Yes, another Spec Ops thread.... im sorry
SPOILERS ahead
But.. I couldn't help be concerned when I see so many threads here on GAF claiming this game to be some misunderstood, passed over cult piece.
Finished this morning before heading to work. Had a decent amount of time on my commute to digest.
I can honestly forgive the completely flavorless gameplay.... everything else though? Not so much.
- Nolan North, what could have been a standout performance eventually devolves into lots of angry shouting. Given the context of the story, this is fine except none of it is earned due to mediocre writing. The whole, they're supposed to be military stereotypes is a poor excuse. None of the characters are relatable or likeable. As in, because they're merely constructs, not because of their actions. There's Battle:LA levels of characterizations at times.
- Broad, dopey grim stuff that's supposed to be evocative but really isn't. "How many Americans have you killed today?" Isnt Meta, its fucking dumb.
- Despite the praise it seems to get, I found it to be a fairly marginal looking game as well. Like they had a great evironmental art team and they really wanted to show that off, even though the city/geography doesnt make that much sense. Also, I know its shallow as hell, but I couldn't get over how dopey Walker's character model looked.
- twists that you see coming from a mile away, including the conclusion.
- Despite it suggesting that it might be trying otherwise, game ultimately sacrifices subtle for spectacle. And its spectacle moments are mediocre as well
I really wanted to like this one but for a game that supposedly wants to be a commentary on bland military bro shooters, it still ends up being one ultimately. It's story has some interesting moments, but thats about it.