Sniper Elite: Resistance

Sniper Elite: Resistance plays it safe with the exception of a few changes. The story is simple to follow, and it feels like something out of a typical action war movie. But that's not to say it's dull. Quite the opposite, actually – the team at Rebellion has mastered the art of killing Nazis, whether that be from afar or up close and personal. Jumping into Sniper Elite: Resistance is a lot like seeing that one friend you haven't spoken to in months, but your conversations pick right back up where you left off. Sure, some things have changed, but the core of what you love is still there, and that familiarity is a nice thing to return to.

Proving once more that there's life yet in its killer sniping mechanics and expansive sandbox missions, Sniper Elite: Resistance is another cracking series entry, even if it's not much of an evolution over Sniper Elite 5. No doubt, Rebellion is saving the big guns for Sniper Elite 6.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is a safe follow-up to Sniper Elite 5 that doesn't add much in terms of new features and gameplay mechanics, and while it would have been nice to see Rebellion be a bit more ambitious, Resistance is still a fantastic game that gives the player so much choice and freedom. Each campaign level has been expertly designed to offer as much fun and replayability as possible, and the long-range sniping the series is famous for just never gets old, thanks to that gloriously gory X-ray kill cam.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is a super solid return to slo-mo sniping duties. It may lack the overall wow-factor and technical upgrades of its predecessor, and it treads a lot of very familiar ground, but this new entry has still got it where it matters most. A procession of nine outstanding maps provide sandboxes galore for the usual tricks, traps and fancy long-range shots, the new Propaganda missions are a fun diversion, and protagonist Harry Hawker is as close to Sniper Elite: Danny Dyer as we're likely to get. Add in co-op and Axis Invasions and you've got yourself another great big sniper celebration that's hard to resist.

A visual upgrade on Sniper Elite 5, a new game mode that offers immediate fun and an engaging new campaign, Sniper Elite: Resistance is always fun but rarely reinvents the gameplay set by the series.

Sniping fascists and Nazi’s have never felt or looked better. Gameplay is tight, graphics are great, and there are some fun game modes. Truly, my biggest issue with the game is it just feels like it should be an expansion to Sniper Elite 5. Resistance isn’t though, it’s a full-priced game replete with season pass and the obligatory ‘Kill Hitler’ mission. I hope the next game in this legendary series does more to differentiate itself from this one with more than adding a new mode or weapon. Still, like I said at the outset; sniping Nazis is fun, and when it comes to Sniper Elite: Resistance, well, “if it ain’t broke.” as they say.

After many hours of playing, we can say that Sniper Elite: Resistance is an enjoyable addition to the franchise. Thanks to its combination of tactical action, realism and a well-constructed historical narrative, this Rebellion game is a must-have title for fans of the series. However, for any other audience it may be a game of little relevance or lack of importance due to the focus it has, as it is clear that it is for and by fans of the franchise. And speaking of its price, right now it is available in Spain at a price of €49.99. This price is more than fair if we take into account the content and quality of the game that Rebellion offers us.

When all things are considered, Sniper Elite: Resistance is a commendable entry in the Sniper Elite franchise, granting us more insights into Harry Hawker by shining the protagonist spotlight on him, which gives us a respectable reprieve from wearing the militaristic boots of Karl Fairburne. Most of what the series has established is present and accounted for, and although there are various new locations to be in awe of, and navigational options to test out, Resistance fails to truly push the envelope in exciting directions despite shifting the focus onto a new hero and a new story. If you loved previous Sniper Elite games, Resistance has got all the bang you could want from its particular buck, but Resistance is a day late and a nickel short as far as exciting and explosive new features are concerned. The bugs and garish seventh-generation character textures don’t help either, but thankfully Resistance is gratifying enough due to its strategic essences, even though it could – and should – have been so much more.

Sniper Elite: Resistance isn’t the most polished game ever, nor the most original, but it does the job it sets out to do.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is available on Day One on Game Pass, and that’s how I’d recommend anyone but the most ardent fan of the series plays it. At $60 MSRP it’s a big ask for something that can be completed in a night or two. While there is some replay value on offer there isn’t enough new here for those familiar with the series to warrant a full purchase. If you love Sniper Elite and want more though, then you’ll find nothing here to displease you.

The first one was groundbreaking and while maybe not perfect, it couldn't have set the stage any better for the second installment. This was undeniably better than what came before, and the third entry only sealed the deal on where this is going. Now though? This feels like The Last Jedi kind of disappointment. Nothing really seems fresh and interesting, instead just reskinned missions that could have easily been DLC for Sniper Elite 5.

Sniper Elite: Resistance seems very much like its predecessor. There are no innovations. There are missions and modes in abundance, but it is all mainly more of the same.

Excellent shootouts and great level design aside, Resistance feels just like every other iteration of the Sniper Elite series we’ve seen before.