In this great military shooter, you'll soon realise that some lines shouldn't be crossed, and some are just unavoidable
Contains: Frequent Strong Language, Strong Violence and Disturbing Images
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Spec Ops: The Line is a third-person military shooter set 6 months after a massive sandstorm wiped Dubai off the map. But signs of life have emerged through the ferocious sandy winds and sun-baked heats of this now buried city, and as Captain Martin Walker, you and your Delta Recon Team is sent to investigate. As you embark on your search, signs of life hastily become dangerous threats against your own, and what should have been a routine search and rescue operation with an easy evac descends into a morally challenging nightmare within a war ignited by an out-of-control madman.
Despite some clichéd action, and merely passable shooting mechanics, proceedings are continually entertaining thanks to the tough decisions within the narrative that threaten to tear your relationship with your squad mates apart at each gut-wrenching choice you make. A powerful ending caps off the suitably short campaign, which also features solid voice acting, nice visuals touches and a great soundtrack. Fortunately, the unimpressive enemy intelligence and clunky controls don't detract too much from the experience, with all attention determinedly placed on the story and the characters trapped within it, making it worthwhile to play through a second time to witness the devastating effects on the resolute protagonist and the dire consequences of alternate choices that make you question his sanity.
Story - 3/5
Characters - 3/5
Gameplay - 3/5
Graphics - 3/5
Sound - 4/5
Enemy AI - 2/5
Length - 3/5
Replay Value - 4/5
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OVERALL SUMMARY - 8/10
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Good Points: Appropriately disturbing moral choices leading to a powerful ending, Some entertaining shoot-outs, Enjoyable enough to warrant two playthroughs for alternate choice outcomes, Good music score.
Bad Points: Core shooting mechanics are average, Some clichéd set pieces, Unremarkable AI.