As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I can vividly recall the days when Grand Theft Auto and Hitman were dropping new titles almost annually. The void left by these games has been filled by many pretenders over the years, and Sniper Elite: Resistance is one such contender.


Instead of waiting decades for a new Grand Theft Auto release, there were numerous games that came out trying to satisfy the demand for open-world crime drama in the years between GTA releases. Games like True Crime, Saints Row, Mafia, Scarface, Crackdown, and many more attempted to seize this opportunity by offering players a similar experience while Rockstar was developing their next GTA installment. In a similar vein, since 2017’s Sniper Elite 4, I view the Sniper Elite series as a substitute for the Hitman series. Rebellion’s Sniper Elite: Resistance won’t surpass the exceptional quality of IO Interactive’s Hitman games, and it doesn’t seem to bring anything particularly new to its own series either. However, if you’ve enjoyed this type of game in the past and are eager for another one, Sniper Elite: Resistance appears to be a reliable alternative.

I spent approximately 90 minutes on the third mission of the upcoming game (launching in January for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X|S), which will also be available on Game Pass on release day. Despite searching for fresh experiences, I had a good time playing it. This implies that the sixth installment in the series (the first since 2022) seems to offer about as much fun as the previous entries – based on my initial impressions.

Similar to Hitman, the levels in this game are expansive and offer flexibility in terms of your approach and destination for achieving objectives. The more recent versions by Rebellion have incorporated innovative ways of assassination, mirroring Agent 47’s signature style, such as planting a grenade disguised as a gift for a target or using a bowling pin to take out Hitler. Each mission presents a primary goal along with various optional objectives in multiple categories. These may include collecting intelligence items, discovering hidden ally hideouts, sabotaging enemy weapon depots, and often, eliminating a high-value target as well.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but revel in the freedom that Sniper Elite offers – the thrill lies in strategizing my approach, be it slipping unnoticed among the crowd for a silent escape or making a ruckus by targeting every Nazi within my scope’s view. While some gamers may choose to follow the main storyline, I’ve been captivated by this series for years due to its knack for encouraging me to leave no stone unturned on each map, meticulously seeking out and completing every mission objective. And as a stealth enthusiast, the intricate challenges it presents have always kept me engaged and entertained.

Despite only having 90 minutes to test the game preview, I found myself drawn to every optional goal that presented itself. On one occasion, as I approached the final stage of a primary objective, I discovered an overlooked secret ally hideout from about an hour earlier in the level. Abandoning the elaborate Nazi mansion I’d been stealthily navigating, I retraced my steps to an earlier section, bypassing the fallen fascists I’d left behind, to scale a building using a drain pipe and ledges, finally completing that side quest. Sniper Elite allows for extensive exploration, provides multiple paths, and doesn’t penalize you for tackling it in whatever order or style you prefer. With no sign of Agent 47 for the moment, I’m more than happy to fill his shoes temporarily with this Historical Hitman.

I’ve tried all these games, but none have been exceptional enough to be my favorite. Yet, none are bad either. The studio seems to value their unique X-ray bullet cam more than I do; in Sniper Elite 5, I eventually had to disable it because it slowed down my missions excessively. However, I still enjoy the overall structure of these games. From one level to another and from one game to another, they offer a consistent, satisfying experience, much like comfort food.

Just as you might find yourself preparing your favorite dish for the fourth time in a week, Sniper Elite offers a familiar comfort. While it may not introduce novel tastes you’ve never tasted before, its consistent quality makes it a dependable choice when you’re unsure of what to cook for dinner that evening. I assure you, my praise is far from faint; these games are delightful and I eagerly look forward to trying a new one every few years at their current release cadence.

This sequel isn’t completely devoid of fresh adventures. Although the main themes are recognizable, one unique element introduced by Rebellion is Propaganda missions. These missions let players take on the role of “resistance fighters,” adding a layer of replayability to the game as new objectives in the vast levels emerge during subsequent playthroughs.

As a gamer, I’m excited to share that for the first time in the series, instead of the usual square-jawed American hero, Karl Fairburne, we’ll be playing as Harry Hawker, a British soldier who’s been around but typically played the supporting role. This new perspective will breathe fresh life into the story. Interestingly, while this game doesn’t bear a number in its title and Hawker’s tale unfolds concurrently with Fairburne’s in Sniper Elite 5, it seems like Rebellion is sticking to what worked well earlier – keeping us in France. If Sniper Elite is like your favorite comfort food, this new installment is a second helping of that same delicious meal. So, if you’re still craving more, dig in!

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2024-11-25 23:09