When comparing Spec Ops: The Line vs Psychonauts, the Slant community recommends Spec Ops: The Line for most people. In the question“What are the best story rich games on PC?” Spec Ops: The Line is ranked 19th while Psychonauts is ranked 41st. The most important reason people chose Spec Ops: The Line is:
The gameplay is constantly changing with environmental effects to new enemies and weapons that they use. This keeps the player constantly learning and adjusting their playstyle in order to be successful.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Gameplay keeps one on their toes
The gameplay is constantly changing with environmental effects to new enemies and weapons that they use. This keeps the player constantly learning and adjusting their playstyle in order to be successful.
Pro A dark exploration of whether the player has a choice
It is up to the user on how the take in the meaning of the content of the game. There are no cutscenes, everything is portrayed by gameplay, which makes the interpretation somewhat personal. This type of presentation also explores whether the player has any choice in what they are doing in the game, which can be liberating while also weirdly strict.
Pro Allows looking in the strange minds of different characters, literally
Each of the levels in the game are themed after different characters in the game, where the player enters their mind. This makes for a varied experience that will not get stale. It also allows for different gameplay elements due to the different tasks that are asked of the player to complete in each.
Cons
Con Multiplayer progression is lacking
While playing multiplayer modes there is a progression system where you can unlock new gear and weapons, though it feels a bit contrived and not that rewarding.
Con Little player agency
Almost an on-the-rails shooter means it reduces some of the impact of the points it makes.
Con Poor textures and animations
Even at the time of release (as the game is a bit old now) the textures used and the animations found within are a bit lacking, which may detract from the experience.