How Many Army Of Two Games Are There

How Many Army of Two Games Are There?

Alright, let’s dive deep into the world of Army of Two! If you’re a fan of co-op action games, you’ve probably heard of this series. But just how many games are there where you can team up with a buddy and cause some serious mayhem? Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this article. Get ready to learn all about the Army of Two franchise and see exactly how many titles make up this explosive series.

The Core Army of Two Games

The Army of Two series is known for its focus on two-player cooperative gameplay. That’s where the “Two” in the name comes from! The core games center around two main characters, Salem and Rios, as they navigate intense missions and use teamwork to conquer their enemies. There are three main titles that form the central pillars of the series.

Army of Two

The very first game, simply called “Army of Two,” landed on shelves in 2008. This is where we meet Salem and Rios for the first time. These two former Army Rangers form a private military company, and you get to go on missions all over the world. The gameplay really stresses the importance of teamwork, with mechanics that depend on you and your partner helping each other. For example, you have to use the ‘aggro’ mechanic, where one player draws enemy fire while the other flanks them. This first game set the stage for the whole series, laying down the co-op foundation that fans came to love. The game had a distinct style with its over-the-top action and customization options. Players could modify their weapons and even their masks which became an iconic feature of the series. This entry is considered by many players as a very good start of the franchise and still holds up very well.

Army of Two: The 40th Day

Following the success of the first game, “Army of Two: The 40th Day” arrived in 2010. This time, Salem and Rios find themselves in Shanghai as they fight to survive a major catastrophic event. The game introduced new gameplay features, including a moral choice system. These choices impact the story and your character’s relationships. It brought more depth to the characters, and increased focus on the story. The “aggro” mechanic from the first game is further expanded upon, introducing more ways you need to work together to survive. This game also included more options for customizing weapons and masks and added more layers of strategy to the missions. The setting and story of this second game brought more excitement and intensity to the players.

Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel

The last core entry in the series, “Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel,” was released in 2013. This game moved forward and introduced a new team of protagonists: Alpha and Bravo. Salem and Rios do make cameo appearances in the story though. The focus shifts to the drug war in Mexico. The gameplay is more fast paced, and action-packed than the previous games. The mechanics of the two-player co-op play were still very much the main focus, and included over-the-top action sequences. While this game tried to introduce a new duo, it didn’t quite capture the same magic as the original games with Salem and Rios, and the fanbase’s reception was mixed.

A Quick Look at the Main Army of Two Games

To make it easy to see, here’s a simple table summarizing the three main games in the series:

Beyond the Main Titles

While the three core titles make up the primary part of the Army of Two franchise, some other releases extend the series in different ways. These entries are not full games but still have a presence in the franchise’s history.

Army of Two Mobile Game

Way back in 2008, a mobile version of Army of Two appeared. This game was designed for cell phones and featured a top-down perspective and simple gameplay. It allowed the players to experience the core gameplay of the original title on their mobile devices. The experience is different from the main console games but still keeps the co-op focused experience. This mobile title was mostly a promotional effort that came out around the release of the main console version.

Army of Two: Operation 40 Days (Cancelled)

There were plans for a handheld title called “Army of Two: Operation 40 Days,” designed for the Nintendo DS. This game was intended to be a side story that would run along with the main game “The 40th Day”. Unfortunately, this project was eventually cancelled and never saw the light of day. It was expected to feature co-op gameplay designed for the handheld platform. The details were limited, but it was supposed to help extend the universe of the main game.

The Importance of Co-op in Army of Two

The soul of Army of Two is its co-op gameplay. Every single mission, mechanic and game feature is built around two players working together. This isn’t just about having a buddy along for the ride. The co-op is woven into the fabric of the games, requiring clear communication and good teamwork to succeed. This emphasis on cooperation is what made the series so appealing to many players, and why people continue to enjoy the games today.

• Aggro System: One player draws enemy fire, allowing their partner to move into better positions.
• Back-to-Back Cover: Players can provide cover for each other in tough situations.
• Co-op Actions: Many actions, like opening doors or moving heavy objects, require teamwork.
• Customization: Even customizing your masks and weapons is a co-op affair with players often showing off their unique style and coordination.

The unique aspect of two-player co-op distinguishes Army of Two from other shooter games. It’s not just about shooting and taking cover, it’s about teamwork and strategizing with your teammate. This makes the entire experience feel very distinct and special.

Why Fans Love Army of Two

So why is this franchise still so beloved by its fans? There are lots of reasons, but here are some of the big ones:

Over-the-Top Action

The series is known for its high-octane, exaggerated action sequences. It’s not a realistic simulation, and that’s part of the appeal. You get to jump into crazy situations, handle huge guns, and cause massive chaos. The games don’t shy away from being ridiculous and fun, and that’s exactly what many fans enjoy about it.

Unique Co-op Focus

The game really makes co-op an absolute necessity. You can’t just play it alone and expect the same experience. The gameplay is carefully balanced around two people working together. This made the series very memorable and enjoyable to play with friends. The co-op in Army of Two isn’t an added feature, it’s the central design element.

Customization

The options for customizing your weapons and your masks gave a great deal of creative freedom to players. The customization system allowed players to create unique looks for their characters, leading to fun and interesting customization. Seeing another player’s unique setup became a part of the social experience of playing the game.

The Relationship Between Salem and Rios

The dynamic between Salem and Rios is one of the heart of the first two games. Their banter, their teamwork, and their distinct personalities made them very easy characters to enjoy. Players connected with the duo, making each game a personal journey with them. Their bond is a key reason why many fans prefer the original games over “The Devil’s Cartel” with new protagonists.

The Current State of the Army of Two Series

As of now, there are no official announcements regarding a new game in the Army of Two series. The series has been dormant for several years, with the last game being “The Devil’s Cartel” in 2013. Many fans have expressed an interest in another entry in the franchise. However, there is no indication that a new game is in development. But the love for the series is still there with players talking about the games. The series still remains as a good co-op action game experience.

The Army of Two series may not be actively releasing new games at the moment, but its legacy in the co-op action genre is undeniable. The emphasis on teamwork, the fun gameplay, and memorable characters, made it a unique series. There’s hope among fans that one day the series will return with a new game. The legacy of the series has cemented its place in the history of co-op games.

So, to answer your initial question: There are a total of three core games in the Army of Two series. These are “Army of Two,” “Army of Two: The 40th Day,” and “Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel.” Along with a mobile version of the original game, and a cancelled title for Nintendo DS.