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. m_elders
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    If you finish Spec Ops: The Line without learning anything about yourself; without ever feeling genuine anger, sadness, or regret; without truly examining where the line is drawn between right and wrong; then you played it wrong.
  2. Ingie
    Jul 7, 2012
    10
    What an excellent game. Not because of gameplay and graphics, even though both were reasonably good. It's the setting and the story that had such a great impact on me. The moral choices seemed much graver and darker than in, say, Mass Effect 3 and, honestly, I'm still in awe because of the climax.

    Dark, confusing, but absolutely fantastic.
  3. Rockstar1971
    Dec 30, 2012
    10
    If you are a third-person shooter fan, this is a must play. Excellent atmosphere and graphics. Guns feel great and the story is superb. Half way through and no gripes at all. There are not a lot of high-quality, third-person games on the market this year, so if you like that style this is an easy choice for a pickup. (I bought it used.) Save points are generous, cover system is good.If you are a third-person shooter fan, this is a must play. Excellent atmosphere and graphics. Guns feel great and the story is superb. Half way through and no gripes at all. There are not a lot of high-quality, third-person games on the market this year, so if you like that style this is an easy choice for a pickup. (I bought it used.) Save points are generous, cover system is good. Enjoyed the lead character. Only downside for some is it can be completed fairly quickly. But this is quality over quantity, in my opinion. Love it!… Expand
  4. AwesomeGamer
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    Spec Ops: The Line is a great game, you can't deny that. I just wish it was longer, it's quite short, but still, I thought it was amazing, quite underrated if you asked me, one of the best game this gen. Yes, it is that good, please buy it as soon as possible.
  5. chujfugh
    Oct 28, 2012
    10
    Now, I don't usually give a 10 if the game isn't perfect or close to perfection, and this game is full of flaws, but I just feel like balancing out the average score, so here it is. It's a very haunting, visceral and real game. It's the most realistic game (in theming) I've ever played. Gameplay wise it's sub-par and generic, but that was the point. The point was to have overtly game-likeNow, I don't usually give a 10 if the game isn't perfect or close to perfection, and this game is full of flaws, but I just feel like balancing out the average score, so here it is. It's a very haunting, visceral and real game. It's the most realistic game (in theming) I've ever played. Gameplay wise it's sub-par and generic, but that was the point. The point was to have overtly game-like play, stocked with genericness and cheap deaths, pushed through the filter of a seriously grim and haunting story, to emphasize how disconnected modern war shooters are from the real thing. It's unfair to say that the game is bad because it has a bad multi-player. Come on, don't do that. Don't perpetuate the idea that all shooters need multi-player. Did BioShock need it to be better? Did Half-Life? Did System Shock 2? Exactly, Spec Ops: The Line is up there. Go watch Extra Credits video on it, you will understand.… Expand
  6. Beast979
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    I have been tired of the all the military FPS' out there lately however this was on sale a while back for $20 so I picked it up anyway and through it in my bin of games that "i'll play eventually" thinking it would be mediocre at best. Boy was I wrong! this game is really good and not your typical FPS (and yes i know it's actully a 3rd person shooter :). The game has very well designedI have been tired of the all the military FPS' out there lately however this was on sale a while back for $20 so I picked it up anyway and through it in my bin of games that "i'll play eventually" thinking it would be mediocre at best. Boy was I wrong! this game is really good and not your typical FPS (and yes i know it's actully a 3rd person shooter :). The game has very well designed levels and an exceptional story, The gameplay is very solid, and just in general itis one of the better games I have played lately. Give this one a chance you won't regret it. It's a shame I don't thin this game sold well so we probably won't see a sequel, but I really hope I am wrong about that.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. StarWallace
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    Oh my God. I want to play the campaign again just to see what happens if I go the other way... but I don't really want to live it again. It's scary. This game scared me. All war shooter players should play this. If I never play another war shooter again, it might be too soon.
  9. warminded112794
    Dec 13, 2012
    10
    In this day and age of gaming, we are always having military shooters shoved down our throats all the time and it has become extremely repetative. After hearing about spec ops the line I wasn't exactly jumping for joy for I am sick and tired of military shooters and the Spec ops series hasn't exactly had the best history. However, after playing Spec Ops I can honestly say that this is oneIn this day and age of gaming, we are always having military shooters shoved down our throats all the time and it has become extremely repetative. After hearing about spec ops the line I wasn't exactly jumping for joy for I am sick and tired of military shooters and the Spec ops series hasn't exactly had the best history. However, after playing Spec Ops I can honestly say that this is one of the best games of 2012 if not one of the best games of this generation. You assume the role of Captin Walker a US Delta force operator who is sent in with two other delta force operators named Lugo and Adams to the city of Dubai. A city that was destroyed by a deadly sandstorm and you are sent in to search for a high military figure named John Konrad, leader of the 33rd US batalion, who was has been missing for 6 months after being sent into the city against orders to save the citizens. Dubai is a beautiful world that I truly wanted to invest myself into. With wonderfully done lighting that properly that has a certain texture to it that brings this dead city to life, level design are all symbolisms of either political or other views of the world, graphite art on the walls for deeper meanings, and the wonderful voice acting. I could talk about the world nonstop however I am limited on characters. The story is quite possibly the biggest surprise for me, as it is the first military shooter that truly dives into the mind of a soldier and what war is like and what it truly does to the people in war. Spec ops will actually start of with nothing special going for it except for the fact that the game is extremely well written even thogh it starts off as a cleche. Spec ops eveloves and waits for u to find the answers of the story which is something that we have't seen since bioshock and something we've never seen in a military shooter. The secrets in dubai is something you want to find out for urself and it is truly disturbing. In fact it can be too disturbing for some and if you really pay attention u may feel bad that you are actually playing the game making it one of the best story experiences of the last few years. Discussing themes such as anti-war, does any reason for killing really change the context of muder, why do we try to be heros when we are not, is fighting for your country a good enough reason to kill, the mind of a soldier in the battlefield, the choices soldiers must make, deception, insanity, and the list goes on really delivering something that we rarely see in gaming and something we never see in a military shooter. Now gameplay in Spec ops believe it or not is extremely entertaining, while the gameplay doesn't innovate like the story it's definately playable and plays extremely well. While I may have some gripes of the fact that sometimes Walker will still get hit even while in cover that is minor for what the gameplay gets right. Now this may be hard to believe but Spec ops the line's enemy and ally AI is actually quite brilliant, enemies know the terrain and will take every advantage they can to kill you. They will flank you, throw grenades at you, throw grenades not directly at you but close enough to kick up clouds of sand to blind you, they will use cover fire and move from cover to cover and have no predictable patterns, and will have fantastic aim but not cheap. Even your allies are extremely smart, they dont get in your way and they actually kill enemies, better yet u can command them to kill certain targets and if you order them to kill a target they 9.999 times out of 10 will kill him right away and if not quick enough Lugo will either snipe him if hes far away or Adams will throw a grenade. Either way they will always get the job done and I am happy with how Yager handled the AI. However, multiplayer is this game's down fall, while it isn't horrible (trust me i've played some really bad multiplayer) it doesn't do anything different and it is clearly obvious that it was half assed and only put their becuase 2K told them to put it in there. Not going to go into any details with that just know that multiplayer isn't anything to write home about. Spec ops the line truly surprised me, it did something that i was not expecting and truly is the best military shooter to date. All for its mature handling of adult themes, fantastic writing, beautiful world, captivating and deep story, and everthing that a game should have, context, focusing more on the moments and the emotions than the typical badass high five dudes. Now it isn't perfect like every other game i still find things i dont like however Spec ops the line is a special game that makes u angry that u even enjoy violent games a game that will have u think about certain themes without pushing it down your throat. I can't reccomend it enough, stop reading this review and go get this game.....what are you waiting for? Go now!… Expand
  10. F18hornet
    Dec 27, 2012
    10
    This is no normal shooter, a compelling game with an interesting take on modern shooters and PTSD inducing situations. Nothing in this game is enjoyable, and it is made that way. Nothing you do is ok in any way throughout the game, but it is very worth playing and a great story.
  11. TheProphet
    Jun 28, 2013
    10
    I believe that absolutely everything in this game was done deliberately. Everything from the slightly wonky cover mechanics to the beautifully layered story, everything in this game has a purpose, and that purpose is to show the player what they are doing with no sugar coating or softness. The absolutely sublime single player campaign works with the player on so many levels that it's hardI believe that absolutely everything in this game was done deliberately. Everything from the slightly wonky cover mechanics to the beautifully layered story, everything in this game has a purpose, and that purpose is to show the player what they are doing with no sugar coating or softness. The absolutely sublime single player campaign works with the player on so many levels that it's hard to describe without playing. This game is not for people who want to be happy. This game is for people who want a deep, well thought out and meaningful insight into shooters, and video game violence in general. If you can wrap your head around the story, then shrug and say "I'm gonna go play Manhunt now," seek help. This story will, hopefully, show you your actions on a silver platter, then remind you you had fun. The pure thought of everything this game has to offer is staggering. The constant reminders of the video game-y-ness of it all only increase the meaning. You need to play this game, and you need to pay attention. If you are not invested in the story, you won't get anything out of it. You need to listen and be immersed, and this game will change you. Tenouttaten!… Expand
  12. iamTylerDurden
    Jul 3, 2014
    10
    Brave, daring, and dramatic Spec Ops: The Line is basically the antithesis of a CoD game when it comes to shooters. The only reason you buy Spec Ops is for the brilliant single-player experience, the guys at Yager should be commended for having the guts to show that in war there are no heroes, no winners, no glory. Technically the game works well as a third person cover based shooter withBrave, daring, and dramatic Spec Ops: The Line is basically the antithesis of a CoD game when it comes to shooters. The only reason you buy Spec Ops is for the brilliant single-player experience, the guys at Yager should be commended for having the guts to show that in war there are no heroes, no winners, no glory. Technically the game works well as a third person cover based shooter with the regular assortment of modern military weaponry and esthetically pleasing scenery and graphics. The game also features satisfying environmental hazards which can be used to annihilate the enemy in spectacular fashion, such as shooting out glass with a thousand tons of compacted sand behind it and watching it envelop the opposition. If The Line had a "mail it in" generic script like most other war shooters it would still be a competent game, but infact the script is an inspiring one with moral choices that alter the game and a narrative with twists and turns that would you expect from a great book. The Line explores the mental anguish of war and challenges every other game in the genre to step up their single-player story and make something REAL. The voice acting is top notch featuring Nolan North as the voice of main character Captian Martin Walker and the sound effects and soundtrack are superb featuring many Vietnam era inspired tracks such as Jimi Hendrix's rendition of All Along the Watchtower. Overall Spec Ops: The Line is a spectacularly visceral game that will have you questioning your decisions often, this game will make you think and feel in a way no shooter ever has - it's a shame more people experience it. If you own a PS3 or 360 and are not a completely emotionless sheep then you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of this criminally under appretiated game. This should have been the game that pushed the war shooter genre in videogames forward, but unfortunately nobody noticed... will you?… Expand
  13. RCBobs
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Studying the development of the novel from throwaway pop culture to the ultimate in literary preeminence gives me hope for video games future as storytelling tools. Spec Ops: The Line provides a small step towards video games claiming a place next to books and films in contemporary high culture. Never has a video game conveyed such an emotional and self-aware story which can make theStudying the development of the novel from throwaway pop culture to the ultimate in literary preeminence gives me hope for video games future as storytelling tools. Spec Ops: The Line provides a small step towards video games claiming a place next to books and films in contemporary high culture. Never has a video game conveyed such an emotional and self-aware story which can make the player question not just the morality of the characters, but that of their own decisions. This is no ordinary modern shooter and a must play.… Expand
  14. koopatroopa64
    Oct 13, 2014
    10
    definitely one of if not the best game i have ever played i could go on a rant at how amazing it is and how brilliant the story is but you just need to play it, now
  15. 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!
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Tokyochuchu
    Feb 10, 2013
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line is a fantastic game. The third person mechanics are relatively antiquated but the combat is still fun and satisfying. The helicopter sequences (which usually drag in other action games) are particularly fun and impressive. What elevates Spec Ops far above the usual shooter are it's plot, atmosphere and location. Firstly, the ruined Dubai that hosts the game is absolutelySpec Ops: The Line is a fantastic game. The third person mechanics are relatively antiquated but the combat is still fun and satisfying. The helicopter sequences (which usually drag in other action games) are particularly fun and impressive. What elevates Spec Ops far above the usual shooter are it's plot, atmosphere and location. Firstly, the ruined Dubai that hosts the game is absolutely brilliant. It's chasms, skyscrapers and sandstorms impress immensely and help further the gulf between Spec Ops and other shooters. The plot is wonderfully written and acted, giving you a very compelling reason to push on through the game. I'd like to get more into why the plot is great but I don't want to ruin things with spoilers. I will tell you this, though. Spec Ops: The Line is as close to 'profound' as a military shooter has ever come. It's conclusion had me reeling and thinking about it for hours afterwards. Due to it's inscrutable depths, Spec Ops is a game that begs to be replayed and re-experienced. Excellent stuff!… Expand
  19. GrumpyReviewer
    Jul 27, 2012
    9
    In my honest opinion, one of 2012's best surprises. I just can't believe how much fun this game actually is. Great graphics, interesting atmosphere, tight gameplay, PHENOMENAL voice acting (main character's voice is actually the same guy who plays Uncharted's Nathan Drake), awesome story. I was not quite aware of this title until very recently and, after watching a couple of videos,In my honest opinion, one of 2012's best surprises. I just can't believe how much fun this game actually is. Great graphics, interesting atmosphere, tight gameplay, PHENOMENAL voice acting (main character's voice is actually the same guy who plays Uncharted's Nathan Drake), awesome story. I was not quite aware of this title until very recently and, after watching a couple of videos, finally decided to give it a chance. Great, great game. MUST NOT BE MISSED.… Expand
  20. pre_-cision-_
    Jun 28, 2012
    9
    Without spoiling anything for the Singleplayer campaign the storyline is worthy of a book. I loved it from the first second to the very last. There are not many bugs in this game either the biggest is slow loading textures but that's alright since for the most part this game is a graphical beauty. For the multiplayer side of things it would have had alot more potential if they expanded itWithout spoiling anything for the Singleplayer campaign the storyline is worthy of a book. I loved it from the first second to the very last. There are not many bugs in this game either the biggest is slow loading textures but that's alright since for the most part this game is a graphical beauty. For the multiplayer side of things it would have had alot more potential if they expanded it to more than just 8 players in total. The maps are way to big and with the cover system players will camp thus making it seem like a ghost town at times. Unfortunately the same could be said about the gamemodes as there is really nothing special offered here and the objective modes just don't work because of the lack of players. However there is surprisingly alot of things you can unlock to keep you coming back for more. I absolutely love the character customization, armor system, perk system, gun play, huge amount of weapons and the environmental aspects to the online play. Great game by 2k and I hope they produce a sequel.… Expand
  21. ShootTheZombie
    Jun 27, 2012
    9
    When the dust settles (no pun intended) Spec Ops: The Line is one of those special games that surprise you as it progresses. Don't think that this is you average TPS military shooter, as it is FAR from that.
  22. crazycat690
    Jun 30, 2012
    9
    Wow, this game really achieved something unique... Can't quite put my finger on it, at first it felt like a ordinary shooter, and it is gameplaywise but the story is what makes it worth your money. At several points later in the game I was confused, but in a good way, haven't felt the same way since.... Well, Bioshock I suppose, it's truly a unique game in that aspect, it's not just aWow, this game really achieved something unique... Can't quite put my finger on it, at first it felt like a ordinary shooter, and it is gameplaywise but the story is what makes it worth your money. At several points later in the game I was confused, but in a good way, haven't felt the same way since.... Well, Bioshock I suppose, it's truly a unique game in that aspect, it's not just a generic war story, it's extreamly dark so sensitive gamers might wanna avoid this one... But take my word on this, it will even make the most hardened gamers feel unease at certain parts. Still, I do recommend this to all who can handle this kind of adult material, because the amazing use of colours and storytelling is really rare in games today, I've been wating for this game for years now and it was indeed worth the wait! Yager have really done a good job, although the multiplayer is pretty standard but once again, you ARE buying this game for the story, which you should. Goddamn, I really hope they make more games like this, this, people, is a real step towards much more mature stories, and I like it alot! I give it a 9/10, really deserving, great graphics, great sound/music, it's a really good buy for those who have nothing else to do this summer!… Expand
  23. Othersider
    Jun 27, 2012
    9
    Well, there's a lot to say about this game. It's not your run-of-the-mill shooter by any means; no, the game digs a lot deeper than just killing people. Half psychological thriller, half third-person shooter, Spec Ops will leave a lot to think about after you finish the game. There's multiple endings, and each of them is more horrific than the last. There are no good choices in Spec Ops,Well, there's a lot to say about this game. It's not your run-of-the-mill shooter by any means; no, the game digs a lot deeper than just killing people. Half psychological thriller, half third-person shooter, Spec Ops will leave a lot to think about after you finish the game. There's multiple endings, and each of them is more horrific than the last. There are no good choices in Spec Ops, only bad choices, and worse choices. One good choice you can make, though, is buying the game.
    The only reason I rate this a 9 is because the multiplayer needs improvement.    … Expand
  24. Richardg234
    Jul 30, 2012
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line is a tactical squad-based third person shooter with the best storyline I've seen this year. You play as Captain Martin Walker who is the leader of a Delta Force recon team sent into Dubai to look for Colonel John Konrad and to rescue survivors, you learn though that there is a war between Konrad's battalion and the local resistance and you're caught in the crossfire.Spec Ops: The Line is a tactical squad-based third person shooter with the best storyline I've seen this year. You play as Captain Martin Walker who is the leader of a Delta Force recon team sent into Dubai to look for Colonel John Konrad and to rescue survivors, you learn though that there is a war between Konrad's battalion and the local resistance and you're caught in the crossfire. Gameplay is nothing special but solid, same for the multiplayer and the graphics look good for the most part despite some texture pop-in. Spec Ops: The Line should definitely be played for it's story, buy it, rent it, just get this game.… Expand
  25. davoid15
    Jul 8, 2012
    9
    As has been said before, great game with a great story. The passable gameplay is overshadowed by spectacular voice acting. Definitely not a game to be missed, but not a purchase. Rent or Redbox.
  26. hipposeatfree
    May 10, 2014
    9
    Oh my. Spec ops: the line is something else. Something special. Something fantastic. You may think its a generic military shooter but it isn't. There is some texture pop in but nothing can take away the games smooth controls and fun gameplay.
  27. nascent
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    This game brilliantly tricks us FPS/3PS fans into playing a smarter game.

    Spec Ops: The Line instantly throws you into fun, and exciting more of the game action. Easy to pick-up and fun to play. From there it introduces you to team tactical play and protecting and utilising your team as if they were real players. Then deceptively it begins to lay on the incredible plot, starting with    This game brilliantly tricks us FPS/3PS fans into playing a smarter game.

    Spec Ops: The Line instantly throws you into fun, and exciting more of the game action. Easy to pick-up and fun to play. From there it introduces you to team tactical play and protecting and utilising your team as if they were real players. Then deceptively it begins to lay on the incredible plot, starting with simple environment survival, and mystery, and then evolving into an engrossing and thrilling plot that self admittedly borrows from a great novel.

    I found myself absolutely loving this game. I found the team tactical elements more fun and enjoyable to use than the Battlefield series, and I found the duck and cover shooting as good as the rest of them.

    I strongly recommend Spec Ops: The Line to anyone that even remotely enjoys FPS and 3PS games. For me it is one of the best in recent history, and it really stays with you afterwards.    … Expand
  28. Pepaneitor
    Mar 29, 2013
    9
    Damn, i've never completer a shooter game, they frustrate me and i dont like them, but finally, this game has changed it, it has an AWESOME story, really, this game really is one of the most Underrated games ever, it has the best story on a Shooter ever, the Gameplay is good but not at all, cover is painful at some times, and maybe sometimes you can feel repetitive but is really worth yourDamn, i've never completer a shooter game, they frustrate me and i dont like them, but finally, this game has changed it, it has an AWESOME story, really, this game really is one of the most Underrated games ever, it has the best story on a Shooter ever, the Gameplay is good but not at all, cover is painful at some times, and maybe sometimes you can feel repetitive but is really worth your time and money, an 8.5.… Expand
  29. hapy
    Mar 17, 2013
    9
    Spec Ops The Line excellent unique storyline (which is rare for a military shooter,) great setting, visuals, gameplay is quite good, relatively few times where I felt like the controls let me down (vaulting over cover instead of melee attacking.) Lots of twists, some interesting moral choices. Played it in hard and there were definitely a few times where the game asked me if I wanted toSpec Ops The Line excellent unique storyline (which is rare for a military shooter,) great setting, visuals, gameplay is quite good, relatively few times where I felt like the controls let me down (vaulting over cover instead of melee attacking.) Lots of twists, some interesting moral choices. Played it in hard and there were definitely a few times where the game asked me if I wanted to step down the difficulty due to retrying the same section over and over, but ultimately I found it satisfying when I eventually beat those sections (usually when I didn't have any squad back up.) Chances are some day I'll be playing it again on the now unlocked suicidal setting, making different choices to see how the story changes (I'm sure it's not very much but I'm still curious.) Definitely recommend this title and I'll be watching for their next project.… Expand
  30. potatoes351
    Sep 1, 2013
    9
    Spec Ops: The Line is a unique game, a great game but makes some big shortfalls to make it the game that everyone seems to rave about.
    You play as Captain Martin Walker, the leader of a small reconnaissance team sent into a war torn Dubai to find and rescue any surviving members of the 33rd (a group of soldiers) and bring home a man of great importance, Colonel John Konrad, head of the    Spec Ops: The Line is a unique game, a great game but makes some big shortfalls to make it the game that everyone seems to rave about.
    You play as Captain Martin Walker, the leader of a small reconnaissance team sent into a war torn Dubai to find and rescue any surviving members of the 33rd (a group of soldiers) and bring home a man of great importance, Colonel John Konrad, head of the 33rd. Upon arriving in Dubai you are attacked by US soldiers who are quickly revealed to be the 33rd and so have to battle your way to Konrad as you believe he has gone corrupt and wishes to hold Dubai under his rule. However after putting you through many morally questionable circumstances you begin to wonder if what you are seeing is what is actually happening.
    Spec Ops: The Line is a middle finger to modern military shooters, there is no hero and some parts of the story are enough to make you stop playing because they question your humanity to such a level it becomes difficult to play.
    The game also looks and plays pretty good, but the gem is in the story with this one. The biggest problems are that if you have seen 'Apocalypse Now' or enough war films you can manage to piece together the story together pretty easily, nearly every event in the game has been seen before, it's just stringing them together in this way that makes it special.    … 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]
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