What if I told you that "Predator" was as fine a film as "Casablanca?"

The hell you say?

Hell yes, I say.

"Predator" does what it sets out to do as well as any film in that genre. In the late 1980s when we were growing tired of cookie cutter action films, "Predator" came out of nowhere with a great science fiction story based on Earth and a ton of pre-CGI action filled with impressive stunts, clever dialogue and a tight story. "Casablanca" is just as flawless in its execution. So, if you judge a piece of art on its ambition, you see that they're both masterpieces.

In "Army of Two," the ambition is to bring the highest caliber of buddy film dynamics to a video game console. The result is a co-op masterpiece. Like films, games should be judged on what they set out to accomplish. This game is meant to be played with another human being – either on your couch or online – and the results are as good as any other co-op game this side of "Gears of War." When played this way the game shines. Fans of co-op, your game has arrived.

Where I take issue with some other critics is in their critique of the single-player campaign. Sure, I'd rather battle through "Army of Two" with a buddy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the portions where I went it alone as well. Again, despite what others have said I found that my AI counterpart was helpful and smart enough when I needed him (which is often). The game wisely gives you the power to assign him simple tasks that allow you to take control of each mission. He can draw fire for you while you sneak around and flank enemies. He can charge ahead while you recuperate and consider your next move. And he can help you when you're down.

Unlike "Gears of War," – which has a "when you're dead, you're dead" philosophy – "Army of Two" allows your buddy time to find and heal you when you go down. After spending hour after hour saving Dom's ass in "Gears," it was nice to finally have someone come and cover me when I got into trouble in "Army of Two."

And I got into a lot of trouble. The enemy AI in this game is excellent. Enemies are plentiful and smart, often hiding behind cover and timing their attacks in such a way that your attention is usually trained elsewhere when they decide to pop up and riddle you with bullets. I wasn't frustrated by this, I was challenged. It's a difference that can set apart the games you toss and the games you finish.

This is a game you'll want to finish.

The addition of the "Aggro" feature – which rewards heroics and strategy – is another fun wrinkle in an already excellent game.

It should come as no surprise that a game built from the ground up to be a cooperative experience truly shines in the mulitplayer department. You won't get bored with this anytime soon.

On a final note, I have to mention the visuals. Of all the games that have come through this new generation pipeline, a few have been heralded as graphical powerhouses. Of course "Gears of War" is one of them. "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune" is another, as is "Burnout: Paradise."

I'm here to tell you "Army of Two" gives them all a run for their money. I was surprised by this because all of the initial press I read about the game spent little time talking about the graphics. It is as detailed as "Gears" and as bright as "Uncharted." So often games of this kind are muddled with gray and black color schemes, detailed but ugly settings and boring character models.

Not so in "Army of Two." The in-game action is gorgeous and the cut-scenes are nothing short of breathtaking.

If I had a wish list for the sequel it would focus entirely on the writing and story. Buddy films live and die by the quality of the relationship between the two buddies. "Army of Two" makes some progress here, but it could certainly be improved. Some extra attention to making us care about these two guys would certainly elevate the game.

With so many quality titles on the shelves right now I believe "Army of Two" is worth your money even if you never play it with another human being. If you do, it's like doubling down.

You can't lose.

"Army of Two"

For: XBOX 360 and PS3

Score: 4 out of 5

Why: The game is designed to be enjoyed by two people. It clearly succeeds on this level. Lone gamers will still enjoy this title – much more than other critics would have you believe – but it does take two to make this thing go right.

RATED: M for Mature

Published by: Electronic Arts

By Victor Paul Alvarez

valvarez@eastbaynewspapers.com