Spec Ops: The Line PlayStation 3
Spec Ops: The Line Image
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Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 158 Ratings

Your Score
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  • Summary: Spec Ops: The Line is a provocative third-person modern military shooter that challenges players' morality by putting them in the middle of unspeakable situations where unimaginable choices affecting human life must be made. Spec Ops: The Line unfolds within the destroyed opulence of Dubai. Once the playground for the world's wealthiest elite, Dubai has fallen victim to a series of cataclysmic sandstorms. The city's ultramodern architecture lies half-buried under millions of tons of sand. The very sand that blankets the city plays a marquee role in altering combat situations and serves as a powerful but unpredictable force that will both help and hinder players throughout the course of the game. While most people have fled the now-barren wasteland before the sandstorms swept through, U.S. Army Colonel John Konrad and his loyal squad remained behind to protect those incapable of escape. Unable to reach anyone in Dubai after the storm hit, the U.S. Army feared Konrad and his team dead until they picked up a weak distress signal and launched a rescue operation. As U.S. Army Captain Martin Walker, you and your elite Delta Force team are sent to infiltrate the treacherous region to bring Konrad home. Players experience “"The Line," that razor's edge known only to men who deal in war. It is the line they cross when death and duty become one and the same. It is the end -- of self and sanity -- when their duty is done and only they remain. [2K Games]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. EGM
    Jun 27, 2012
    90
    The Line rivals thatgamecompany's Journey in terms of overall impact, serving as a brave step forward for developers who want to help us get more from games than just gunplay. If you're tired of the same old firefight, you really ought to play it.
  2. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Jul 3, 2012
    83
    Good or evil doesn't really exist in The Line, most of the time you have to choose between doing something bad or doing something very bad. Just don't expect any branching story paths, because The Line is about as linear as it gets. [July 2012, p.82]
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    Jun 27, 2012
    82
    The gritty story supersedes the game's mediocrity elsewhere, and finally delivers something outside the box. It dives into a disturbing realism that war, racism, and the psychological repercussions that could ensue, going far beyond the dramatic fluff that we've seen in other shooters.
  4. 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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See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 44
  3. Negative: 4 out of 44
  1. crazycat690
    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 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
  2. chelch
    8
    I wasn't sure what to expect when I finally decided to pick up Spec Ops. I had avoided the spoiler casts and was waiting for it to go on sale, but I couldn't wait any longer. I had to find out what all the talk was about. This game delivered on every level. From the graphics and level design, to the fantastic story, Spec Ops is a must play.
    I finished the game in just under 6 hours (of play time), which is why I'm so confused about the critism that story took too long to develop. I felt the pace of the game to be excellent. The difficulty increased appropriately and the story moved along great. There were only a couple of frustrating moments where I died a LOT in the same place, but I never wanted to give up or put the controller down like I would have in other games.
    The most important thing about this game is the feel of it. It feels great! The controls are precise and shooting someone feels right. Not morally, physically. And having an abundance of weapons to choose from allows you to try a different pair almost every level.
    The choice is yours, and you HAVE to make one. Do you buy this game and have an amazing experience? Or do you pass on it, and miss out on the opportunity to witness what it could be like to lose your grasp of reality in the middle of a war zone.    … Expand
  3. LastCylon
    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...… Expand
  4. sohoguy
    2
    I do not understand high score at all. It's linear, standard, and pretty boring shooter. Even old Soldier of Fortune was better story-wise, so where's the catch?… Expand

See all 44 User Reviews

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