Spec Ops: The Line

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 26,662 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Spec Ops: The Line Game Cover
Yager have created a game that pulls no punches, creating a fantastically warped reality of war in an equally marvellous contemporary setting.
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"Spec Ops: The Line" is a warfare shooter game with both single-player and multi-player modes. Players control Captain Walker and his team, sent to Dubai to find survivors of the 33rd Battalion. As they navigate the city and face militants, the morality and reality of their mission come into question, challenging their perceptions of themselves and their enemies.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 26,662 reviews
story8,320 positive mentions
stability156 negative mentions
  • story19,283 mentions

    The story of "Spec Ops: The Line" is widely praised for its depth and emotional impact, exploring complex themes of morality, trauma, and the psychological effects of war. Players are drawn into a haunting narrative that challenges traditional military shooter tropes, culminating in shocking twists that leave a lasting impression. While the gameplay mechanics are often described as mediocre or clunky, the compelling storytelling and character development make it a must-play for those seeking a thought-provoking experience.

    • “A powerful narrative-driven shooter with a haunting story and moral dilemmas.”
    • “The gameplay is solid, but the story is what truly sets this game apart.”
    • “The story challenges players to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the moral ambiguity of warfare, offering a thought-provoking experience that may linger after the game ends.”
    • “The story is a bit chaotic at times, with new characters appearing only to die soon after, and there is also one comical villain (Radioman) I find kind of out of place in such a tone-serious story.”
    • “Still, without building an emotional bond with the audience, which is more important for a story in my opinion, I don’t hold the story in high regard as many people do.”
    • “The story is heavy inspired by the movie Apocalypse Now and the book Heart of Darkness.”
  • gameplay8,594 mentions

    The gameplay of "Spec Ops: The Line" is generally described as average and somewhat generic, following the familiar cover-based shooter mechanics typical of its time, akin to titles like "Gears of War." While some players find the controls clunky and the gameplay repetitive, many agree that the narrative and emotional depth of the story significantly elevate the overall experience, making it a must-play for those interested in a thought-provoking storyline rather than innovative gameplay. Overall, the game is often recommended for its compelling story, despite its gameplay shortcomings.

    • “The gameplay is solid, but it does become a little tedious, and I’m glad it never outstayed its welcome.”
    • “The gameplay cleverly uses visual illusions to create an experience of a soldier with PTSD.”
    • “The gameplay is a straightforward 3rd person cover-based shooter, but it supports the themes of its narrative rather than acting as the main attraction.”
    • “Unfortunately, the gameplay is like a 4/10.”
    • “The gameplay is clunky and the technology used is dated.”
    • “The gameplay is very limiting as you lock in set places behind barriers, and you clumsily run by double hitting the button.”
  • graphics2,515 mentions

    The graphics of "Spec Ops: The Line" have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the game's atmospheric visuals and detailed environments that effectively convey the desolation of a war-torn Dubai. While some acknowledge that the graphics show their age, especially in cutscenes, others highlight the game's ability to create a striking aesthetic that enhances the storytelling experience. Overall, the visuals are considered impressive for a game released in 2012, with many players appreciating the art direction and the emotional weight it adds to the narrative.

    • “The visuals are striking, with the luxurious remnants of the city juxtaposed against overwhelming destruction, creating an oppressive atmosphere that reflects Walker’s mental state.”
    • “The graphics are well-crafted, with detailed environments that enhance immersion.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, especially the sandstorms that mess with your battles.”
    • “I know this is a 10+ year old game and graphics are not everything, but there are many games from that time with way better graphics.”
    • “The graphics are extremely dated and were not impressive even by 2012 standards.”
    • “The graphics are nothing to write home about.”
  • music1,142 mentions

    The music in "Spec Ops: The Line" is widely praised for its exceptional integration of licensed tracks and original compositions, enhancing the game's emotional depth and atmosphere. However, the expiration of music licenses has led to the game's delisting from digital stores, causing frustration among fans who believe the soundtrack is a vital part of the experience. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its ability to complement the narrative and gameplay, making it a standout feature despite the controversy surrounding its availability.

    • “The soundtrack features licensed tracks that reinforce the eerie, almost hallucinatory tone of the game, with songs like 'Nowhere to Run' and 'The Star-Spangled Banner' used in moments that reframe their meaning in chilling ways.”
    • “The sparse but impactful use of music and soundscapes adds to the psychological intensity, making each firefight feel tense and every quiet moment feel foreboding.”
    • “The audio design is equally commendable, featuring a haunting soundtrack that complements the narrative's emotional weight.”
    • “It's a crime that this game has been abandoned by 2K over something as mundane as expired licensed music.”
    • “It's such a shame to see a game of this caliber delisted over something as petty as music licensing.”
    • “The music really didn't add much to the game besides annoyance, and there's very little musical ambiance aside from it.”
  • emotional956 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Spec Ops: The Line" is widely recognized as a profound and intense experience, with many players describing it as an emotional rollercoaster that challenges their moral compass. While the gameplay may be standard for a military shooter, the narrative delves into the psychological and emotional toll of war, leaving players feeling guilt, sadness, and introspection about their actions. The game is noted for its haunting storytelling, impactful character development, and the ability to evoke strong emotional responses, making it a standout title in the genre.

    • “Spec Ops: The Line delivers a gripping and emotionally intense narrative, exploring the horrors of war and the consequences of one's actions.”
    • “This game is an emotional and mental punch in the stomach, a kick in the taint and about 10, maybe 15 years of constant psychological torture that will knock all the wind out of your sails.”
    • “The story is brutal and emotionally engaging in a way that really leaves you with something to think about after.”
    • “So far, the bland and boring story has done nothing interesting and added nothing to the anti-war genre.”
    • “Story was so-so; it had good intentions at the beginning but slowly turned into a boring narrative of 'I'm not wrong, blah blah blah.'”
    • “Boring story, boring gameplay, bad controls, short game, no replay value; one of the worst games I ever played.”
  • atmosphere495 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Spec Ops: The Line" is widely praised for its haunting and immersive qualities, effectively conveying themes of despair and moral ambiguity through its striking visuals and sound design. Players note the game's ability to create a sense of dread and psychological tension, enhanced by a compelling soundtrack that complements the gritty narrative. Despite some criticisms of gameplay mechanics, the overall atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making the game a memorable experience that resonates long after playing.

    • “The visuals are striking, with the luxurious remnants of the city juxtaposed against overwhelming destruction, creating an oppressive atmosphere that reflects Walker’s mental state.”
    • “The game's desolate setting, coupled with haunting visuals and a somber soundtrack, creates an atmosphere saturated with sorrow.”
    • “The city’s crumbling buildings and eerie silence create an atmosphere so thick with dread that you can practically taste it.”
    • “The atmosphere is intense, with gritty visuals and a haunting soundtrack that adds to the immersive experience.”
    • “The game's desolate setting, coupled with haunting visuals and a sombre soundtrack, creates an atmosphere saturated with sorrow.”
  • replayability324 mentions

    The replayability of "Spec Ops: The Line" is a mixed bag among reviewers. While some players appreciate the multiple endings and decision-making elements that offer a degree of replay value, many criticize the game for its short campaign length (around 5-7 hours) and linear gameplay, which limits the incentive to replay. Overall, the game is seen as more of a one-time experience focused on its narrative rather than a title designed for extensive replayability.

    • “Now there are multiple endings to this game, so that may add some needed replayability.”
    • “The replayability is also there, as you can always discover something new when replaying the game.”
    • “It has multiple endings so there is definitely replay value.”
    • “This game has no replayability though.”
    • “There is no replayability or side content outside of the achievements.”
    • “The campaign offers no real replayability apart from seeing what would happen had you chosen a different option (which can be easily found on YouTube anyway) or wanting to challenge yourself on higher difficulties.”
  • optimization198 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance on modern hardware, reporting smooth gameplay and high frame rates, while others have experienced significant stuttering, crashes, and poor control responsiveness, particularly on PC. Many users noted that the game feels like a console port, leading to frustrations with controls and settings. Overall, while some players found it well-optimized, others deemed it poorly optimized, especially for certain systems, indicating a lack of consistency in performance across different setups.

    • “It's also really, really well optimized.”
    • “Performance wise it is perfect and I hadn't run into any issues at all, I was able to run it on high/ultra settings at 1080p 75fps.”
    • “The graphics are visually appealing, and the game runs smoothly on maxed out settings.”
    • “It is however very poorly optimized, having massive FPS drops on the max settings even when played on a modern machine.”
    • “Most shittiest, unoptimized game ever.”
    • “Technically speaking it's poorly optimized, feels like a straight console port, there's barely any graphical options.”
  • stability174 mentions

    The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting frequent bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly with the cover system and AI behavior. While some users experienced no major issues and praised its performance on platforms like the Steam Deck, others found the game frustratingly buggy, leading to inconsistent mechanics and occasional crashes. Overall, while the game runs well on certain systems, the prevalence of bugs significantly detracts from the experience for many players.

    • “Runs great on the Steam Deck at max everything 60fps and man, what a ride!”
    • “There are no loads, no freezes, crashes, and other issues that could be encountered.”
    • “This is a very solid game and the Linux port runs great.”
    • “The game is a bit buggy (frame rate issues, game resolution and some weird AI glitches) but still playable.”
    • “It's an incredibly buggy, clunky, and mechanically abhorrent third person shooter with the moral depth of a kiddie pool.”
    • “You will experience a bug pretty much every mission, whether it be spontaneously dying, your squadron getting stuck, resulting in you having to restart at a checkpoint, or dying because of the unbelievably buggy cover system.”
  • humor136 mentions

    The humor in the game is a complex blend of dark and absurd elements, often juxtaposed against the serious themes of war. While some players find moments of levity and clever dialogue that elicit laughter, others note that the humor can feel out of place or overshadowed by the game's grim narrative. Overall, the humor serves to highlight the absurdity of war, with many players appreciating its satirical take on military tropes, though it may not resonate with everyone.

    • “It's hilarious, really - back when this game was released, it was praised by so-called reviewers for 'bucking trends,' in not featuring 'evil Russians' as the antagonists.”
    • “There's a lot of entertaining cutscenes scattered throughout, and some of the banter between the main cast is downright hilarious.”
    • “The writing is smart, funny, and natural; the character interactions are great, and the plot was amazing.”
    • “That war is not fun as all action games advertise and that 'war crimes' are not funny memes either.”
    • “Expect 'moments' (not funny at all) that will leave you speechless.”
    • “Don't play this game if you're depressed, don't play this game to expect having 'fun' with it, it's not funny at all.”
  • grinding130 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the monotonous combat and the need to replay sections for 100% completion. While some appreciate the story and thematic elements, the gameplay often feels laborious, leading to a consensus that the experience can be painfully drawn out and unenjoyable. Overall, players suggest that the game requires excessive grinding, detracting from its potential enjoyment.

    • “It's an on-rails 3rd person shooter that has a very safe (if not tedious) gameplay loop.”
    • “With narrative themes that have been done to death since, but with gameplay that isn't tedious and horrible.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “The gameplay was painfully tedious.”
    • “The campaign was excruciatingly long and at times quite tedious, falling well short of being able to justify 15 'chapters' of gameplay.”
    • “All of the combat situations play out the exact same way, tediously grinding through waves of enemies, with little to no variation.”
  • character development118 mentions

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and complexity, particularly in the protagonist Walker, whose moral decline is intricately portrayed. Many reviewers highlight the strong writing, voice acting, and the emotional impact of the characters' journeys, making it a standout feature that elevates the overall narrative. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in character development for secondary characters, with a few noting a lack of growth in certain aspects.

    • “The character development, particularly of Walker, adds depth to the story, as players witness his gradual descent into moral ambiguity.”
    • “The character development in this game is unmatched by most.”
    • “The character development, ethical confrontations, and political commentary were outstanding.”
    • “The most interesting thing about the characters is how everyone goes through the opposite of character development; Walker starts as a bog-standard late 2000s-early 2010s shooter protagonist and ends a psychotic, delusional murderhobo, blaming everyone else for his own mistakes.”
    • “Character development is non-existent outside of your slow collapse into insanity.”
    • “The concept and idea of the story is nice, but the characters are terribly written and don't have a direction or even character development.”
  • monetization24 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is notable for its absence of pay-to-win mechanics, microtransactions, or downloadable content, making it a refreshing single-player experience free from the typical monetization pitfalls. However, the game's marketing has been criticized for misrepresenting its depth and tone, leading to a disconnect between player expectations and the actual experience. Overall, while the game avoids exploitative monetization practices, its lack of effective advertising may have hindered its recognition and success.

    • “It's a single player game with no microtransactions, and it can be fairly pretty when it wants to be.”
    • “No ads.”
    • “No pay-to-win mechanics: no DLC, no loot boxes, and no microtransactions.”
    • “This game is the ultimate middle finger to the soulless jingoistic cash grab that the Call of Duty franchise has devolved into.”
    • “The whole advertisement schtick of the game falls apart as a player choice experience.”
    • “The tragedy of this game is that the advertising made it look like a generic dudebro shooter, so the people who needed to hear what it had to say never played it.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Buy Spec Ops: The Line

Play time

7hMedian play time
52hAverage play time
6hMain story
16hCompletionist
5-9hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 101 analyzed playthroughs

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