Sniper Elite: Resistance Review - Is It Just More of the Same?

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that Sniper Elite: Resistance feels like a throwback from the PS2 era in terms of progression. Instead of advancing and enhancing the gameplay elements introduced in Sniper Elite 5, developer Rebellion seems to have opted for more of the familiar. If you were to imagine an old-school TV commercial, it would go something like this: eight fresh levels, a recurring playable character, and an arsenal of weapons and gizmos to take down Nazi scum that’s bigger than ever. Frankly, I wouldn’t call it Sniper Elite 5.5; at best, it might be Sniper Elite 5.3.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that Zombie Army studio has truly mastered their stealth sniping action, making it an art form. Yet, while enjoying the refined gameplay, long-time fans might find some parts a tad too similar to the last release, making it feel somewhat familiar.

One clear distinction between the two titles is immediately noticeable: Harry Hawker assumes the leading character. The game’s storyline unfolds concurrently with Sniper Elite 5, meaning while US agent Karl Fairburne is busy dismantling Operation Kraken, Hawker is assisting the French in their resistance efforts prior to D-Day. There are whispers of a covert Nazi superweapon, and it’s up to Harry to thwart its development.

In essence, the narrative serves primarily as an entertaining means to transition between different situations, yet it’s during the eight stages that Sniper Elite: Resistance truly excels, particularly when it comes to exceptional sniping sequences.

This game offers both single-player and two-player online co-op modes, allowing you to approach each mission according to your preferred style. You can complete objectives in various ways, and the gunplay is adaptable to the situation at hand. The expansive maps enable you to move stealthily, taking down targets from a distance with a sniper rifle or engaging enemies up close using an SMG. Interestingly, even though the game’s name might suggest otherwise, it allows for flexibility in stealth play.

In this updated game version, the distinctive x-ray killcam feature is back, accompanied by refined sniping techniques. However, it’s still primarily through a rifle’s scope that you’ll hit your targets most effectively. Rebellion has perfected the act of killing Nazis, from headshots to heart and even testicle shots. They’ve factored in variables like distance and weather conditions to create an unmatched feeling of satisfaction when landing a long-range Sniper Elite headshot. The result is a stunning slow-motion sequence that provides intricate detail as an enemy’s skull shatters upon impact.

Most missions are structured to create excitement regularly, as they incorporate expansive open areas with strategic vantage points and objectives marked by buildings scattered throughout. You’ll battle across vineyards, infiltrate hidden underground bunkers, and survey leveled towns to thwart the Nazis on their controlled territories – each location provides a unique experience.

In certain situations, there’s a noticeable flaw: when the alarm sounds and combat transitions into typical firefights, it feels less polished compared to Sniper Elite 5. Engaging Nazis with your secondary weapon (an SMG) and pistol becomes awkward, especially when they are aware of your presence. The process of aiming down iron sights is clumsy, with a slow movement speed. Even shooting from the third-person perspective doesn’t seem to improve this issue.

These difficulties become more significant when they lead to deaths that are both aggravating and seem unjust at times. Enemies can summon backup and alert other Nazis by triggering alarms, causing a horde of them to descend upon your location. This situation is logical, but the game doesn’t seem fully developed enough to handle such chaotic and intense battles. With its subpar iron sights and scopes, it’s challenging not to feel like you’re being treated unfairly at times as Nazis surround you from every direction. Sniper Elite: Resistance performs exceptionally well in long-range combat, but falters when it comes to close-quarters encounters.

Since the gameplay, aesthetics, and overall experience of this new title are remarkably similar to Sniper Elite 5, it’s no wonder that we’re encountering the same issues we pointed out two and a half years ago. It’s unfortunate that the gameplay dynamics haven’t evolved to make being detected less catastrophic, but at the same time, the positive aspects of Sniper Elite 5 remain compelling. The game will likely feel very familiar, from the identical UI and menus as its predecessor, to the same types of collectibles, but Rebellion has successfully captured a unique appeal that isn’t found elsewhere. They are leveraging their strengths effectively, even though those persistent issues are becoming more noticeable and in need of attention. Nevertheless, Sniper Elite: Resistance can still offer an engaging campaign experience.

The campaign is surrounded by a variety of other gameplay options. Some of these options connect directly with the single-player experience, while others are focused on player-versus-player (PvP) challenges. Propaganda Missions serve as tests of your sniping, combat, and survival abilities, whereas traditional multiplayer modes can accommodate up to eight players for a more competitive experience.

The standout feature in Sniper Elite 5 is the comeback of Invasion Mode, reminiscent of Dark Souls. This means a real player can intrude into your game as a hostile sniper. Each encounter becomes nerve-wracking due to the threat of being marked, as even shooting regular enemies might expose your location to the invader. You’ll be alerted when an invasion occurs, but after that, it’s every man for himself. This additional aspect significantly enhances the overall gaming experience.

2025-01-27 17:36

Sniper Elite: Resistance Review – Is It Just More of the Same?

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