Army of Two: The 40th Day (Xbox 360)

Your duo of bro hugs and fist bumps are back in the sequel to the brilliant co-op game from EA Montreal. ‘Transworld Operations’ private military contractors Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem are now in charge of a seemingly simple covert mission. This game starts with a bang. Literally, you see the beauty of Shanghai before a skyscraper is engulfed in flames.

There are plenty of blockbuster-esque action happening around you. The game adds teamwork to a fast-paced energy that Army of Two is known for. The Aggrometer gives you and your friend to flank enemies when they’re distracted. If Rios runs out a blazin’, then Salem can sneak around the other self while Rios keeps the attention (and bullets) at him. The GPS system not only lets you know where you should be heading next, but also to target enemies, find out their rank, and let your teammate know who you’re aiming at. What’s better is the picture-in-picture of your teammate’s vision, allowing a plan to be done with precision.

Upgrade your weapons, modifying them to the point of choosing the barrel, attachments and the colour of paint. The face masks can also be modified to your liking. Morality tests throughout the game allow you to decide the fate of people in the way, like a security guard just doing his underpaid job. With one press of the button, either you or your friend will make the important decision.

- © Pat Baker