Spec Ops: The Line is the ninth game of a series that hasn’t seen the light of day since 2002. It’s a third-person action shooter, similar to Gears of War, but with a greater focus on squad-based tactics ala Rainbow Six: Vegas. The squad members each have specialized skills at the player’s disposal, though the extent of these skills has yet to surface.
Players assume the role of Martin Walker, captain of an elite Delta Force team, on a mission to save one Colonel John Konrad. Konrad, one of the Delta Force founding members, was stranded in Dubai following a series of devastating sandstorms. Walker and his squad must push through armed outlaws and brave the harsh elements to seek and rescue the Colonel, and to find out why a distress signal from him was detected by the army only after several weeks of silence.
Of all the features the game offers – the website states the usual pitches, including riveting action sequences, a mature storyline, unique settings and breathtaking graphics – perhaps the most novel is the dynamic sandstorms, which are generated in random locations with variable intensity. The shifting dunes can block off or clear up paths, or even open up chasms from right under the enemies’ – or the player’s – feet.
All in all, Spec Ops: The Line looks to be a solid game. At the moment, it seems to stick with the tried-and-true formula of Gears of War and Call of Duty, while providing a new and interesting mechanic with the dynamic sandstorms. This is a title for PS3, Xbox360, and PC gamers to keep an eye on.