Sniper Elite Resistance Review — Still Elite, But For How Much Longer?

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As a dedicated sniper enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that exhilarating rush each time I discover the ideal vantage point, focusing my sights on my quarry, biding my time for the perfect instant, and reducing an adversary to nothing more than a smear of paste. Sniper Elite Resistance continues to fuel this adrenaline-pumping experience, keeping the allure of tactical sniping alive 20 years since our initial foray into covert sharpshooting.

After finishing Sniper Elite Resistance and watching the credits, I’m left with a nagging suspicion: is this the end? Given that Sniper Elite 5 has brought some fresh elements to the series and reshaped the formula, Sniper Elite 5 feels like a revival rather than Resistance. The thrill of excitement is gradually turning into weary moments of weariness and repetition.

In simpler terms, my review for Sniper Elite Resistance is predominantly favorable, but it seems that we’re nearing a significant turning point in the game series’ timeline.

Sniper Elite Resistance Review

Another World War

In Sniper Elite Resistance, the narrative runs concurrently with Sniper Elite 5, featuring our new protagonist Harry Hawker who embarks on a parallel journey to the usual hero Karl Fairburne. Harry seems to have adopted a rather exaggerated Jason Statham-like persona after practicing his delivery in front of mirrors for days. While I admire the attempt to give Harry a unique character, he appears somewhat forced and even grating at times.

It seems that many people share my sentiment: the portrayal of World War dynamics has been overused. Call of Duty: Vanguard indicated that the public is no longer interested in this time period, and perhaps it’s best to set it aside for a while. Resistance, on the other hand, provides another fictional view into history, allowing us to infiltrate enemy lines and sabotage the Nazi’s Wunderwaffe superweapon project.

As a fan, I must say that the plot moves along predictably, with very few surprises, making it rather straightforward. The creators attempt to delve into the emotional depth of the main characters through cutscenes, but when they lack proper background or development, it’s challenging to become deeply involved. Although it is a well-crafted story, I can’t help but feel that you’ll swiftly forget most of the missions and speeches once they’re over, and before you know it, your mission will escalate into an all-out apocalypse.

As a gamer, after blasting my way through countless German secret weapons and infiltrating underground bunkers for what feels like forever, I could use a change of pace with Sniper Elite. The modern shooter genre seems to be on overdrive these days, but it’s no surprise when you consider that World Wars have been rehashed more times than a recycled bottle. It’s been 20 years since the series debuted, and I’m curious to see if the formula can be reinvented in a new, captivating setting.

A Buffet of Bullets Awaits

The detailed layouts and complex maps found in Sniper Elite keep me (and others) returning again and again, as Resistance’s missions are mostly enjoyable with only minor complaints. Each of the seven main missions offers a distinct experience that demands at least an hour or more to complete. And when I fire my sniper rifle, it feels like a special moment, causing me to secretly rejoice. The X-Ray killcams in Sniper Elite still excite me as I continue to create spectacular and cinematic scenes of violence.

In this game, there’s an abundance of weapons and ammo varieties to keep things exciting, with each mission having multiple objectives to accomplish. Every level functions like a sprawling playground, offering numerous ways to replay it, although it may not match the inventiveness of games like IO Interactive’s exceptional Hitman series. The game requires strategic planning as AI can detect you from afar, making precision in your shots essential. You must consider factors such as shot timing, velocity, and distance, and plan your next move carefully before executing the current one. If you make a mistake—or if a well-timed shot draws attention—Harry could become the main character of The Great Escape, with half the map rushing towards his location.

As a fan, I’d say you’re strongly suggested to revisit levels numerous times to discover Workbenches, enhance your equipment, and enjoy some French-inspired sightseeing by hunting down special Propaganda posters scattered throughout the levels to unlock bonus challenges. Frankly, there’s a wealth of activities—even if it seems like I’ve played this game before—and lasting appeal is the key focus. Multiplayer and Invasion modes will undoubtedly cater to your PvP cravings, and additional DLC content is on the horizon.

Resistance often gives the sensation of playing an extended expansion pack (glorified DLC).

Battle For The Ages

Among all the entries so far, Resistance stands out visually as the most appealing one. It’s not yet polished in terms of character models, which can seem a bit awkward and mechanical. However, from an architectural and artistic perspective, it’s truly captivating. I find myself deeply engrossed in this virtual France. The added realism of planes passing overhead, gunfire echoing, and the rhythmic bursts of explosions you trigger only serve to enhance the audio experience. In fact, the sound effects outshine any intrusive enemy spotlight.

The environment you’re immersed in seems threatening and frightening at times. Occasionally, it’s due to the AI not functioning optimally or some inconsistencies in the game world that slightly mar my gaming experience. However, Rebellion has acknowledged these issues and stated they will be rectified or improved in an update before the game’s launch.

Often, enemies found themselves immobile and Harry frequently struggled with basic tasks like climbing stairs. Bushes seem to be constructed from concrete, making stealth maneuvers more challenging, and there were instances where I was spotted by enemies even though they should not have been able to see through solid objects such as walls or inanimate items. Fingers crossed that the final version of the game addresses these issues.

Sniper Elite Resistance Review Verdict

Among the missions in Sniper Elite Resistance, one is titled “End of the Line.” This title resonated with me as I pondered its relevance. The franchise possesses an appeal that has spurred multiple installments and sustained a loyal fanbase who eagerly consume whatever Rebellion produces. However, I suspect even die-hard fans might struggle to understand the necessity for this sequel. Admittedly, it’s a good game, deserving a score of 7 out of 10, and Resistance continues to excel in areas that have always been the series’ strength. Yet, the enthusiasm seems to be dwindling, and the most recent releases don’t seem like significant advancements.

As an enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on Sniper Elite Resistance: I’d say Hold on, it’s worth checking out! It offers a decent amount of entertainment for a while, but it doesn’t quite live up to the value expected from a full-price game. I fervently hope that the developers recognize the concept of diminishing returns and invest some time in rejuvenating their weapon mechanics.

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2025-01-27 17:18