BioWare CEO and co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka offered some insights into the company's considerations for co-op multiplayer gaming. "We haven't announced anything on that front yet, but those are interesting ideas," Muzyka explained. "They could make a great gameplay experience. Whether we'll do them or not remains to be decided."Among the things to be decided is how best to incorporate your party of friends with, well, your party of in-game friends. "It's hard to weave a great single-player storyline into a multiplayer experience," Muzyka said. "It's not impossible." The good doctor insists that it's been done and points to the developer's anticipated Star Wars MMO as proof. "We've done it, and we're doing it again now in Star Wars: The Old Republic. But it is challenging."
Golgoth confirms Joe and Mac remake in the works
Golgoth recently dropped a press release to cut off conjecture about their next project at the pass, simply stating, "after our Toki remake release, we'll work on Joe and Mac license." That simple confirmation, as well as the concept art seen above, was really the only meat on the release's bones -- platforms for the remake, or a tentative launch window still remain unannounced. We'd love to toot our own horn for correctly guessing the franchise Golgoth would work on next, but the studio's boss did say it would be a Data East-developed co-op platformer. One needn't be a world-renowned cryptographer to suss that one out.
Rumor: New Left 4 Dead 2 CG trailer leaked, epic
After learning about the final two campaigns in Left 4 Dead 2, we now have a brand new trailer, either via legitimate leak or sneaky viral marketing. Either way, Valve seems intent on impressing us.Awesomeness may not be something that can be quantified in traditional units of measurement [these come close -- Ed.], but we're prepared to say that this Left 4 Dead 2 trailer contains at least 8 quarts of it. That's enough for the whole Little League team -- which, incidentally, shouldn't be anywhere near Left 4 Dead 2. It's rated M, you know. The rest of you, however, should watch it, and watch it hard. Warning: Minor plot spoilers, most of which involve killing zombies. [Via Shacknews]
Army of Two: The 40th Day trailer previews 'Extraction Mode'
Curious whether Army of Two: The 40th Day's co-op "Extraction Mode" makes pre-ordering the game (thereby getting a one-month head-start with the new game mode) worthwhile? We suggest checking out the first glimpses of the co-op offering in the video above. Following in the vein of Horde Mode or Firefight, Extraction pits four players up against wave after wave of masked, gun-toting enemies as they move from checkpoint to checkpoint, attempting to escape the warzone. Teamwork is encouraged -- apparently, it's better to act as an Army of Four rather than Four Armies of One. Remember, one month after the game launches on Jan. 12, Extraction Mode will be free to download for anyone who didn't pre-order the title. This head-start may be enough to get your ire up, but can't we just be grateful they're not charging for this extra content? C'mon, we're already drowning in petitions over here. %Gallery-76274%
Steam offering four-player group rates on Borderlands
Though Gearbox chief Randy Pitchford recently aired out his distrust of Valve's digital distribution platform, relations between the two companies haven't come to a screeching halt. Steam recently added a fairly sensible (if not slightly unorthodox) deal for Gearbox's upcoming FPSRPG, Borderlands. For a cool $134.97, you can pre-purchase four copies of the PC version of the game -- a bundle which would normally run you $179.96. As math majors have already calculated, that's a savings of $44.99, or enough to purchase a fifth copy of the game, should you feel so compelled. If you and three friends are capable of splitting the cost, you can grab Borderlands for just $33.75 a piece. That's a great deal, but we suggest you only enter into such a compact with your most trusted acquaintences. For all you know, one of them could be waiting to snag all four of the copies, then make a beeline towards Mexico. [Via Ars Technica] %Gallery-51471%
Watch a co-op killing spree through Borderlands
We're only a few scant weeks away from the release of Gearbox Software's Mad Max–inspired FPS Borderlands, but that doesn't mean we're fully sated in the way of gameplay trailers. No sir, we were more than happy to watch the split-screen co-op above, all the while envisioning a future couch being sat on, whiling away hours with a buddy by shooting raiders in the face. Speaking of which, what do future couches look like ...Anyway! We understand that everyone isn't lucky enough to have a roommate or friends to enjoy games with, so we should point out the co-op above can also be played via the internet, as well -- just, you know, not split-screen. You could do that, but then who would you punch for not having your back? Yourself? Come on! Think, people.%Gallery-70490%
Halo 3: ODST miniFAQ
.nounderline a { text-decoration: none; } Whether you're preparing to drop right in or are wavering outside the enlistment office, this is your basic field guide to Halo 3: ODST. Jump to a specific answer by clicking on a question below, or view the entire FAQ after the break: Is ODST worth $60? What's in the box? Should I install either game disc on my hard drive? What's it like not playing as Master Chief? What are the new weapons in ODST? Will you show me the Achievements list? How many missions are in Campaign? What are the collectible Audio Logs, and how many are there? Is co-op play supported in Campaign? What are the basic rules of Firefight? How many missions (or maps) are in Firefight? Can I customize my character in Firefight? How many skull modifiers are there, and what does each skull do in Firefight? Does Firefight support online matchmaking? Is there new Halo 3 multiplayer content? Do I need to keep downloaded Halo 3 maps on my hard drive? Where are the hidden skulls in the new Mythic maps? How do I unlock Recon armor for Halo 3 multiplayer? WARNING: FAQ contains spoilers pertaining to names and descriptive elements of Campaign and Firefight missions, Achievements, and certain hidden/unlockable content.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep gets ad hoc multiplayer
According to RPG Site, a recent V-Jump article on Squeenix and Disney's upcoming PSP collaboration Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep revealed an intriguing facet of the spiky-haired title: It includes a three-player cooperative mode using the handheld's ad hoc capabilities. The co-op mode pits players against the "Mirage Arena," which allows Keyblade-wielders to tackle standalone co-op missions, or set up multiplayer rematches against the core game's toughest bosses. In addition, Mirage Arena visitors will have special protective abilities with which to heal their friends or bolster their defenses. It sounds like a pretty interesting feature -- and should placate PSP owners who've been miffed about 358/2 Days' multiplayer mode. No reason to get upset gang! At least your game's title isn't completely ridiculous. %Gallery-29323%
Lost Planet 2 co-op demo coming to PSN Sept. 24
Nearly a month after making its way to the Xbox Live Marketplace, the four-player co-op demo for Lost Planet 2 will hit the PlayStation Network next Thursday, September 24. Don't let your indignation over this shameful injustice keep you from checking the demo out -- it's the same gameplay segment we saw (and loved) at E3 earlier this year, plus a couple PS3-exclusive bonus mini-missions. We promise that playing it will be more fun than working on that "Boycott Capcom" petition.
Hands-on: Halo 3: ODST Firefight mode
If Halo 3: ODST's campaign is "Combat Distilled," then its co-op multiplayer mode, Firefight, is the product of the same process, further refined. Firefight is combat distilled, then filtered; then distilled again and again. While the story mode can already be played cooperatively with up to four players (with or without scoring enabled), Firefight re-purposes eight of the sets from the campaign missions into closed, gladiatorial arenas where the odds are heavily stacked in the Covenants' favor. It's not a complicated formula. We've seen Gears of War 2 similarly extract itself into Horde Mode, as well as a number of other recent shooters spinning off their core gameplay elements into various arcade-like challenges. In all, Firefight contains ten maps (two are featured twice as night and day versions with slightly varied ingredients), and three of the ten are unlocked through campaign progression; though anyone can play on a locked map, so long as the match host has unlocked it. Likewise, except for the Rookie, character skins are unlocked through campaign play. (Sgt. Johnson will be a bonus skin for ODST pre-orderers.) Firefight lives on the campaign disc (separate from "vanilla" Halo 3 multiplayer; contained on a second disc), and players are bound to the limitations of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper: non-rechargeable health, no dual-wielding, and so on. You're no Spartan. %Gallery-72910%
Lost Planet 2 online co-op demo coming next week to Xbox Live
We're finally approaching that point when things we got our hands on at E3 are making their way into the general populous, giving us and you, our readers, topics of conversation with which to break the awkward silence. For instance, we got to play the surprisingly thrilling four-player co-op demo from Lost Planet 2 at Capcom's E3 2009 booth. Next week -- on Wednesday, August 19 (August 26 for Silver subscribers), to be precise -- you'll be able to download and play the demo yourselves.If you're trying to get pumped up for the demo's release, check out our write-up from our brief time with the demo. Or, if you want to be surprised, then ... don't read that post, we guess. Go read something else, instead. Maybe those Twilight books. The kids seem to love those.
Hands-on: Borderlands (Online Co-op)
Click to make with the enlarging. By now you've no doubt read our impressions of Borderland's solo campaign (What? You haven't? Then get thyself to it post-haste!). OK, now assuming you've read that, the similarities and differences to the game's online co-op play will make a lot more sense. Wait. "Differences" might be a bit strong, considering multiplayer isn't a separate mode in Borderlands; you can be playing the game solo and, if you want, up to three other players can drop in at any time to join your adventure. If they've had enough, they can drop out, and you're back to the single-player game.
