Sunday, 8 Dec 2024

Army of Two: The 40th Day Review

When reflecting on this console generation, the rise of co-op gameplay stands out as a significant development. Games like Army of Two brought players together to fight off enemies instead of turning against each other in online multiplayer. With its over-the-top violence and humorous take on mercenaries, Army of Two gained popularity, but it did have some flaws. In the sequel, The 40th Day, some improvements were made, but it still falls short in certain areas.

A Somber Setup with Some Missteps

In The 40th Day, protagonists Salem and Rios find themselves in Shanghai during an attack by an unknown private military contractor. The city is in chaos, and their objective is to escape at all costs. The game attempts to introduce ethical dilemmas and save-the-civilian scenarios, but these moments lack context and depth. The plot is largely hidden in radio logs, and the comedic cutscenes don’t effectively engage players in the story.

Intense Battles, but with Flaws

The combat mechanics in The 40th Day perform well overall, but there are some issues. The contextual cover system can be unreliable, and the lack of button customization is frustrating. Additionally, the control mapping can cause accidental actions when trying to revive a downed partner. The frequent need to rewatch cutscenes and refight enemies due to the infrequent checkpoint system is also a drawback.

Multiplayer Experience

The multiplayer modes in The 40th Day offer enjoyable gameplay, with Extraction mode being a standout. However, the lack of player rankings, progression system, and weapons customization is a missed opportunity. Instead, players are limited to a handful of weapon presets, which is disappointing considering the variety available in the single-player campaign.

Final Verdict

Considering the wide range of co-op experiences available to gamers, it’s difficult to wholeheartedly recommend The 40th Day. While it has its moments of intensity, the lack of a cohesive story, control issues, missing multiplayer features, and overall polish prevent it from standing out among its peers.

FAQs

Q: Can I play The 40th Day in single-player mode?
A: Yes, The 40th Day can be played in single-player mode, although it is primarily designed for co-op gameplay.

Q: Is the game suitable for players who enjoy intense action sequences?
A: Yes, The 40th Day offers intense close-quarters battles and challenging enemy encounters that action-oriented players may find enjoyable.

Q: Are there any improvements in The 40th Day compared to its predecessor?
A: While The 40th Day makes some improvements, such as a more somber tone and refined combat mechanics, it still falls short in certain areas.

Q: Does The 40th Day have a robust multiplayer experience?
A: The multiplayer modes in The 40th Day offer enjoyable gameplay, but the absence of player rankings, progression systems, and weapons customization limits its potential.

Conclusion

Army of Two: The 40th Day offers a mix of intense action and co-op gameplay. While it has its moments, the game falls short in terms of storytelling, control issues, and missing multiplayer features. With the abundance of other co-op experiences available, it may be difficult to justify investing time into The 40th Day. However, if you are a fan of the series or enjoy intense battles with a partner, it can still provide some entertainment.