Sniper Elite V2 Remastered

7 years after its original release, Sniper Elite V2 feels outdated, even with new graphics and extra levels. Nevertheless we still like the stealth elements, the realistic setting and the kill-cam.

There’s a lot to do in Sniper Elite V2 Remastered and it’s very well presented, and addictive. It might get old quickly – essentially executing the same play repeatedly – but you’ll definitely have fun whilst you are doing it.

It’s a great jumping in point for Switch fans before Sniper Elite 3 arrives later this year. The sniping is great, and the gruesome X-ray kill shots rarely get dull. The visuals may not be truly current-gen, but at a budget price and with a lot of content on offer, it’s forgivable. If you’re after a realistic World War II shooter, then this is your only choice. Fortunately, Rebellion not only knows how to make a great game, but they know how to port it to Switch.

Sniper Elite V2 is not the worst Sniper Elite game (the first one is) but it’s also nowhere near as good as the actually impressive 3, 4, or Nazi Zombies, all of which I’m sure would play just fine on the Switch. There is certainly enjoyment to be had here, particularly if you go in dragging your expectations on a limp length of twine behind you, but otherwise you’re better off just playing the later games wherever you can.

I suppose Sniper Elite V2 Remastered would be a decent game if it didn’t feature successors so much better than it. I’m surprised Rebellion minimally invested in anything but window dressing for the re-release, as they had a lot to work with. Perhaps its biggest crime is the absurdly high price point on the Switch, one 3x that of Steam (at time of review).

Sniper Elite V2 Remastered lacks any of the polish typical with modern remasters and struggles under the weight of dated design and poor presentation. What could have been a fun little jaunt through Nazi territory devolves into an altogether lackluster experience. Only for the most die-hard sniper fans.

Though there’s an air of nostalgia and goodwill towards Rebellion and their continued efforts to keep this IP as entertaining as it remains, Sniper Elite V2 Remastered seems primarily focused on touching up the most selective of visual and graphical assets, and little else outside of it. Immediate access to the game’s arsenal of weapons, though appreciated — and opening up a welcome extension to the core tactical prowess the series has flourished on — the continued presence of issues from the original and the game’s now-aged design end up working against it. Moment-to-moment marksmanship still as delightful a spectacle to watch, as much partake in, as a proclaimed improvement on the original, V2 Remastered falters just enough, unfortunately, to fall short on that achievement.

On one hand, it’s one of the prettiest, most realistic titles the Switch has, and the slow-motion shots have a surprisingly rewarding tactile feel. Despite these high points, the rest of the game is extremely average, packed with throwaway collectibles and filler game modes that can’t hide the cumbersome cover shooter that lurks beneath. In the end, the gloom outweighs the glitter and though Sniper Elite V2 Remastered is a nice title to see on the Switch, it's certainly not an essential one.

As was the case with Rogue Trooper Redux and Battlezone Gold Edition previously, Rebellion has done justice to one of its most enduring franchises here. While Sniper Elite V2 Remastered isn’t the series' high point, it does offer a fine opportunity to sample its most enjoyable features – including scouting entire locations and taking incredible shots at even more incredible distances – on a brand new platform. However, while its long-range action is as gripping as ever, the more traditional run-and-gun sections stick out like a sore thumb, and the absense of auto-saving can lead to some frustrating moments. While it still very much looks and plays like a game from the previous hardware generation, the fact that every element from the original release – including co-op and the entire suite of multiplayer modes – has made the cut makes this is an agreeable – if imperfect – way to practice your aim before the far superior Sniper Elite III Ultimate Edition drops later this year.

Sniper Elite V2 Remastered is a middle-of-the-road game with one top-class element. Too many times the game takes you away from what makes it great, and into the mediocrity of its unsatisfying stealth and close-range combat sections.