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. 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
  2. HuevoAlce
    Jun 27, 2022
    8
    Spec Ops: The Line has a fantastic story that overshadows the mundane gameplay mechanics and multiplayer it has.
  3. awar_7
    Dec 20, 2021
    8
    Magnífico shooter en tercera persona, con un apartado gráfico excelente y una trama muy bien escrita.
  4. Scarlet_Knight
    Sep 23, 2021
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line pulls no punches, it's a psychologically intense video game that 'll put you in multiple difficult situations. Most, if not all, of your actions feel like your own, so what happens during these events feels like your fault. It's a disturbing, yet brilliant, video game. It's a testament to what video games are really capable of (not to mention it's got a very underratedSpec Ops: The Line pulls no punches, it's a psychologically intense video game that 'll put you in multiple difficult situations. Most, if not all, of your actions feel like your own, so what happens during these events feels like your fault. It's a disturbing, yet brilliant, video game. It's a testament to what video games are really capable of (not to mention it's got a very underrated soundtrack).… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. DBMack1
    Feb 11, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A darkstory, that shows you the story about a person that lived in dubai, you and your squad need to go to dubai to get intel about the survivors and send a rescue team.… Expand
  9. JoseManuel10_
    Jan 24, 2021
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line is a 2012 third-person shooter video game developed by the German studio Yager Development and published by 2K Games.

    + Excellent Story with Touching Moral Moments
    + Brilliant Post-Disaster Dubai Setting
    + Solid Cover-Based Shooter Gameplay
    + Interactive Environments and Useful Partners
    - Weak Multiplayer
  10. MarvelJoe
    Jan 6, 2021
    9
    You look at this game and think "Wow, another Gears of War/Call of Duty shooter that's trying to be very realistic and gritty with brown-grayish colors. We haven't seen anything like that before already." Boy, this game tricks you hard. For an old game, the visuals looks great for its time and the game actually has colors to make it most dull but beautiful at the same time. The gameplayYou look at this game and think "Wow, another Gears of War/Call of Duty shooter that's trying to be very realistic and gritty with brown-grayish colors. We haven't seen anything like that before already." Boy, this game tricks you hard. For an old game, the visuals looks great for its time and the game actually has colors to make it most dull but beautiful at the same time. The gameplay formula is currently outdated at the time it was released, but the main focus is the narrative story. This game really shows that war is hell. You'll see war crimes being committed and PTSD kicking in for your actions you choose to go on. This is an underrated gem that deserved more attention and should be played by more people, surprisingly, this game was made for you to not play because of a huge guilt trip you'll witness and commit.… Expand
  11. arcangel98
    Sep 13, 2020
    8
    Good history and good gameplay. I think that is so unknow because is a great experience.
  12. 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
  13. jotah_smc
    Dec 8, 2019
    9
    Excelente juego, dificultad precisa y no muy elevada incluso en el nivel de dificultad Fubar que seria como "Super Dificil". Historia y escenarios envolventes. Sin duda alguna una joya oculta e infravalorado.
  14. coorhys
    Jun 19, 2019
    9
    When starting Spec Ops: The Line, I had no idea what I was in for. What started out as seemingly a decent third-person shooter with strong cover-based gameplay you've seen in any number of other titles, ended up being one of my all-time favourite games, and one that has stuck with me ever since.

    After recently replaying, I can safely say that while this game doesn't particularly have    When starting Spec Ops: The Line, I had no idea what I was in for. What started out as seemingly a decent third-person shooter with strong cover-based gameplay you've seen in any number of other titles, ended up being one of my all-time favourite games, and one that has stuck with me ever since.

    After recently replaying, I can safely say that while this game doesn't particularly have the best shooting mechanics (even though they are perfectly fine and enjoyable), it is a blast to play even now, and the graphics hold up really well.

    However, the story is what will really get people invested and why this game stays with you. It takes you on a harrowing, psychological journey which I think was totally unexpected at the time this game was released, and has meant this is a game still talked about today for its' storytelling.

    You need to experience this game, it is more than worth at least one playthrough, and trust me you will not regret it. You can now get it on Xbox One through backwards-compatibility, and I picked it up there myself despite already owning on PS3, just to play through again easily in future. It's that good.    … Expand
  15. BeboFett
    Jan 23, 2019
    8
    Just when you think you are going to play a generic third person shooter, Spec Ops: The Line appears. Its gameplay is not innovative at all, but it is quite functional and fun. What makes this title is great is the development of its plot, the final message of a "belic" game, the experience that you have left at the end of the campaign. Don't go with the feint, this game is a jewel.
  16. Onask
    Oct 7, 2018
    8
    Juego que no mucha gente ha jugado y que pasó bastante desapercibido.

    Una obra que cuenta una interesante historia sobre la guerra, con un señor giro de la trama hacia el final de esta que te dejará con la boca abierta. Un gunplay muy satisfactorio y una ambientación muy poco explotada y muy bien trabajada.

    De lo mejorcito de la séptima generación en cuanto a TPS.

    Muy recomendado.
  17. XJoseManuel10X
    Apr 1, 2018
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line is a 2012 third-person shooter video game developed by the German studio Yager Development and published by 2K Games.

    + Excellent Story with Touching Moral Moments
    + Brilliant Post-Disaster Dubai Setting
    + Solid Cover-Based Shooter Gameplay
    + Interactive Environments and Useful Partners
    - Weak Multiplayer

    My Score: 9/10
  18. Aeromusic
    Nov 25, 2017
    10
    Stylish graphics, deepest characters, interesting storyline, but final ending - it's f****n amazing masterpiece! One of the best TPS what i'v ever played!
  19. 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
  20. destinyfan1
    Jun 17, 2017
    9
    I can still remember how good this game was , the action , decent story, the graphics back then where great , the choices you make, truely incredible
    Highly underrated by the professional critics
    And highly recommended for everyone
  21. KingAndCountry
    Sep 12, 2016
    10
    This game is not perfect, but I personally don't think that's what constitutes a 10/10 score. Spec Ops: The Line is a must play, does something that is groundbreaking for the genre it is set in, and has spawned countless meaningful discussions well after its release. That's enough for a 10 in my books.

    The gameplay is generic, but it plays an essential part of enticing players into    This game is not perfect, but I personally don't think that's what constitutes a 10/10 score. Spec Ops: The Line is a must play, does something that is groundbreaking for the genre it is set in, and has spawned countless meaningful discussions well after its release. That's enough for a 10 in my books.

    The gameplay is generic, but it plays an essential part of enticing players into thinking the game itself will be generic too. The main function of the interactivity is to make the player an active participant in all events of the game, so that the player's moral choices are organic and meaningful, and therefore the final conclusion that you come to is all your own.

    The multiplayer is terrible, but I honestly don't think it can be considered a reviewable part of the game, just as the free co-op DLC can't be. An optional, publisher-mandated feature that goes against the message of the game, along with the fact that the servers have long since been completely empty, doesn't negate anything in the rest of the experience for me.

    As for replayability, the story is extremely detailed underneath the surface, and on a new playthrough you'll start seeing that more and more. Like in any good story, character arcs drive the basis of the plotline, and there are many memorable quotes throughout due to the excellent, convincing voice acting.

    This game does something unique, handles its truly mature themes well, and despite what I think are some minor missteps, it has an overall message that should be heard by all.    … Expand
  22. XxJoseManuelxX
    Aug 25, 2016
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line is a third-person shooter video game developed by the German studio Yager Development and published by 2K Game.

    + Good Story
    + Fun Shooter Mechanics
    + Emotional
    - Multiplayer
  23. Alex_Evan
    Jul 1, 2016
    9
    Um jogo que beira a perfeição,uma historia que surpreende,retrata parte de uma verdadeira guerra.Um jogo exemplar,merecemos mais jogos com esse tipo de abordagem impactante.Os gráficos e jogabilidade deixam um pouco a desejar,mas nada que interfira na ótima experiencia em jogar The Line.
  24. josesueiro
    Apr 14, 2016
    8
    Spec Ops: The Line is a third-person shooter video game developed by the German studio Yager Development and published by 2K Game

    + Good Story
    + Fun Shooter Mechanics
    + Emotional
    - Multiplayer
  25. Gobrul
    Mar 19, 2016
    9
    It is one of the best games I ever played.
    Great story and climate.
    I can't say anything more about it without spoiling the fun.
    Only flaw is game-play which is a little repetitive.
  26. 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.
  27. Syriamn
    Oct 26, 2015
    4
    SOTL was a big disapointment. I expected much more of this game but it came (very) short in the end.
    STORY AND CHARACTERS: Kind of confusing to me. Maybe i've missed some dialogs or story narrative but i did not get why is the city that devastated and why the company went rogue and crazy...
    PRESENTATION: Very appealing visually and if it was for this there wouldn't be a problem, but...    SOTL was a big disapointment. I expected much more of this game but it came (very) short in the end.
    STORY AND CHARACTERS: Kind of confusing to me. Maybe i've missed some dialogs or story narrative but i did not get why is the city that devastated and why the company went rogue and crazy...
    PRESENTATION: Very appealing visually and if it was for this there wouldn't be a problem, but...
    GAMEPLAY: An absolute nightmare. The controls are not responsive at all. When you want to run and hide behind a crate he ends up hiding in plain sight and a total cannon fodder. I repeat, an absolute nightmare...
    ONLINE: Could not be bothered to try it...
    Very rarely i pu a game aside without finishing it. SOTL got that (dis)"honour".    … Expand
  28. BorjaOjeda
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    I just finished it and went straight to create an account here so I could say the following: captivating, exciting, disturbing at times, and ultimately fun. It war itself can be fun, that is. Great campaign. Should not be missed. A few technical issues won't let me rate it as the 10/10 game it would have been without them. However, the whole experience more than makes up for any of these.
  29. psp1213
    Mar 25, 2015
    10
    It's been a long time since a game has made me think and feel as much as Spec Ops The Line, especially about a topic as relevant as war and the way we portray it in video games in particular. If you want a war game that isn't candy coated enough to make it the next entry in the candy crush saga, this is the game for you. It's brilliant, mind opening, and unique, and as long as you openIt's been a long time since a game has made me think and feel as much as Spec Ops The Line, especially about a topic as relevant as war and the way we portray it in video games in particular. If you want a war game that isn't candy coated enough to make it the next entry in the candy crush saga, this is the game for you. It's brilliant, mind opening, and unique, and as long as you open yourself to the messages it has to convey, you'll surely walk away changed by this. If you're comfortable in your beliefs on war and what kind of person you are, you owe it to yourself to play this game, and be forced to question whether the socially accepted line between "ok" and "wrong" killing ever really existed in the first place.… Expand
  30. 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
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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]
See all critic reviews »