Summary
Sniper Elitesparked a long line of incredible titles that are among thebest sniping games out there. Some of the earlier titles may be dated now, but they provide a whole different experience to the more modern entries.
The franchise has also dabbled in both VR and a line of zombie-themed spin-off games. Both of which show their pedigree to the franchise while providing elements of their own to make them shine. Another element present in all of these games is stealth, with them rewarding players for how long they can remain unseen.
A lot of shooters that were releasing around this time had a big focus on being more arcade-like than realistic. However, the firstSniper Elitegame was praised forbeing a shooter with a focus on realism.
This title was far less punishing compared to future entries, and its stealth elements were far less refined. While it may be shunned by today’s standards, it has seen massive improvements with each entry into a franchise that feels truly special.
VR gaming gathers more players with each passing year thanks to a constant stream of improvements and flashier titles.Sniper Elite VRadds a whole new dimension of satisfaction to following bullets with the X-Ray Kill Cam.
It is hard to explain just how immersive and engaging VR truly is for someone who has never tried one of the many VR headsets out there. However, fans of the Sniper Elite franchise will not be disappointed, as this is not some gimmick title and has one of thelongest campaigns among VR games.
There were several zombie-themed spin-off titles for this franchise. These includedSniper Elite: Nazi Zombie ArmyandSniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army 2. Both of these titles would later be released as part of a trilogy bundle, including a never-before-released third game.
Players should not assume this is just some “Zombie Mode,” as these games have full-length campaigns complete with co-op.Zombie Army Trilogyfeatures all the strategic elements that one would expect from aSniper Elitegame, meaningthese are zombie games that don’t focus on just horror.
Sniper Elite V2gets its name from V-2 rockets, which is appropriate with this game being set in Russia. This game received remastered versions for the PS3 and PS4 consoles, and it provides a more linear and episodic feel compared to later installments.
The gameplay is also slightly more arcade-like, such as being able to relentlessly fire the M1 Carbine above an enemy’s headto get X-ray kills— meaning the quantity of bullets can make up for the quality of a shot.
The third mainline entryin the franchise takes the player to the heart of Africa. This would also make a lot of changes to the franchise, such as having missions be held in much larger areas that players can freely explore.
Sniper Elite V2relied on specific moments to get exceptionally long shots, but larger areas mean players are free to mark targets to test just how far they can be before taking them out.
This may very well be the best of theZombie Armyspin-off games. The story is a real treat to play thanks to a blend of adrenaline-fueled action — as well as a ludicrously bizarre story. While the mainline games are incredibly fun in their own way, they can be enjoyed to their fullest as a single-player experience.
Zombie Army 4: Dead War, however, is at its best when played with friends. There is a sense of pure camaraderie to having each other’s backs and when celebrating victory together.
4Sniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior
One of the Best VR Sniping Experiences
Rebellion Developments second shot at bringing the franchise to VR comes in the form ofSniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior. This includes a whole new set of missions, along with the same great gameplay that was used for the originalSniper Elite VR.
Both titles are more arcade-like compared to other VR games that put a massive focus on immersion. However, players that focus on staying hidden, and picking off enemies from ideal locations will become truly captivated by just how wellSniper Elitecan work in the VR setting.
Karl Fairburne is one of thebest snipers in video gamesand is the franchise’s leading protagonist. However,Resistancedeviates from this to put the spotlight on Harry Hawker. BothSniper Elite 5andSniper Elite: Resistancetake place in France. Both of these games also occur chronologically around the same time.
Sniper Elite: Resistancedoes not attempt to reinvent the game and is pretty much more of the same compared toSniper Elite 5. However, that is not a bad thing. The game is an utter blast for any fan ofSniper Elite 5,and is even better with a friend. There is a new element in the form of Propaganda missions, taking the role of resistance members completing specific missions. Maps are smaller, and it can feel less like a new game and more like a standalone DLC for players who just played Sniper Elite 5.
WhileSniper Elite 3started the larger open areas trend, its environments were wildly different from any of the previous games.Sniper Elite 4makes a return to more urbanised areasin the form of WW2 Italy.
This givesSniper Elite 4a whole different feel to its predecessor while keeping all the elements thatSniper Elite 3brought to the franchise. Trophy hunters will find a lengthy amount of collectables and side missions to keep them replayingthe modest amount of levels.
Sniper Elite 5changes a few thingsfromSniper Elite 4. In fact, some players may even experience a learning curve to adjust between the two. While past games showed the player’s longest shots for each mission, this one does not. Players that want to play co-op campaigns to see who can get the longest shot for each mission might have a better time withSniper Elite 4orSniper Elite V2: Remastered.
Some of the actions are no longer bound to the buttons they were before, and this can be a little frustrating at first. However, once players adjust to these small changes, they will discover the most polished and satisfying game in the franchise. Locations differ vastly and provide some of the best atmospheres to pan the camera to.
