Spec Ops: The Line

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 340 out of 454
  2. Mixed: 83 out of 454
  3. Negative: 31 out of 454
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  1. ProtoCaster
    Apr 10, 2013
    5
    First things first, this game has some of the most mediocre gameplay of any shooter I've played in recent memory. Everything about it feels generic. The weapons feel like they have no weight to them, and it's honestly kind of hard to detect if you're even hitting your enemies with gun fire. As far as the story goes, it is very Apocalypse Now. Parts of it have been interesting exploring theFirst things first, this game has some of the most mediocre gameplay of any shooter I've played in recent memory. Everything about it feels generic. The weapons feel like they have no weight to them, and it's honestly kind of hard to detect if you're even hitting your enemies with gun fire. As far as the story goes, it is very Apocalypse Now. Parts of it have been interesting exploring the morality of war, but the writing just seems to fall flat and you don't end up really caring about the characters or the horrible situations they get themselves into.… Expand
  2. mrnice
    Sep 14, 2013
    7
    A game that mocks "wars against wars", but meanwhile is an "on-rail shooter against on-rail shooters". The actual gameplay is like a seven hour long shooting gallery. Some parts are spectacular and feel like you're being taken on a really well designed amusement park ride about war.. like a museum for a war where you walk through the actual battlefield and see the terrible consequences atA game that mocks "wars against wars", but meanwhile is an "on-rail shooter against on-rail shooters". The actual gameplay is like a seven hour long shooting gallery. Some parts are spectacular and feel like you're being taken on a really well designed amusement park ride about war.. like a museum for a war where you walk through the actual battlefield and see the terrible consequences at the same time. I was surprised how well-made the effects were, and how varied the settings in Dubai. This is not a desert-game. You'll be taken through some inspired scenes. But always with the on-rail shooter at the core of the game, and all the innovation and reasons for playing it strewn on top, superficially. It could have been revolutionizing if only the game design was as playfully subversive as the story and the art. If you're still intrigued, I recommend the game. But after the playthrough, you can start to come up with all the left-out gameplay elements that could have lifted the entire game to the level of the story/concept.… Expand
  3. LastCylon
    Jul 5, 2012
    7
    It's like a dream come true. Finally a military shooter that actually has something to offer other than killing a bunch of dudes. If it was a bit more polished on the technical side and someone had indeed tested those damn controls we would be probably talking GOTY status over here...
  4. BOSTONJOHN32
    Jun 28, 2012
    7
    I was highly anticipating spec ops the line, after getting pushed back a couple years i was finally able to pick my copy up and the game proved too define "short and sweet" to say the least. I put emphasis on "short" more so than sweet because the games campaign played on the hardest setting lasted about 6 hours (the "33rd" setting , before unlocking the hardest setting "fubar"orI was highly anticipating spec ops the line, after getting pushed back a couple years i was finally able to pick my copy up and the game proved too define "short and sweet" to say the least. I put emphasis on "short" more so than sweet because the games campaign played on the hardest setting lasted about 6 hours (the "33rd" setting , before unlocking the hardest setting "fubar"or :insanity). The campaign consists of 15 short chapters and an epilogue which is hardly worth mentioning , the check points seemed to have no purpose other than the purpose of having them, short chapters.. I will get back into "short" in a bit but as far as the game itself, well it was pretty solid for the most part and i will break it down..
    Graphics= were sometimes stunning, no game breaking visuals by way of technical elements but the scenery which this game takes place can be a very pretty one, blending some eye popping colors along w/ nice set pieces such as a huge fish tank palace which even the floor is built w/ glass water and fish were one which were very fun for me to look at but at the same time in this day and age texture blurs of faces , yes faces, have no place in gaming 2012.. Its a slap to the face of the pretty set pieces , designed w/ care just to have blurred out faces, guns etc to be placed right in front of them..So there were some great visuals and then there were some wtf was that visuals but the latter didnt drown out the truely great designs, just made one think what yager was doing with all this extra time, obviously they didnt spend in the campaign dept..

    Sound = was/is prob one of the highlights of this game, w/ smart guitar rifts to perfectly executed tunes which fit the theme/mood/chapter.. It was done very well, the lip syncing was decent and voices were top notch.

    Gameplay = sometimes a developers can bring some fresh, bold ideas making an exp truly unique but this is where yager dropped the ball, THE SAND , they had something really special but didnt pursue it, just inserted a few scenes which were truly awesome and original and left them on the cutting floor it seems.. 3rd party shooter mechanics are somewhat like mass effect but also uncharted, i believe rolling or jumping is a must when grenades are a big part of the enemies offensive / defensive tactics, especially when the controls can feel very clumsy at times wanting to vault but only to stand out of cover to take an instant bullet of death to the head.. The switch cover/get out of cover, vault will frustrate at some point of the game, taking away the true feeling of "control" over walker..

    Story = yes it was decent, but during the loading screens i would notice text which would read "do you feel like a hero" and "how many americans did you kill today" and this was a bit much after seeing it a 6th or 7th time, YES YAGER I GET IT, i am playing the game, i know what is unfolding before me..I dont want to spoil the game but a few of these texts were going a bit far, no not story dialogue, the text while waiting for the screen to load.. Some were far more offensive than what was going on in the game, the story and dialogue were almost original and did have some great dialogue between walker , adams and lugo (his comrades) and the story was a very solid one, but again as i mentioned w/ certain gameplay mechanics , they seemed to drop the ball when the score was clearly in their favor..

    MP = multiplayer is very lackluster and almost spot on with the beta i played many many many months ago... unpolished and had potential.

    END RESULT, i am tired of paying full price for a game which will last less than a half a day to finish BUT this one is worth playing and beating so rent it or wait until its used, play it beat it and take it back..
    I usually dont suggest such practices but im tired of the gaming industries practice of giving us the same old same old but for the price of a months phone bill.. This is worth playing, worth owning it is not but it couldve been.. Yager what have you guys been doing for the past couple years? Down scaling the campaign?,lol..Im not a big fan of being forced to put on highest setting only to get more than a few hours out of the campaign (killlzone 3 guilty as charged).. I tried to do just that after knowing the short length of this campaign but im only fooling myself, the game lasts longer only due to the more continues and its not because its more "challenging" its because more "mystery" bullets are on a string to the ones head.. With a day and age which free games are becoming not just "trendy" but also having more content as well as quality, well i must question buying retail unless its truely a no brainer, nut in this gen you just never know until the game is in your console/p.c.
    Its seems Yager had nil faith in sales of spec ops the line, a tad more effort and this would be a solid game.    … Expand
  5. Maniacaca
    Aug 21, 2013
    7
    I had seen the bad reviews for this game far more often than the good, and had low expectations for this game.
    Yes, it is another third person shooter, with generic mechanics, and it tries a squad commanding thing, which is fully functional, but is never really needed.
    Though the story, and the setting, is really what saves this game from the masses of Army of Two and Operation Raccoon    I had seen the bad reviews for this game far more often than the good, and had low expectations for this game.
    Yes, it is another third person shooter, with generic mechanics, and it tries a squad commanding thing, which is fully functional, but is never really needed.
    Though the story, and the setting, is really what saves this game from the masses of Army of Two and Operation Raccoon City. It deals with heavy topics including Heroism, Trust, sanity, doing what's right etc. While the choices in the game are fairly limited and have no lasting impact, you still often have to stop and really think out your choice. The game's endings have a large impact on you and leave you stunned. (I have only played through once so far and do not know any other endings, but I'd assume they're of the same quality)
    Overall this is a brilliant narrative-driven game with breathtaking visuals and hard choices. For all those who complain about the generic mechanics and give it a 0, play it through fully and see for yourself why everyone else loves it.    … Expand
  6. sityoazzdown
    Feb 8, 2015
    5
    Basically, I played this game from beginning to end just to get to the end of the story. Actually not even, I just read that this game had an amazing story, and my mind will be blown by the end. Was the story all that? Not really, it had a somewhat predictable twist at the end, but a decent story where you just want the game to end to see the ending nonetheless. Apparently, the ending isBasically, I played this game from beginning to end just to get to the end of the story. Actually not even, I just read that this game had an amazing story, and my mind will be blown by the end. Was the story all that? Not really, it had a somewhat predictable twist at the end, but a decent story where you just want the game to end to see the ending nonetheless. Apparently, the ending is up to interpretation, but I could honestly care less, after about 4-6 hours of mindlessly shooting the same enemies over, and over, and over again; with not much variety in gameplay or weapons. Like can a game get anymore repetitive? The controls were frustrating and clunky, with the only positives being the bullet damages feel realistic and responsive (headshots never felt more satisfying). The multiplayer was just tacked on, and to me laughable at best. It's a shame this game didn't have much variety of gameplay to compliment a good story, something lacking from generic war games in my opinion. You're better off renting this game at best.… Expand
  7. wesker2012
    Aug 1, 2012
    5
    This game was okay. The controls were pretty good. It got repetitive though and started putting me to sleep half way though. I liked the twist ending though. The problem is that you have to keep trudging along to the very end to finally know whats going on in the game. I'm all for that except the journey to get there was really boring in my opinion. It started off strong, but then itThis game was okay. The controls were pretty good. It got repetitive though and started putting me to sleep half way though. I liked the twist ending though. The problem is that you have to keep trudging along to the very end to finally know whats going on in the game. I'm all for that except the journey to get there was really boring in my opinion. It started off strong, but then it started getting repetitive.… Expand
  8. Ghoster
    Mar 3, 2014
    5
    Where to start? This is really decent 3rd person shooter with pretty sweet graphics and story which is not really good but not also worst than other shooters. Ideally this game should get 7 or 8, but there is too much bad things in it which are not big but enough to partly spoil the game. First, if you don't have party to play and you play alone you will die mostly saving your stupid AIWhere to start? This is really decent 3rd person shooter with pretty sweet graphics and story which is not really good but not also worst than other shooters. Ideally this game should get 7 or 8, but there is too much bad things in it which are not big but enough to partly spoil the game. First, if you don't have party to play and you play alone you will die mostly saving your stupid AI buddies because they rush ahead and die frequently. And you can't avoid it because if you not save them mission failed. Further, there is really long loading time after each death which is really annoying if you play on some hard settings. Some strange Controls are also bad like standing up from cover and start running. This thing is really glitchy. This could be really awesome game, but with all that only mediocre!… Expand
  9. Aloof
    May 2, 2020
    6
    Honestly, too little. I expected more, it was a game that I had spotted several years ago but I was quite disappointed. Technically is very dated and the gameplay seemed a little woody. Very poor longevity. I didn't like the setting either, all too repetitive for me, but this is also a matter of taste. The game is based only on the plot in my opinion, well narrated and very strong in theHonestly, too little. I expected more, it was a game that I had spotted several years ago but I was quite disappointed. Technically is very dated and the gameplay seemed a little woody. Very poor longevity. I didn't like the setting either, all too repetitive for me, but this is also a matter of taste. The game is based only on the plot in my opinion, well narrated and very strong in the themes, otherwise, I would have given up almost immediately.… Expand
  10. AbhinavDasiga
    Mar 17, 2021
    7
    Adapted from Heart of Darkness, Yager presents a grim and psychologically stirring military shooter set in Dubai. American militarism, crimes of war and the psychological toll on soldiers feature heavily. Unfortunately the game play is lacking with extremely clunking shooting mechanics which means the game isn't fun to play or pretty to look at. This is one rare case where the writingAdapted from Heart of Darkness, Yager presents a grim and psychologically stirring military shooter set in Dubai. American militarism, crimes of war and the psychological toll on soldiers feature heavily. Unfortunately the game play is lacking with extremely clunking shooting mechanics which means the game isn't fun to play or pretty to look at. This is one rare case where the writing can't be supported by the other elements.… Expand
  11. piuscorvus
    Apr 7, 2021
    6
    This game was recommended to me as the game that has a good story. After I finished it, all I can say is that it has a better story than most of the shooter games, which usually do not have anything you could call a story. It is a decent shooter game but nothing beyond average.
  12. SLY12
    Jul 4, 2012
    7
    So, I'm just starting chapter 7 in the single player(there are 13 chapters), and I am really enjoying it. The story is the big draw here and it really is a good one. The graphics are good with nice sand effects. The sound stands out with realistic sound effects and good music throughout. The gun play is good too where it really feels like you have a powerful weapon in your hands. AISo, I'm just starting chapter 7 in the single player(there are 13 chapters), and I am really enjoying it. The story is the big draw here and it really is a good one. The graphics are good with nice sand effects. The sound stands out with realistic sound effects and good music throughout. The gun play is good too where it really feels like you have a powerful weapon in your hands. AI is also good. They move around and attack in different ways. Your team performs well enough. The multiplayer on the other hand, was hit and miss, at least in the beginning. You have all the standard stuff like perks and such, ranking up as you go along. One disappointment is that there is only 6 maps. That's not enough. The other thing that was extremely bothersome, at least in the beginning was playing with poor weapons. The accuracy of these guns were beyond poor and to get the crosshair on an enemy was difficult to say the least and almost, at the time, a game breaker. But, if you stick with it, get better weapons with greater accuracy and get better perks, I'm having a lot of fun with the mp now. It just took time. Now, I'm happy with my purchase. I wasn't so much about a week ago. The mp was a letdown at the time, but now, it's much, much better. Now, if 2k could only fix the disconnect problems after a game is finished.....… Expand
  13. Edda1801
    Jul 22, 2017
    7
    This was a bit of a mixed bag - it has a great story but the gameplay is clunky. Controls are counterintuitive, the checkpoints are in awful spots which make the cutscenes repetitive. I also never really understood the setting which made it hard to engross myself in it. Despite all the flaws there is a solid story that is dark and adult which is actually quite refreshing in a weird way. IThis was a bit of a mixed bag - it has a great story but the gameplay is clunky. Controls are counterintuitive, the checkpoints are in awful spots which make the cutscenes repetitive. I also never really understood the setting which made it hard to engross myself in it. Despite all the flaws there is a solid story that is dark and adult which is actually quite refreshing in a weird way. I would recommend giving it a go.… Expand
  14. RUST
    Jul 9, 2012
    7
    Without naming names, I saw one user claim that The Line's regaling campaign was worthy of a book. It's called The Heart of Darkness, written by one Joseph Conrad. Not that taking inspiration from cult novella is a particularly bad thing, see Apocalypse Now, and credit should definitely be placed at the feet of the writers for applying such a chilling and remarkable inspiration to such aWithout naming names, I saw one user claim that The Line's regaling campaign was worthy of a book. It's called The Heart of Darkness, written by one Joseph Conrad. Not that taking inspiration from cult novella is a particularly bad thing, see Apocalypse Now, and credit should definitely be placed at the feet of the writers for applying such a chilling and remarkable inspiration to such a striking and contemporary setting. But plot aside, I'm afraid this isn't anything we haven't already seen done a few dozen times before. Cover based shooter with overt and charismatic squad mates led by Nathan Drake in disguise, his trademark run of bad luck running as a real tour de force behind much of the action. Should that take your fancy, you'll probably be happy to know it comes with basic competitive components such as team death match and headset support. So unfortunately, it's nothing more than an abnormally interesting third person shooter. I won't tell you to disregard it, but I won't tell you to waste your money on it.… Expand
  15. zonetrooperex
    Jul 7, 2012
    7
    An enjoyable good game but simply not great.

    The weapon game play feels clunky and restrictive sometimes especially when entering cover behind objects (run and enter cover uses the same button).
  16. Thegame
    Mar 13, 2013
    7
    This game is kind of like a cross between Uncharted, and Resident Evil Operation Raccoon city as far as gameplay goes. It's nice to see a war game that's not first person shooter. The graphics are pretty mediocre, but the story and most of the gameplay make up for it. The only problem with the controls is the cover system. Sometimes it can be too sticky, and other times it's difficult toThis game is kind of like a cross between Uncharted, and Resident Evil Operation Raccoon city as far as gameplay goes. It's nice to see a war game that's not first person shooter. The graphics are pretty mediocre, but the story and most of the gameplay make up for it. The only problem with the controls is the cover system. Sometimes it can be too sticky, and other times it's difficult to switch cover, or to move out of cover. The story is definitely not what I expected, which is a good thing. Some of the choices you are allowed to make give the player a sense of control; some can actually tie into emotions. Nice campaign length, and multiplayer isn't bad either. Definitely a must rent, or possibly buy.… Expand
  17. Mudville
    Oct 21, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is your typical 3rd person shooter. Its nothing new that any other tactical shooter. They do have different features where you can tell your comrades throw grenade or flash bang or tell them to concentrate their fire on a particular target.… Expand
  18. psylife
    Oct 30, 2015
    7
    Let's just say that I can't think of a better example of why you shouldn't give any importance to critic's review. This is one of the smoothest single player campaign of the last generation, with an engaging story and characters.
  19. mglandenberg
    Apr 2, 2021
    7
    Good graphics and good gameplay. Some interesting places to fight. The german voices are good. But the story is very confusing
  20. MadIsAdopted
    Jan 3, 2023
    6
    Y'all are quite easy to impress, you know?

    Spec Ops the Line is a story-based third-person shooter, what sounds rather promising due to shooters barely including any decent plot, so I've been looking forward to play this particular game. Well, it sucked. This game is honestly hella bland. Piss filter + desert setting + lack of optimization make it look worse than GTA 4 and    Y'all are quite easy to impress, you know?

    Spec Ops the Line is a story-based third-person shooter, what sounds rather promising due to shooters barely including any decent plot, so I've been looking forward to play this particular game.

    Well, it sucked.

    This game is honestly hella bland. Piss filter + desert setting + lack of optimization make it look worse than GTA 4 and therefore very forgettable and soapy. Framerate drops with a medium of 25fps don't make it for a good product either.

    This game is honestly hella boring. Gameplay mechanics are literally stolen from the first Modern warfare and lack the obvious technical innovations from it. All in all everything you do is shooting basic copy pasted arabs and move forward while using minions from time to time. It gets old very quickly and doesn't change at larger distance.

    This game is honestly hella unimaginative. Sure, I can pretend that I never heard of Apocalypse Now or Platoon or I never read Heart of Darkness, but generic military game characters, slow progression and lack of sense in playing this game make you pay no attention or care about what's happening whatsoever.

    Sure, you can say that I didn't get its masterful story of soldiers taking too much on their shoulders and gaining the God's complex as a result and I'm dumb to even dare touching this sacred grail and hidden gem of game industry. Nevertheless it doesn't change my point:

    Goofy game can become good someday, boring game remains bad forever.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best PS3 Game of 2012
21
#21 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2012
31
#31 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Push Square
    Aug 20, 2012
    80
    Spec Ops: The Line is a solid, action packed shooter that sets itself apart by demonstrating the brutal realities of war. The fragile lines of morality are easily blurred, and sometimes, only visible when crossed.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Aug 1, 2012
    80
    While it's marred by frequent visual pop-in and frustrating checkpoint placement, Spec Ops is nevertheless a pretty significant achievement. [Sept 2012, p.79]
  3. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jul 16, 2012
    70
    Where Spec Ops succeeds – just – is with its themes of the end justifying the means, the ravages of war on a man's psyche and its portrayal of extreme violence. This is simultaneously its downfall as the team haven't quite nailed the execution until the final moments, where the full extent of what's happened over the last eight or so hours dawns on the protagonists. We wish Yager had teased and fleshed out the concepts sooner than leaving it to the beguiling endings; we doubt many players will bother reaching the credits. A year and half ago we might have been more impressed with The Line, but its poor presentation and boring shootouts completely let it down. [August 2012, p70]
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