Sniper Elite

Sniper Elite: Resistance is the latest installment in the popular Sniper Elite tactical shooter series, developed and published by Rebellion Developments. The game was released on January 30, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows (PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Game Overview:

Sniper Elite: Resistance takes players on a new and intense adventure away from the front lines, into the heart of occupied France during World War II. This time, players take on the role of a new Special Operations Organization (SOE) operative named Harry Hawker, working alongside the French Resistance. The story revolves around their combined efforts to stop the Nazis from developing a new and insidious "wonder weapon" (Wunderwaffe), which could change the course of the war in their favor.

Story and Setting:

The story in Sniper Elite: Resistance is a standalone game, but it runs parallel to the events of Sniper Elite 5.  While Karl Fairburne was the series' regular protagonist, Hooker focuses on covert operations and sabotage deep within France. The game reflects the difficulties and dangers faced by the French Resistance, with the player constantly facing an enemy outnumbered and outgunned, requiring the use of intelligence, planning, stealth, and superior sniping skills.

Mission encompasses a variety of objectives that contribute to the larger resistance effort, such as:

Targeted assassinations: Eliminate key Nazi officers.

Sabotage: Destroy vital enemy facilities and equipment.

Intelligence gathering: Obtain important documents and plans.

Rescuing resistance members: Liberating prisoners and assisting their escape.

The game highlights the tremendous sacrifices made by resistance members and presents a larger story about liberating the country and resisting occupation, even if the overall superweapon plot can be somewhat predictable.

 Gameplay and Features:

Sniper Elite: Resistance adheres to the series' successful formula, focusing on the core mechanics that make it fun and rewarding:

Realistic Sniping: The core of the game is its elaborate sniping system, which takes into account factors such as wind speed, target distance, and bullet drop. Every accurately landed shot is captured in the famous "X-ray Kill Cam," which displays in brutal visual detail how a bullet penetrates tissue, destroys organs, and shatters bones.

Player Freedom and Planning: The game offers large "sandbox" levels, allowing players great freedom in how they complete missions. Those interested in stealth can choose multiple paths for infiltration and escape, explore alternative routes, and identify ideal sniper vantage points.

Side Missions and Activities: In addition to the main objectives, levels include numerous optional objectives and side missions, such as destroying German weapons caches, locating Allied resistance positions, and collecting items that provide important intelligence.

 Weapons and Customization: The game offers an authentic arsenal of World War II weapons, including fan-favorite weapons and new additions. Players can customize and upgrade their weapons to suit their playstyle.

Axis Invasion Mode: This fan-favorite mode returns, where another human player can intrude on your solo campaign as an enemy sniper, turning the mission into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Co-op Mode: Players can enjoy the entire campaign with friends in co-op mode.

Multiplayer Modes: The game offers other competitive multiplayer modes.

New Propaganda Missions: These missions present a new type of challenge to the series.

Reception and Criticism:

Upon release, Sniper Elite: Resistance received somewhat mixed reviews. While critics and players praised the basic and fun sniping mechanics that are a hallmark of the series, some noted that the game was too similar to Sniper Elite 5 in terms of design and features.  Some viewed it more as an add-on or expansion pack than a fully standalone title, especially given the same skill tree, menus, and overall presentation.

It was noted that the levels, while new, may be slightly smaller than some of the levels in Sniper Elite 5, and that some missions may be quite short. However, the open-ended level design still allows for creative and varied playstyles.

Platforms and System Requirements:

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (PC via Steam and Epic Games Store).

Compatibility: The game supports Steam Deck compatibility from launch.

Cross-Play: The game supports cross-play across all platforms.

 System Requirements (PC):

Minimum: Windows 10 or later, Intel CPU Core i5-9400f or equivalent, 16GB RAM, 90GB free storage, NVIDIA 2060 6GB graphics card or equivalent, DirectX 12.

Recommended: To be confirmed.

Conclusion:

Sniper Elite: Resistance offers a familiar and enjoyable experience for fans of the Sniper Elite series, focusing on tactical sniping and stealth in a vast environment. While it may not offer a major revolution in the game formula, the addition of a new hero and a story set deep within the French Resistance gives it a fresh twist. If you're looking for more bloody sniping fun and tactical challenges, Resistance is worth checking out.