Spec Ops: The Line

Spec Ops isn’t about a war, protecting the world, or defeating some evil threat -- it’s about you, the effects of your actions, and events that are out of your control. The sum of Spec Ops’ unexpected story is an army shooter that makes killing people mean something. This, along with its thoughtful aesthetic and intelligent enemy encounters, defies the standard established by low-aiming action games. Multiplayer can’t muster up the same courage, though, and while the hollow online experience doesn’t detract from the single-player campaign’s accomplishments, its reliance on convention doesn’t d...

Imagine this: somewhere in the seemingly endless sands of Dubai, two innocent civilians are being held at gunpoint, along with an informant holding delicate information that you desperately need. But you’re not the only one in pursuit of this vital data, and the hostages’ lives are being bartered for it. Looking through the scope of your sniper rifle, the tension builds. The next bullet you fire will have repercussions – you can’t save them all. Do you sacrifice the informant in order to save the civilians, or pray the informant’s info saves even more? In Spec Ops: The Line, there’s no time to...

Yager should be admired for its bravery and effort in building something different, but Spec Ops just doesn't have the fundamentals to back up its grand ideas.

Those looking into Spec Ops: The Line are going to find a worthwhile game. While the gameplay could use a few tweaks, the story more than makes up for it. Unfortunately for multiplayer junkies, the single-player is the only draw here, as the online component just doesn't hold up. But for those looking for an easy to pickup story driven shooter, The Line is easy to recommend, just don't be dissuaded by the first few chapters.

If you’re into shooters then Spec Ops: The Line should be at the top of your list. It blends a brilliant story with strong characters and gameplay mechanics that rival much more established franchises. Yes the difficulty spikes can be a grind, but push on through and you’ll find one of 2012’s best games.

Should you buy Spec Ops: The Line? Well, it’s the usual yes and no. Yes if you enjoy the setting and like the idea of a descent into the madness of a buried city, but no if you’re fed up of cover-based, Unreal 3 engine-powered shooters. If you get it, you can force your way through the carnage to get to the more interesting nuggets of non-shooting. You won’t be disappointed if you do stump up the cash, but neither will you be fisting the air with glee at having made an inspired purchase...

War is hell. If you needed any further convincing of that fact, then perhaps Spec Ops: The Line can be of some assistance. Set amid a ruined Dubai buried deep in the sand and vast undulating dunes, you're strapped into the army boots of Captain Martin Walker, as he seeks to track down his old comrade Colonel John Konrad and his rogue Damned 33rd squadron. With the help of his loyal squadmates, Lt. Adams and Sgt. Lugo, Walker must fight his way to the top of Dubai's tallest tower making tough ...