The game is looking like being a very engaging online co-op experience. Being able to see what your opponent is aiming at via a split-screen display is a great idea, especially when you get a third window showing the Gears of War-esque third-person standard view so you don't get blinded to the battlefield as you do in Halo when you snipe. This is necessary as enemies currently seem to regenerate in once-cleared areas, which is annoying.

Above: There's a button to congratulate each other or to smack your mate around the head for stupidity

EA was unable to confirm nor deny the existence of a bigger multiplayer deathmatch option, although we wouldn't bet against it. However, we are a little concerned about the single-player mode, as the buddy AI isn't looking too hot in the current build. Hopefully it will be tweaked before the game's release so that the single-player experience doesn't become a game-long escort mission. We didn't get to see the voice-activated command system in this version, but we are assured it is still going to feature in the finished game.

So, apart from the few niggles that preview code inevitably contains, it's so far so good for Army of Two. Be sure to stock up on tampons while you wait for the game's November release on Xbox 360 and PS3. It just might save your life.

Note: We'll have some brand new Army of Two screens for you very soon, plus a video interview with the game's lead designer, Chris Ferriera, complete with in-game footage too - so watch this space