14 DAY TRIAL // Spec Ops: The Line, the new shooter from developer Yager Software and publisher 2K Games, has been given an M for Mature rating by the main ratings body in the United States, which might mean lower than expected sales for the game that seeks to revive the fortunes of the series.
The description from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board states, “Players use machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, and grenades to kill enemy soldiers in frenetic combat. Battles are highlighted by realistic gunfire, screams of pain, slow-motion effects (during headshots); injured characters emit blood splashes when hit, and continue to incur damage when killed.”
It adds, “Players can also “execute” or incapacitate enemies at close range (e.g., punching soldiers in the face or snapping their necks). Some weapons cause damage such as dismembered limbs or scattered body parts; a handful of sequences depict severely burned or mutilated corpses. During the course of the game, players have the ability to shoot unarmed civilians or open fire on angry mobs.”
The ESRB also reveals that, during the cutscenes of Spec Ops: The Line, the violence is also troubling, with interrogation and execution scenes the biggest potential offenders, and gamers will also have to deal with some strong language.
Recently, one of the leading developers working on the game stated that the team was careful not to make the game too gory because they were aware too much violence would drive some potential players away.
Players will take charge of a three-man team in the new Spec Ops, going to a Dubai that has been assaulted by both war and sandstorm to get a handle on the situation and find a military leader who has gone rogue.
Spec Ops: The Line is being expected before the end of the year on the PC, the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.