The latest entry in Rebellion’s Sniper Elite series is now here. Sniper Elite: Resistance has launched on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC on January 28. The game is also optimized by default to take advantage of the PlayStation 5 Pro hardware, which is the platform I played it on for my early impressions. You can either buy the normal or the deluxe edition. And the game is also confirmed to launch on day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Are you familiar with the Zombie Army series or spin-off? Then you’ll know what to expect from Sniper Elite: Resistance. The game still offers the iconic kill cam, collectibles sprinkled around each level, and weapon benches to unlock gun upgrades.
Our character is a Special Operations Executive (SOE) by the name of Harry Hawker. He has discovered a new Wunderwaffe (Super weapon). And he’s now working with the French Resistance to stop this weapon ever being put to use. Like previous games, we can play the full campaign in co-op. This way, we can share weapons and items and aid a downed ally. For those wanting to see how Sniper Elite: Resistance holds up, feel free to take a look at the footage below.
What Sniper Elite: Resistance Feels Like
The already popular Stone Eagles from Sniper Elite 5 are back. These are collectibles found on rooftops and you have to shoot them down. All these give you XP to level up your ability’s. You’ll see we play a different sniper to the previous games. Since the game is also running alongside the events of Sniper Elite 5, we needed a different character to take control. All of this encourages you to really explore the map and pay full attention to the surroundings. The maps may look smaller. But they are packed with a lot of detail.
The game offers some well-designed maps. It made me be very much on my toes and think and plan not only the next shot, but also the next one. You have a good range of tools and equipment at your disposal. My advice is to use them wisely and be mindful of your environment. It doesn’t take much to be careless, alert an enemy, and have the alarm raised. However, it is possible to look at areas of the map where you would be within earshot of enemies and disable them. You can find gear around the map from bolt cutters which can help with alarms and doors as well as crowbars. You will also find ways to mask your approach from generators and cars and trucks. By sabotaging them you can create sound to mask your shots.
The Visuals
The game offers a lot of detail as previously stated and smaller levels offer more scope for detail. The lighting looks more vibrant than in previous installments and we have a better use of shadows in game. We can get much busier areas in levels. But not to the extent that it’s impossible to navigate without setting an alarm off. The increase of assets used seems to be the trade-off for having smaller levels. On the downside, your character and the NPC models could’ve used more detailing during the cutscenes. However, you only see the NPCs in brief moments and you don’t generally see the face of your character. The same could have been said in previous versions of the game. So no surprise at all.
Playing The Game
It plays smoothly on PlayStation 5 Pro. But keep in mind the performance might vary on other platforms. The ability to change weapons and gadgets is simple to use even if you’re not familiar with the game series. I also have a few tips for those new to these games. You’ll have to get used to having one button to toggle a weapon and gadget wheel, one to use binoculars, and one to hold your breath to steady your aim.
You don’t have to worry too much about it. The setup will become second nature to you very fast and make you a deadly sniper. I am close to finishing the fourth level after fourteen hours of playtime. And this is me trying to get every collectible and backtracking to make stealthier shots for each level. I like to play these games slowly, be extra careful, and get all the collectibles. So there is definitely good value and with medals and ribbons to get, you have even more things to do if you are a completionist.
It seems a solid entry to the series if you’re a fan of the previous installments. It’s also part of the Game Pass Ultimate subscription and you can give it a spin if you have it. As far as I’m concerned, I have never felt let down by any of the main games in this series or the Zombie Army spin-off titles.
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