User Review : Spec Ops: The Line

Ups

• Story

Downs

A bold take on the military shooters that we most likely know but don't love

Unlike most military shooters the story is the first and foremost important part of the game and the single player campaign is more important than the multiplayer...in fact just forget the multiplayer, it's a waste of time.

Story:

Spec Ops the Line defies conventions due to its story focusing on character's emotions with such intricate details that's seldom seen in shooters nowadays. It doesn't focus on global annihilation or any large scale threat but a small and focused journey that's most definitely worth experiencing, in fact it's worth experiencing at least twice as you make choices during the campaign. It is these choices that make the story so engrossing and engaging as they actually feel important, not really because of their effects but because of the way in which they make you feel about yourself. These choices you encounter are not easy choices and present many moral dilemmas and it is because of them that I myself began to feel insecure about my own morality, and then consequently, because of this, I began to really feel for the characters in the game unlike I had ever done before. Without spoiling too much the story actually feels incredibly relevant and as though it has a purpose to demonstrate moral issues and how actual soldiers may feel as well as perhaps a few other things. It is because of the relevance of this story that, all though I did absolutely love the last of us, I feel that story wise Spec Ops the Line is even better than the Last of Us. This is also partly because Spec Ops the Line is shorter, more concise and more focused as it is only a 6 hour game, but don't worry though you'll still get a decent amount of play time because you will definitely want to play it again.

Gameplay:

Although competent the gameplay isn't the greatest that we've seen in a shooter. Many have criticized it's cover mechanic however I actually loved it once I had gotten used to it, you feel like you're in control as you move from cover to cover rather than in some games like the latest ghost recon where you have to just wait for your character to move to the cover that you've selected. It is disappointing however that there isn't an option to turn a corner easily though. Although I have said that I like the cover system it is still a little disappointing that the combat just mainly consists of popping out of cover and popping off people's heads, at least however due to the games length it doesn't feel necessary for more detailed mechanics to be introduced.

Graphics:

Simply put the game is stunning. There's actually a bright colour palette which, like it's focus on story, is rare amongst shooters nowadays.

Sound:

I personally found the sound design to be superb especially since there will be music occasionally playing that will link in heavily to the story...but I don't want to really spoil anything.

Multiplayer:

Forget it, it feels like it was just a requirement set by the developers but it doesn't detract from the overall experience of the game.

Conclusion:

To conclude Spec Ops the Line is a once in a while game that everyone must play. Despite it's slightly mundane and fairly unoriginal combat it's still managed to sneak into my list of favourite games. The game is criminally underrated and it should blow you away.

Score

10.0

Graphics

9.0

Sound

7.0

Gameplay

9.0

Fun Factor

I wouldn't call the game 'fun' because of it's rather dark story but it is enjoyable.

4.0

Online

Overall

8.8