Single Player Spec Ops The Line Review
I didn't even finish the demo I was so convinced the game would fail and get ripped to shreds by reviewers.
Let me state firmly... I was WRONG!!! Dead wrong about this game. It is more than just a rip off. The creators actually put thought it to this game. You maybe wondering why would I own this game if I was already convinced it was going to suck? It's simple... the reviews came out and said it was good and so I decided to see for myself. (As a side note... This is proof that Mainstream Reviews are not just one person's opinion. They have a much larger voice an directly impact the sells of game, So I don't ever want to hear it's just one person's opinion!!! Yes it is their opinion but Reviewers need to be mindful when reviewing a game to not only judge a game based how they like it but also based off if they feel others would. Just my opinion on this subject. I would have never bought this game on day one if it wasn't the voice of reviewers.)
Plot: (Taken from Wikipedia) Not going to waste my time typing out the plot! :)
The Line's fictional version of Dubai, like its real-world counterpart, was an extravagantly prosperous city in the United Arab Emirates. Trillions of dollars were invested in infrastructure, opulent housing, and recreation for the rich.
Six months prior to the game, the worst series of sandstorms in recorded history began across the Dubai Emirate. Dubai's politicians and wealthy elite downplayed the situation before evacuating in secret, leaving countless Emiratis behind. Colonel John Konrad, the decorated but troubled commander of "The Damned" 33rd Battalion, U.S Army, was returning home with his unit from Afghanistan when the storms struck. Konrad volunteered the 33rd Battalion to help with international relief efforts, then deserted with the entire unit when ordered to abandon the city and its refugees by the U.S Government. As the storms intensified, a massive storm wall engulfed Dubai for miles, disrupting any satellite surveillance and communication, air travel, and all but the strongest radio broadcasts. The 33rd declared martial law, and struggled to maintain order amid 80 mph winds, riots, and dwindling resources. The last communication out of Dubai stated that the 33rd was attempting to lead a caravan of more than a thousand civilians out of the city. The caravan never arrived, and soon afterwards the UAE declared Dubai a No-man's-land. All travel to the city was barred, the 33rd was publicly disavowed for treason, and no further news left the city.
Two weeks before the beginning of the game, a mysterious looped radio signal penetrated the wall. Its message was brief; "This is Colonel John Konrad, United States Army. Attempted evacuation of Dubai ended in complete failure. Death toll: too many." The United States military decides to covertly send in a three-man Delta Force team to carry out reconnaissance. The team, consisting of Delta Operators Captain Martin Walker, SAW-gunner/aviator Lieutenant Adams, and translator/medic/marksman Sergeant Lugo, are told to confirm the statuses of Konrad and any survivors, then radio for extraction.
Gameplay:
The gameplay is very similar to the Gears, Ghost Recon and Socom series'. It is a third person cover based Military shooter with squad based tactics. You play with two AI companions throughout most of the story. The gameplay pretty much stays the same through the entire campaign. No upgrading or anything here. There are a few moments where you are doing other things but when it is all said and done. The majority of the game is just walking, shooting and then walking some more. For what Spec Ops is. It is pretty good on the gameplay side. The shooting mechanics aren't perfect but still good.
The AI companions are well done. Only a few times did they pop out in the open and just stand there and get shot until they were down. I loved that when I targeted on a enemy and told Lugo (AI Campanion) to kill them. That he would make it a point to take them out ASAP. If I picked an enemy that Lugo couldn't get too. He would tell me he can't get a shot but would make a goal to get into position to take the enemy out I want him too. I loved that about the gameplay.
The enemy AI is decent. There was times where the AI was very aggressive and smart and times where they just stood in the open and kill them. I would say the enemy AI was done pretty well but there could have been some improvement there. Overall the gameplay is done well.
Presentation:
Spec Ops The Line has solid presentation. I felt the graphics were done very well. I wouldn't say Spec Ops is the prettiest game but it is a nice looking game. One thing I loved was as the game goes on the three main characters apperances begin to change. The battles are starting to wear on them mentally and phisically. They have sand, dirt and blood all over their hair and faces. This was well done. Side characters and enemies are decent looking as well. Overall the presentation is good in this game.
Final Word:
When I finished this game. I was immediatley in love. I wanted to play the story again. It clocks in around 6 hours. So playing again is an option. The highlight of Spec Ops The Line is definitely the story and the characters. The voice acting is done super. The main character Walker is voiced by none other than Uncharted's Nolan North. He is to me the greatest voice actor in video games these days. He does another steller job here in Spec Ops. All other characters are voiced good as well. It helps having great acting to keep you engaged in the story and what a story it is. I won't spoil it so I won't talk about it. Except to say it was great and unexpected surprise! There is some heavy stuff in this game the brought great sorrow to me as I pushed through. The game started to weigh on me and the in game characters as well. The choices you make will make you think real hard before you make them.
I highly recommend this game! You will enjoy it! I guarantee.
Story 9.5
Gameplay 8.0
Presentation 8.0
Final Word 8.5