Spec Ops: The Line

 PlayStation 3
Spec Ops: The Line Image
Metascore
77

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

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 419 Ratings

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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.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
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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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. IGN
    Jun 26, 2012
    80
    For the first time, a game with guns doesn't want you to be the hero -- it's wants you to feel terrible about trying to be one.
  4. Meristation
    Jun 26, 2012
    80
    The line between an outstanding game and a very powerful game but without shine is in this Spec Ops. The story of Walker, Adams and Lugo is deep and interesting, as are the situations they will be exposed too. But the multiplayer is not very inspired and other areas have shortcomings.
  5. 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.
  6. XGN
    Jul 4, 2012
    75
    Spec Ops: The Line has a great story and manages to show a gruesome, yet beautifully destroyed Dubai. It's just a shame that the moving sand is all scripted and that the campaign doesn't last for more than 6 hours.
  7. Play UK
    Jul 10, 2012
    59
    What would be a ridiculously bland and forgettable experience is rendered that little bit less so through a fairly interesting setting and narrative. But it's still not very good at all, and not particularly worth your time. Unless you're REALLY bored. [Issue#220, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 94
  3. Negative: 5 out of 94
  1. 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, doesThis 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
  2. 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; withoutIf 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.… Expand
  4. 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. TheSpec 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
  5. EnKira
    Sep 1, 2013
    9
    Beautiful art design+ Phenomenal acting
    + Good use of licensed soundtrack
    ( Jimmi Hendrix, The Black Angels and even a classical music     Beautiful art design+ Phenomenal acting
    + Good use of licensed soundtrack
    ( Jimmi Hendrix, The Black Angels and even a classical music piece )
    + Very good story
    + A soul sucking experience that made me cross The Line ''

    - The cover system loves to piss you off sometimes during the final chapters
    - The difficulty jumps 200m high during the final chapters. F#$k YOU CHAPTER 14!!! )
    - Too Short Took me 9 hours on Suicide Mission     … Expand
  6. AddictedPanda
    Jul 23, 2012
    8
    Spec ops the line is a special game,its a game that favors story to large explosion's and kill count,not to say that there aren't alot of guysSpec ops the line is a special game,its a game that favors story to large explosion's and kill count,not to say that there aren't alot of guys to shoot.The guns here feel meaty and the cover system works better than most of the major reviewers have said it is.I loved how you could make choices that impact your teammates oppinion of you.One gripe,however,is the multiplayer.Team deathmatch relys on camping becuase of your fragile body.I don't get how in games like cod,people run around all willy nilly and shoot eachother,but in games like this everyone camps.Buried mode is very fun,but I would like to see on screen prompts as to where your enemys VP is,you will constantly have to look at the map for direction to anywhere.Altogether,its fun,with just a few small problems that hold it back from a 9-10.… Expand
  7. 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    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.    … Expand
  8. dexterblows
    Sep 7, 2013
    2
    Only play this pile if you enjoy getting stuck to cover, enemies that spam you with grenades, the worst shooting mechanic, and clumsyOnly play this pile if you enjoy getting stuck to cover, enemies that spam you with grenades, the worst shooting mechanic, and clumsy controls. Its hard to understand the developers could have been happy with these issues.… Expand

See all 94 User Reviews

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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