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CRITIK

Spec Ops: The Line

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Spec Ops: The Line
Item: Spec Ops: The Line
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2012

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Drama, Military and Warfare, Mystery, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 25, 2012

PlatformPC

DeveloperYager

Overview

A third-person shooter in which three American soldiers led by Capt. Walker are sent to Dubai in order to recover whoever remains of an infantry unit, the 33rd Battalion, until they decide to take action against the militants situated in the city. As they progress, however, the logistical and ethical complexity of their objective deepens, and their perception of themselves, and their enemy, is put into question.

Elsewhere

8.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Spec Ops: The Line is the standout feature of the game, according to the majority of critics. Joystiq, Gaming Age, Playstation Official Magazine UK, and Eurogamer Sweden all praise the game's narrative for its mature themes, moral ambiguity, and thought-provoking questions. IGN, Game Informer, and Impulsegamer highlight the game's ability to make violence meaningful and put players in difficult situations. The game draws inspiration from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now, and the narrative is well-written and thoughtfully executed. The story is grounded, provocative, and exceeds expectations, according to Joystiq. However, some critics have raised concerns about the game's story. Digital Spy and Metro GameCentral criticize the game for dragging out the plot and becoming convoluted in the final third. PlayStation LifeStyle and Game Revolution note that some of the game's content is gratuitous and could have been toned down. Additionally, Cheat Code Central and GameTrailers mention that while the game offers choices, they often have no real consequences and the story remains on a predetermined path. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the story of Spec Ops: The Line is a standout feature of the game, with its mature themes, moral ambiguity, and thought-provoking questions. The game's ability to make violence meaningful and put players in difficult situations is also praised. While some critics have raised concerns about the game's plot becoming convoluted and some of the content being gratuitous, the majority of critics agree that the story is very good. IGN calls it a "daring experiment worth celebrating," and Game Informer notes that it remains riveting up to its questionable conclusion.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Spec Ops: The Line's standout narrative, lauding its mature themes, moral ambiguity, and thought-provoking questions. Inspired by Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now, the story captivates with well-written, provocative content. However, some critics criticize the plot for dragging out and becoming convoluted. Despite concerns about gratuitous content and limited choices, most agree that the story exceeds expectations, making violence meaningful and putting players in tough spots. Overall, the consensus is that the game's narrative is a daring, riveting experience worth celebrating.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Spec Ops: The Line receives mixed reviews from the critics. Some critics appreciate the solid cover-based shooting mechanics of the game, with tight and brutal combat, and destructible environments that add situational additives to the gameplay. The sand and sandstorms are also praised for adding an interesting element to the gameplay. The ability to use sand as a strategic element and being able to quickly issue commands to your squad mates are nice additions as well. PlayStation LifeStyle, GameTrailers, and Push Square are some of the critics who appreciate the gameplay mechanics of Spec Ops: The Line. However, the gameplay of Spec Ops: The Line also receives criticism from several critics. The controls are problematic, and the lower difficulty settings are ideal until those control hurdles are overcome. The AI is often problematic and sabotages the grandiosity of certain scenes. The cover mechanics are good but could have been better, and the game is completely linear. The gameplay lacks innovation or polish, and the controls can be frustrating at times. The AI-controlled squad is anything but battle savvy, and the scenarios offer the hollow, binary morality choice posed by many games. The difficulty spikes towards the end of the game are also a problem. GameSpot, Computer Games Online RO, Gaming Age, Game Informer, and games(TM) are some of the critics who criticize the gameplay mechanics of Spec Ops: The Line. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Spec Ops: The Line is solid but unremarkable, employing a cover-based 3rd person shooting mechanic that is similar to other games in the genre. The game uses sand as a device to bury enemy soldiers in a number of cool ways, but these are usually pointed out and less dynamic than they could be. The game encourages intelligent tactical combat and introduces new variables in each fight. However, the gameplay doesn't quite manage to embrace the same spirit of courage and maturity as the story. Instead, Spec Ops: The Line too often relies on tried and tested formulas and scenarios in a disappointing attempt to not completely alienate those players desperately looking for their next generic fix. The multiplayer mode is included but not particularly noteworthy. Joystiq, IncGamers, and Game Revolution are some of the critics who share this overall consensus.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed feelings about Spec Ops: The Line's gameplay. Some praise its solid cover-based shooting mechanics, destructible environments, and strategic use of sand, while others criticize its problematic controls, lack of innovation, and frustrating AI. Overall, the consensus is that the gameplay is solid but unremarkable, lacking the courage and maturity of the story it accompanies. The multiplayer mode is included but not noteworthy.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Spec Ops: The Line. Joystiq, Metro GameCentral, and Official Xbox Magazine UK all praised the game's immersive and well-realized visual design, with Dubai's sand-covered landscape being a standout feature. PlayStation LifeStyle and games(TM) specifically highlighted the diversity and detail of the environment, with lighting and sandstorms adding to the overall visual appeal. The attention to detail in the ruined buildings and luxurious past of Dubai was also commended by Official Xbox Magazine. However, some critics did have negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design. Gaming Age and GameSpot both found the graphics to be generic and lacking in detail, with low texture and repetitive landscapes. PSX Extreme and IncGamers also felt that the visual style was outdated and lacked the opportunity to fully utilize the potential of the setting. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of Spec Ops: The Line are impressive, with the setting of Dubai being a standout feature. While some critics had negative opinions, the majority praised the game's attention to detail, immersive environment, and use of lighting and sandstorms. The game's art direction was also commended, with the ruined beauty of Dubai being a highlight.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly loved Spec Ops: The Line's stunning graphics and immersive visual design, especially praising Dubai's sand-covered landscape. Some critics, however, found the graphics generic and lacking detail. Despite mixed opinions, most critics appreciated the game's attention to detail, lighting, and sandstorms, making Dubai a standout feature.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Spec Ops: The Line have received mixed reviews from the critics. Some critics, such as Playstation Official Magazine UK and Digital Spy, have praised the game's use of licensed music, which adds to the cinematic experience. The use of trippy 1960s rock and roll and the distorted sound of an electric guitar playing the American anthem have also been appreciated by some critics, such as MondoXbox and Planet Xbox 360. The voice acting has been commended by several critics, including TheSixthAxis and GameTrailers, who have praised the superb performances of the voice actors, especially Nolan North, who voices the protagonist. The constant chatter between the squad mates has also been appreciated by some critics, such as Push Square, who have found it immersive and believable. On the other hand, some critics have criticized the over-reliance on F-bombs in the dialog, which they feel is being abused. PlayStation LifeStyle has expressed disappointment in the limited number of lines given to Nolan North during gunplay, which diminishes the overall experience. PSX Extreme has pointed out that the audio can become repetitive during intense battles, with the same exclamations being repeated over and over again. Game Informer has criticized the out-of-place Vietnam War-era music, which they feel falls flat and is not appropriate for the time period. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Spec Ops: The Line are good, but with some flaws. The use of licensed music and the voice acting have been praised, while the over-reliance on profanity and repetitive audio during battles have been criticized. The game's audio design has been commended for adding to the immersive experience, with the soundtrack and voice acting helping to establish the unforgiving tone of the game. Despite some flaws, the Sound Design and Music of Spec Ops: The Line have been appreciated by most critics, making it a solid aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music of Spec Ops: The Line. Some praise the licensed music and voice acting, especially Nolan North's performance, for enhancing the cinematic experience. However, criticisms include overuse of profanity in dialogue, repetitive audio during battles, and out-of-place music choices. Overall, while flawed, the game's audio design adds to the immersive experience and establishes the game's unforgiving tone, receiving mostly positive feedback from critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of the critics praised the voice acting in Spec Ops: The Line, with Nolan North's performance as Captain Walker being particularly noteworthy. Several critics, such as PlayStation LifeStyle and ZTGD, commended the camaraderie and emotional depth portrayed by the voice actors. TheSixthAxis even went as far as to say that the voice acting was superb from everyone involved, especially towards the latter half of the game when things begin to unravel. However, some critics, such as Playstation Official Magazine UK and Official Xbox Magazine UK, criticized the excessive use of profanity in the dialogue, which they found unnecessary and even comical. IncGamers also noted that the dialogue of some characters felt like it was written by someone desperate to land a job on Modern Warfare 4, indicating a lack of originality in some parts of the script. Computer Games Online RO also pointed out that the AI of the team and enemy was often problematic and comical, which could detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Spec Ops: The Line is generally good, with Nolan North delivering a solid performance as Captain Walker. While some critics found the excessive profanity and lack of originality in some parts of the script to be a drawback, the emotional depth and camaraderie portrayed by the voice actors were widely praised. The voice acting was also noted to be effective in drawing players into the experience, as evidenced by the minor touches such as the player character shouting and calling for help when bullets are all around him, as mentioned by ZTGD.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics lauded the voice acting in Spec Ops: The Line, especially Nolan North's portrayal of Captain Walker. While some criticized the excessive profanity and lack of originality in the script, the emotional depth and camaraderie depicted by the voice actors were widely praised. Overall, the voice acting effectively immersed players in the game, despite some AI issues noted by reviewers.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The Playstation Official Magazine UK and Push Square both had positive opinions regarding the technical performance of Spec Ops: The Line on the PS3. Push Square stated that the game was a solid cover-based third-person shooter with a well-functioning cover system. Meanwhile, Playstation Official Magazine UK praised the game's challenge and gritty gameplay. The game's performance on the PC was also praised by DarkStation, who noted that despite the game's long development time, it was stable and performed well. However, there were also negative opinions regarding the technical performance of the game on all platforms. Digital Spy and IncGamers both had issues with the game's controls, with Digital Spy noting that the game was not as responsive as other shooters and IncGamers stating that the cover mechanic could be overly sticky at times. IGN had problems with the game's movement and control, with the player's character stopping dead before dropping dead. Cheat Code Central also had issues with the game's controls, particularly the melee button being tied to the vault button. Overall, the consensus among the critics was mixed regarding the technical performance of Spec Ops: The Line. While some praised the game's stability and solid performance on certain platforms, others had issues with the game's controls and mechanics. It is clear that the technical performance of the game was a mixed bag, with some reviewers experiencing technical frustrations while others found the game to be a solid shooter.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed feelings about the technical performance of Spec Ops: The Line. Positive reviews praised its stable performance on PS3 and PC, while noting solid gameplay mechanics. However, negative feedback highlighted issues with controls being unresponsive and mechanics feeling sticky. Overall, opinions were divided on the game's technical aspects, with some enjoying its stability and others frustrated by its flaws.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The replay value of Spec Ops: The Line received mixed reviews from the critics. Some critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square found the game to have high replay value due to the emotional moments, moral decisions, and different outcomes that stem from critical decision points. The shocker of an ending and the following epilogue also made some critics like IGN and MondoXbox want to replay the game to see what other choices they could have made. The online multiplayer mode was also praised by some critics like Push Square and ZTGD for its customization, loadout, and ranking system. On the other hand, some critics like Gaming Age, Metro GameCentral, and Computer Games Online RO found the replay value of the game to be low. Gaming Age criticized the multiplayer mode for being weak and not very noteworthy, while Metro GameCentral found the attempts to drag out the plot for the full duration to be increasingly convoluted. Computer Games Online RO found the linear structure of the game and standard gameplay to be the reasons for low replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the replay value of Spec Ops: The Line is mixed. While the emotional story, moral decisions, and different outcomes provide some replay value, the weak multiplayer mode and standard gameplay mechanics limit the replayability of the game. Some critics like ZTGD and GameTrailers found the multiplayer mode to add value to the package, while others like Metro GameCentral and Official Xbox Magazine UK found it to be unmemorable and generic. The game's short but shocking epilogue and the promise of co-op DLC also make some critics like MondoXbox and ZTGD want to replay the game. However, the overall consensus is that the replay value of Spec Ops: The Line is not its main focus.

TL;DR

replay value

Spec Ops: The Line's replay value divides critics. Emotional moments, moral decisions, and varied outcomes engage some, while others find the weak multiplayer and standard gameplay limit replayability. Mixed opinions on whether the game's narrative and additional content justify replaying.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics generally agree that Spec Ops: The Line has a strong and thought-provoking story that sets it apart from other shooters. The game's moral ambiguity and the consequences of the player's choices are praised by several critics, including Gaming Age and Push Square. The voice acting, particularly by Nolan North as the protagonist, is noteworthy, according to GamesRadar+. The game's setting in Dubai is fascinating, and the game's atmosphere is inspired by Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now, as noted by Official Xbox Magazine. The game's use of the environment and tactical elements make it stand out from other third-person shooters, according to MondoXbox. However, the gameplay is a major point of criticism for many critics. The controls are subpar compared to top-tier competitors, according to Game Informer, and the combat is handled well, but it becomes routine quickly, according to TeamXbox. The game's technical frustrations, difficulty spikes, and checkpoint spacing issues are noted by several critics, including Playstation Official Magazine UK and Game Revolution. The multiplayer mode is generic, according to Official Xbox Magazine UK. The heavy subject matter makes Spec Ops lopsided in a different way, and that's not really a win for games, according to Joystiq. Overall, the critics have mixed opinions about Spec Ops: The Line. Some critics, such as DarkStation and Planet Xbox 360, praise the game for its strong story and emotional impact. Others, such as Metro GameCentral and Cheat Code Central, note that the game's story is compelling, but the gameplay is uneven and lacks innovation. The game's unusual approach deserves acclaim, as one of the few shooters that dares to portray the darker side of the military machine and of human nature, according to Digital Spy. The game is worth playing, according to Impulsegamer, and is a tremendous example of how much effect great writing can have on a game, according to Gamestyle. However, the game falls short of being a destination experience due to its mediocre gunplay and small team sizes, according to Game Informer. Despite its flaws, Spec Ops: The Line is a game that can't be approached from its gameplay concept, according to DarkStation, and is a shooter that you don't just put down and forget, according to Cheat Code Central.

TL;DR

Spec Ops: The Line stands out with its gripping story, moral ambiguity, and strong voice acting, but falters with subpar gameplay and technical issues. While some critics praise its emotional impact, others criticize its uneven gameplay. Ultimately, it's a thought-provoking shooter that delves into dark themes but falls short in execution, making it a polarizing experience for gamers.

CRITIK

Reviews

16 reviews found

Computer Games Online RO

Aug 8, 2012

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Spec Ops: The Line's biggest strength is its nuanced and complex narrative that subverts typical military shooter tropes and explores the limits of idealism and survival. However, the standard gameplay and problematic AI detract from the overall experience. The attention to detail in the setting of Dubai and the changing visual aspect of the team members are well-done.

PC Master (Greece)

Aug 31, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.

GamingTrend

Jul 24, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.

GameStar

Jun 26, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.

PC Games

Jun 27, 2012

Summary and quote unavailable.