Sniper Elite Resistance
Let me start by stating what Sniper Elite Resistance isn’t. It is not the next iteration of the franchise. It is a tangential sequel to Sniper Elite 5 with a story that runs in parallel with the events of that game. While Karl Fairburne is tackling “Operation Kraken” in Sniper Elite 5, Sniper Elite Resistance sees fellow SOE operative Harry Hawker assisting the French Resistance uncover a new German “Wunderwaffe” (wonder weapon). Sniper Elite Resistance shares the same setting, game mechanics and soundtrack with its predecessor. There are seven new missions, set in pre D-Day France, which take place in very expansive maps. There is more to explore, a greater degree of choice with regard to how you tackle each mission and increased scope for long range sniping. The game also benefits from a lot of new weapons along with established favourites.
The phrase “more of the same” can be used positively with regard to Sniper Elite Resistance. All the elements that make this franchise popular are front and centre and have been further refined. The new Gestapo Officer NPCs have superior AI to regular soldiers and are far more proactive investigating any sort of disturbance the player may make. Grenades have a non-lethal stun setting which opens a lot of new tactical options. There is a greater degree of verticality in the map design, affording the player more opportunities to reconnoitre and attempt long distance shots. As always, you can decide how they proceed through a map and tackle objectives. The franchise is very good at updating mission elements based upon reading letters, intel reports and other collectibles. If you fail to collect a satchel charge to open a secure door, there is often an alternative means to access the room behind.
Like its predecessor, Sniper Elite Resistance has a surprising amount of additional gameplay modes. You can play the entire campaign in co-op if you so desire and there are various permutations of multiplayer. The best being “no cross” where two teams play via a substantive map but are confined to their own specific area via. Hence the focus is on spotting and sniping. “Invasion” mode also makes a welcome return where another player can enter your ongoing campaign mission and attempt to hunt you down. Developers Rebellion have also added “Propaganda Missions”. These are timed instances where the player takes on the guise of a resistance fighter and has to complete as many stealth kills or long distance snipes in a minute. For those who’ve bought the season pass there is another “Target Führer” mission to kill Hitler.
Some fans are disappointed with Sniper Elite Resistance, claiming it is simply DLC for Sniper Elite 5. It is fair to say that Sniper Elite Resistance is certainly a continuation of Sniper Elite 5, rather than a totally new game. However, Rebellion has a history of releasing interim entries in the franchise such as Sniper Elite V2 Remastered and Sniper Elite VR. Sniper Elite Resistance follows that business model. However, criticism that this latest game is light on plot, cutscenes and new ideas are valid. Where the game excels is in its map design which allows players to approach gameplay in a variety of ways. I can spend several hours methodically working through a map, changing tactics as I go, depending on what I encounter. It is this adaptive quality that is one of the franchise’s greatest strengths and a welcome change from the usual breakneck pace of the FPS genre.
N.B. For players who have concerns over the respective value for money that Sniper Elite Resistance offers, it is available on Microsoft PC and Xbox Game Pass.
