| Technetbook Rating | |
|---|---|
| Rating Score | 4/5 |
| Stars | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ |
Pros
- New campaign with varied locations.
- Enhanced enemy AI snipers.
- Invasion mode remains a thrill.
- Plenty of weapons and attachments to unlock.
- New equipment adds more options for gameplay.
- Runs smoothly (at least on PC in my testing).
- More Sniper Elite, if that's what you want.
Cons
- Not a direct sequel, mostly reuses SE5 assets.
- Limited cutscenes hinder storytelling.
- Propaganda mode is disappointing.
- Difficulty is too similar to Sniper Elite 5 (no authentic plus).
- Some maps feel underpopulated.
- Underdeveloped story elements.
- No s-mines, trip mines or crouch running.
- Game is very similar to Sniper Elite 5.
- Price is a bit too high for what it is.
Sniper Elite Resistance Review
Hey everyone, today We are diving deep into the world of Sniper Elite with the latest release Sniper Elite Resistance. This game has caused quite a stir in the community, so let's find out if it's a worthy addition to the franchise or just a rehash of Sniper Elite 5. Huge shoutout to Rebellion for the early review copy.
Note: Sniper Elite Resistance is a spin-off, not a direct sequel to Sniper Elite 5. It happens in parallel to the events of SE5, but with a different protagonist, AR Oerer.
Sniper Elite Resistance: A Spin-Off Story
In Sniper Elite Resistance, you assume the role of AR Oerer. AR Oerer is heading south into occupied France while Karl Fairburne handles things up north. You discover a new super weapon of the Nazis and will team up with the French Resistance to put an end to the Nazis' nefarious plans. This is typical for Sniper Elite: a perfect excuse for some Nazi hunting.
What Exactly Is Sniper Elite Resistance
As mentioned, this is not a direct sequel either. Sniper Elite Resistance relies quite a bit on Sniper Elite 5 at a mechanical and framework level, only adding a few things here and there to the formula. It's familiar, yet new, with a new campaign and some extra features.
Main Features of Sniper Elite Resistance
- Campaign: 8 missions across varied locations, from Nazi dams to coastal facilities. Semi-open world with replayability, multiple routes and objectives. Playable solo or in co-op.
- Workbench: Edit your loadout in the middle of a mission, unlock new weapons and attachments.
- Multiplayer: 4 modes of play with up to 16 players: Team Deathmatch, Free-for-All, Squad Match, No Cross. Level up for new guns and perks.
- Survival Co-op mode: Up to 4 players, defend command posts against waves of enemies.
- Invasion Mode: The return of the fan favorite. Invade another player's campaign as a Nazi sniper-a true thrill.
- Propaganda Mode: New mode consisting of timed challenges based on stealth, sniping, and combat.
Campaign Analysis
Map Size: 7 full-size campaign missions + a prologue. Mission one is a prologue and you revisit the full map later. More optional objectives on some missions would have been appreciated.
Exfiltration: There is a minimum of 2 exfiltration points per map. That is great because, in Sniper Elite 5 it could well be possible for an Invader to camp the exit for an easy kill.
Map Design: Maps are varied, some with good long-range sniping opportunities. In this release, 3 missions are at night time. The maps are decently large but at times do feel underpopulated.
Disappointments in Sniper Elite Resistance
The living world isn't quite there. There are no troops carrying boxes or a big battle between the resistance and German troops featured in the trailer. None of Sniper Elite 5's cut content made the cut, such as attack planes, mortar crews, or paratroopers. Story telling is lacking with limited cutscenes and most story is shown through Intel folders. The resistance are hardly featured at all in the game.
S-mines, trip mines and crouch running are still AWOL.
A few maps will still feel sparsely populated and this could be more pronounced on repeat playthroughs. It is believed by some that old generation consoles are hamstringing the series and it needs the next installment to be current gen only.
New Inclusions
New Equipment: Impact grenade (non-lethal) and explosive rifle rounds.
New Enemies: Gusto and chemists are mostly reskins, but more varied enemies are needed. Spotters calling in artillery and radio men to change up the gameplay, flamethrower troops and dogs would be a great new addition to the series.
Enemy Snipers: Much more competent long-range spotting.
Difficulty and Level
It is quite similar in difficulty compared to Sniper Elite 5 with no Authentic Plus mode. The Difficulty does tend to increase near the end. Maximum level is still at 40.
Maps in Multiplayer and Survival
Two new survival maps, three new multiplayer maps for Free-for-All, Squad Match and Team Deathmatch. Just one map for No Cross. All multiplayer and survival maps are sourced from the campaign missions, which isn't specific for multi-player.
Other Changes
Easy Anti Cheat has been replaced by Denuvo on PC. The Invader Loadout still cannot be changed in the loadout menu. It needs to be changed at the shooting range. The shooting range has returned but with a night time theme.
Propaganda Mode Analysis
Propaganda Mode consists of short, timed challenges that can be finished in about 10 minutes each.
Stealth Missions: Rely on speed, not actual stealth. These can be challenging at first, but they get a lot easier once you memorize where the enemies are. The stealth missions could have used the whole maps, giving you objectives and failing if you are spotted, instead of forcing you to kill people.
Sniping Missions: Are cakewalks on any difficulty other than authentic and may be irritating while playing on authentic.
Combat Missions: Is where the game should have placed its concentration because it fits the style of gameplay with a timer. There is only one combat challenge in this game.
Propaganda mode is based on community feedback, but it is unclear if timed stealth missions were requested. Some may enjoy this new mode, but it may leave others disappointed.
Performance and Bugs
The game ran smooth without crashing on a PC using the 7900XT at 1080p 60FPS. It has small bugs and glitches from Sniper Elite 5: some graphical and walking glitches. Enemies still sometimes don't hear your shots.
Sniper Elite 5 vs. Sniper Elite Resistance Comparison
They are very similar. Sniper Elite Resistance takes quite a bit from Sniper Elite 5. If you liked Sniper Elite 5, then you will likely like this. Other than Propaganda mode, there's not much new here. It easily could have been DLC for SE5. Some will think this is a good thing, others, not as much.
Price and Value
A major issue for many is the full price despite the game mostly consisting of Sniper Elite 5 assets. If you plan on playing this game for hundreds of hours, it may be worth it. It is available on XBOX game pass so be sure to take advantage of that if you are considering a purchase. It's fair to say that we are getting less content than we got in Sniper Elite 5.
Why Sniper Elite Resistance Exists - A Spin-Off Rationale
For some, this is a bonus, a spin-off until Rebellion works on Sniper Elite 6. With Wu Studios doing the work, Rebellion can put this spin-off out for a fraction of the cost and hopefully make some profit to be used in the development of Sniper Elite 6.
It is preferable to have this new release tiding us over while we waited than being forced to cool our heels until 2027 for the next Sniper Elite period. In fact, it tides one over until its next release, milking some more profits in between.
Final Thoughts on Sniper Elite Resistance
Overall, there has been good time spent in Sniper Elite Resistance. The campaign is enjoyable and it is what is loved most about the series. Temper expectations since you won't get Sniper Elite 6 here. However, this is considered a worthy entry, though not necessarily pushing the series forward. Playing through this campaign again, and some Invasion mode is anticipated. It's a shame there wasn't much new besides Propaganda mode, but hopefully, it will help fund Sniper Elite 6. Here's hoping the next mainline release comes out swinging.
Ultimately, it is on you to decide whether or not you think the game is worth it. Thoughts can be shared in the comments below whether you are going to buy the game, wait for a sale, or skip it completely.
