Spec Ops: The Line Trailer Reveals The Power Of Sand

Spec Ops: The Line is far from the first military shooter to feature a Middle Eastern setting. However, it may be the first game that uses the desert environment as an integral part of the gameplay.

The Line takes place in Dubai after cataclysmic sandstorms have devastated the city. Many of the streets and buildings are covered in sand, and you can use this to your advantage in battles. For example, you can blow up a wall or building and send a wave of sand crashing down on an enemy position. Sandstorms can also obscure enemy vision and allow you to get the drop on them. The downside, though, is that your own vision is hindered as well.

Watching sand envelop enemies is pretty awesome but that mechanic could get a little tired. It's sort of a flashy substitute for explosive barrels. Still, the developers should get props for using the setting to shape the gameplay. Generally a game's setting is just a set of visuals and nothing more.

The Line will debut on June 26th in North America and on the 29th in Europe.