Spec Ops: The Line – Multiplayer Review: Keeping To The Unique Experience

Spec Ops: The Line – Multiplayer Review

Spec Ops: The Line
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
2K Games
Shooter

Recently I went through the single player campaign of Spec Ops: The Line, enjoying it the entire way through. I didn’t have a chance to get involved in the multiplayer until recently and that is what I am going to focus on with this review.

The gameplay is what makes this game unique, even when it comes to online multiplayer matches. Throughout each map there are areas filled with sand that you will be able to shoot out releasing the sand to fall on an enemy killing them instantly – this keeping the sand factor present in the online multiplayer matches as well. Another thing that they kept in the online multiplayer is the sandstorms where every now and then one will appear and completely change up the situation by losing communications and visibility. It even affects your movement and shot because you will be stumbling all over the place during the brief sandstorm. I found it best to usually sit still and see if anyone else wanders around. However, it’s also a good opportunity to sneak to another position as visibility is near zero and you will only be able to see what is directly in front of you. Having the “sand traps” and sandstorms in the multiplayer really keeps to what the game offers and continues to make the online experience unique as well.

Quick Multiplayer Overview and Gameplay

I haven’t found a favorite map as of yet, but I haven’t found one that I hated either. Each multiplayer map seems well designed and full of those “sand traps.” There are also plenty of multi-layered areas and quick ways to get from top to bottom by either dropping down through holes in the floor or by using a zip line.

The gameplay remains the same when playing online, though I did experience many moments where I needed to put up with some lag. If you run into a laggy room, it can be enough to negatively affect the online gameplay. You will more than likely want to jump out and find a better room. Another thing about the online play is that you will need to come into the multiplayer with patience and accuracy. If you have those two things going for you, you’ll come out just fine. However, if you try to run and gun too much, you will get eaten up pretty regularly as you need to remember that all it takes is one or two shots to be taken out. I should also point out that this type of game can favor the one who is patient, or the one who camps. Don’t worry too much about campers though, the maps are built in a way that you can pretty much get to a guy from two sides or at least put yourself in a position for a decent grenade throw.

I very much enjoyed the gameplay when playing online. The guns can be a bit difficult to handle and your shots can end up all over the place, but there are plenty to unlock as you get further along in your ranking. Speaking of items to unlock – You not only do you have multiple guns to unlock, but special perks, armor and kits as well. As you rank up you will be able to unlock all of these and gather perks that can help benefit your style of play. Also, it’s always nice to be able to upgrade your armor and take a few more shots, so there is enough to work with here that makes it worthy of ranking up.

Online Multiplayer Game Footage

Also available for you to unlock are special badges and titles for you to attach to your profile, this of course taking the Call of Duty route. There doesn’t appear to be nearly as many, but there is certainly enough and who knows what conditions you have to meet in order to unlock them.

Lastly, I’ll mention the game modes. There is, free for all deathmatch, team deathmatch and a mode called Buried where it is your goal to destroy your enemies vital points which will reveal a high value target that you must destroy. There are also combat and objective matches for you to play, so there should be something for everyone here. I should also remind you that they will soon be releasing a free coop game mode with four maps.

I loved the single player of Spec Ops: The Line and felt the gameplay was fun and the setting unique. Thankfully they kept that unique feeling in their multiplayer matches by including the sand traps and sand storms. The only thing that bothered me was the long load times and how long it takes for a match to begin. Other than that, I really enjoyed my time going through the multiplayer as it keeps to the unique experience that is Spec Ops: The Line.

Read the FanBolt Gaming Digital Magazine for our full review of Spec Ops: The Line.