In 2008, Army of Two hit the scene and embodied everything that was co-op gameplay. Two badass mercenaries with attitudes to match, showed us what real teamwork is all about. Army of Two: The 40^th Day has now arrived and the sequel is ready to up-the-ante of everything the first managed to achieve, but can this ‘bromance’ of epic proportions make an impact and kick off 2010 with a bang?

Shanghai sets the stage this time round, whereby Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem’s trip is cut short by a devastating attack on the city. A terrorist group known as the 40^th Day Initiative have seized the city, and it’s up to Salem and Rios to handle the situation and get to the bottom of the attack. The story, although not entirely unique, is incredibly engaging and the mystery surrounding the attacks drives the story, while fantastic interaction and dialogue between Salem and Rios fuel the epic plotline.

What makes the narrative so interesting is the moral choices involved. Throughout the game, the boys will encounter situations where a choice needs to be made. The choice will alter the story differently and beautifully animated cut scenes will show the different consequences of those choices. It’s a great addition that adds a lot of emotional drive to the action-packed storyline.

Army of Two: The 40^th Day still works on the third-person shooter formula that thrives on cooperative multiplayer. The game can be played via split-screen or online, but nothing beats fighting through the campaign on a couch next to your friend. The co-op aspect has definitely been beefed-up, allowing new moves such as a mock surrender, which allows your partner to flank while you falsely surrender yourself to the enemies.

Civilians are also thrown into the mix at certain segments of the campaign, whereby Salem and Rios need to strategically save them from guards and enemies, although time is against them as action needs to be taken or they’ll be executed. Cash bonuses and morality is rewarded for rescued civilians and the sequences are awesomely integrated into the action and shake-up the pace and tactical aspect of the game.

One of Army of Two’s strongest components was the weapon customization and no expense has been spared in the sequel. Players can outfit their guns with different front mounts, cartridges, scopes, silencers and even paintjobs, which range from camouflage to the outrageously flamboyant. The gun customization is the best in the business and one of the strongest elements of the game that will keep player’s modifying their weapons for hours.

Salem and Rios look better than ever before and the visuals are stellar in terms of the games detail and scope. The animations are slick and the features are sharp while a burning and crumbling Shanghai lights the scenery. Everything from the bullet shells down to the tattoo’s on Salem’s arm are unbelievably detailed, and the explosions and action sequences are up there with the best.

The 40^th Day features a bunch of multiplayer modes which are new to the franchise. Players can take on one another in deathmatches and team deathmatches, with other modes such as extraction puting a Left 4 Dead type scenario with hordes of enemies against four survivors.

Army of Two: The 40^th Day is the most explosive title so far in 2010 and could retain the crown for some time. It’s a bit short in terms of length, but it doesn’t hurt the game too much as it’s stepped-up in every department to create one of the best third-person shooters and the best co-op game around.