When the trailer came out for Spec Ops: The Line, I was positively intrigued. This was a game that took place in a real city and sought to incorporate a more realistic disaster into the storyline. I am not saying that the game’s background story makes complete sense but it is a refreshing break from the usual “third world war” type of games.

Moreover, by looking at one of the most illustrious cities in the Middle East, and indeed the world, the game promised a more interesting narrative. Unfortunately, the early reviews of the gameplay seem to indicate that the game is less exciting than many expected.

Plot

Players do not have to endure yet another redundant plot revolving around rogue agents from Russia planning a third world war. In a more refreshing tone, the US is sending a special ops unit to Dubai, which is crumbling in the face of powerful sandstorms. Most of the population has fled and those who remain take shelter amongst the once mighty skyscrapers for which, the city is famous. Players, assume the role of a Delta Force squad leader, sent into rescue any remaining personnel and try to locate a US commander who, against orders, took his battalion into the city to try and rescue people. Now the player’s unit has to confront what is left in this anarchic territory full of different factions fighting for power. The single player campaign provides only about 9 hours of gameplay.

Environmental details

It seems the game has done a wonderful job of re-imagining a post-cataclysmic Dubai. The stunning visuals allow the players to witness a city that has gone under a thoroughly depressing transformation within a matter of days, something similar to Chornobyl. Most notably, there is plenty of sand, which has engulfed the city, but things like graffiti and personal belongings strewn across the streets, refugees desperately trying to find shelter and other emotive visuals give the entire environment a depressing yet fascinating feeling.

Combat and gameplay

The amazing effort gone into re-imagining the environment has not been repeated in the gameplay and combat. The intention of the game is to give players moral dilemmas when it comes to choosing sides between hostiles or engaging with hostile units. However, the game provides few opportunities to actually exercise this moral element. As most critics have noted, the game forces players to engage in serious indiscriminate combat, which makes moral questions less forceful.

The weapons featured in the game include a wide array of rifles, shotguns and side arms used in the US army. Unfortunately, movement across the battlefield is cumbersome and in multiplayer games, this will be a problem.

Final words

Those who want to experience a slightly different FPS game should certainly consider The Line but keep in mind that it is a solid average FPS game and if you are looking for sheer awesomeness, then you may have to sit tight and be patient for the next COD instalment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxu7W8xR5jo