Spec Ops: The Line is one game that never needs a sequel, fans argue

Naturally, as with any good video game, when a product is so good, fans love to see a sequel, in most cases. One game that arguably falls into that category is Spec Ops: The Line.

Released in 2012 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, developed by Yager Development and published by 2K, Spec Ops: The Line starred the charismatic Nolan North as Captain. Martin Walker. At first, this seemed like a run-of-the-mill third-person military shooter that was a common trend during its time of release. However, that tale soon turned grim and Spec Ops: The Line left a lasting impression still being spoken of today.

Check out the Spec Ops: The Line trailer below!

“It’s been six months since Dubai was wiped off the map by a cataclysmic sandstorm. Thousands of lives were lost, including those of American soldiers sent to evacuate the city. Today, the city lies buried under sand, the world’s most opulent ruin,” reads the synopsis of the game. “Now, a mysterious radio signal is picked up from Dubai, and a Delta Recon Team is sent to infiltrate the city. Their mission is simple: Locate survivors and radio for Evac. What they find is a city in the grip of war. To save Dubai, they’ll have to find the man at the heart of its madness—Col. John Konrad.”

Back in April 2022, the creative director of Spec Ops: The Line, Cory Davis spoke of his desire for this cult classic to receive a modern remaster, a sentiment felt by many. Sadly, those hopes were recently dampened after Spec Ops: The Line was unexpectedly delisted in January 2024.

Now, fans on Reddit have been discussing games they’d love to see get a sequel, and the aforementioned grim military shooter came up in discussion. Just a heads up, we are about to go into spoiler territory for this 12-year-old game, so you have been warned.

“Spec Ops: The Line is the only game that made me want to quit the more I progressed and the characters change as you progress too, they get more angry, they snap at each other, and when you kill 33rd members in battle, Walker and crew start to relish it instead of being conflicted like they were early in the game,” explained Ghdude1.

However, much of the Reddit thread believes that Spec Ops: The Line doesn't need a sequel as there’s no real way to follow it up, and I agree. The best case scenario would be if a new story could be told that somehow managed to be just as, if not more powerful, which would be no easy task. This is probably why a modern remaster would be the best course of action.

“I'm sorry what, Spec Ops: The Line? I absolutely cherish that game but it has no need or use for a sequel. It's a well-told story, and it ends with the entire story closed. A sequel would miss the entire point of the game,” exclaimed its_theDoctor.

“If you want a sequel, you didn't understand Spec Ops: The Line,” replied feicash. “Spec Ops: The Line doesn't need a sequel,” said Nienazki. “Spec Ops: The Line is a colossal game, perfect and it doesn´t need a second part,” agreed Lost_in_reverb23.

Sadly, as already mentioned, you cannot buy Spec Ops: The Line digitally due to it being pulled from sale. Thankfully, you can still buy it for PlayStation 3 (if you still own that console) and better still, it’s backwards compatible with modern Xbox consoles. So if you can get yourself a second-hand physical copy, you can experience this joyous video game today.