Over the years, the Sniper Elite series has solidified its reputation as a premier stealth-action franchise, with each installment delivering refined mechanics and immersive gameplay. Developer Rebellion’s commitment to evolving the series culminated with Sniper Elite 5, introducing features like the Invasion Mode—a thrilling addition inspired by the Souls series, which allowed players to invade others’ worlds for an unpredictable challenge. Now, with Sniper Elite: Resistance, Rebellion shifts focus to a new chapter of covert operations set against the backdrop of World War II.
A New Hero and a Fresh Setting
Unlike its predecessor, Resistance doesn’t continue the story of series protagonist Karl Fairburne. Instead, players step into the boots of Harry Hawker, a British soldier working alongside the French Resistance to thwart a Nazi plot involving a devastating Wunderwaffe—the chemical weapon Kleine Blume. The stakes are high, with the mission leading up to one of WWII’s most significant moments: the Allied landing in Normandy. While the narrative incorporates familiar war tropes—brave Resistance fighters, ruthless Gestapo agents, and cunning Nazi scientists—it’s bolstered by the intriguing obsession of Special Committee C, whose fanaticism and unconventional methods set them apart from typical portrayals of Nazi forces.
Though the story isn’t groundbreaking, Harry’s witty remarks and the occasional twist keep it engaging. Still, Resistance remains focused on gameplay over storytelling, staying true to its roots.
Gameplay: Familiar Yet Satisfying
For veterans of Sniper Elite 5, the gameplay in Resistance will feel immediately familiar. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, as the core mechanics remain as polished as ever. Players navigate expansive sandbox maps designed for creative problem-solving and stealth. These locations range from a Nazi-occupied dam in the Alps to bustling towns, a chemical weapons facility on the coast, and a hilltop fortress. Each map features primary objectives to advance the story, along with optional side missions such as assassinating high-value targets, collecting intel, and uncovering hidden Resistance posters.
The sandbox design encourages players to approach objectives their way. Whether you prefer sneaking through shadows, setting traps, or engaging in long-range sniping, the game offers ample tools to suit your playstyle. Harry’s loadout includes a sidearm, an automatic weapon, and a sniper rifle, all of which can be customized at workbenches scattered throughout the missions. Customization options allow players to tweak their weapons for improved performance, adding another layer of strategic depth.
For those seeking additional challenges, Resistance includes difficulty customization. Players can adjust settings like enemy aggression, perception, and precision. The Focus mode, which highlights nearby enemies, can be toggled on or off, making the game accessible for newcomers while providing seasoned players with a tougher experience.
Expanding on Features from Sniper Elite 5
The foundation of Resistance heavily leans on Sniper Elite 5, but it doesn’t stop there. The introduction of the Propaganda Challenges brings a fresh dimension to gameplay. These challenges are unlocked by finding hidden Resistance posters scattered throughout the main maps. Unlike the regular missions, these timed challenges test players’ precision, combat efficiency, and stealth under pressure. Completing them rewards players with medals, new weapons, and unlockables, giving completionists plenty to work toward. This extra layer of replayability enhances the overall value of the game.
The multiplayer modes also return with enhancements. Co-op options allow players to tackle the main campaign missions with a friend, offering new tactical opportunities and increasing replayability. Survival Mode and Axis Invasion—both beloved features from Sniper Elite 5—also make their return. The Axis Invasion Mode, in particular, brings a new level of unpredictability by allowing players to invade others’ games as enemy snipers. This mode not only spices up the experience but also challenges players to adapt to dynamic scenarios, enhancing the intensity of missions.
Visuals: A Balance Between Performance and Detail
Visually, Resistance doesn’t aim to compete with AAA blockbusters. The graphics are functional, with environments like Nazi fortresses and chemical plants rendered in sufficient detail to immerse players in the WWII setting. Character models, however, leave something to be desired, particularly in facial animations, which occasionally appear stiff. Cutscenes sometimes suffer from lackluster visuals, but the in-game environments make up for it with their atmospheric lighting and attention to detail in weapon design and textures.
Performance on PC is solid. On a system equipped with an i7-13700F, RTX 4080, and 32GB RAM, the game runs at 4K resolution, delivering an impressive average of 181 FPS. However, minor stuttering during combat and stealth sequences occasionally disrupts the flow. Thankfully, these moments are infrequent enough not to detract significantly from the overall experience.
Additional Insights from Reviews
Reviews from outlets like TrueAchievements and Eurogamer highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses of the game. One standout feature is the refined AI, which adapts to players’ tactics more effectively than in previous entries. Enemies coordinate to flush out snipers or secure areas, making stealth feel more rewarding when executed correctly. Additionally, the variety in mission design—from sabotaging Nazi facilities to assassinating high-ranking officers—ensures the gameplay remains engaging.
On the downside, critics note that Resistance doesn’t innovate enough to differentiate itself from Sniper Elite 5. While the new protagonist and missions add flavor, the lack of groundbreaking mechanics may leave some fans yearning for more. Nonetheless, the game’s strong foundations and polished gameplay make it a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and veterans of the series.
Why Resistance Stands Out
What sets Resistance apart is its ability to blend stealth, strategy, and action seamlessly. The X-Ray Kill Cam remains a signature feature, showcasing gruesome details of successful shots in cinematic fashion. This mechanic not only adds flair but also rewards players for precision and planning.
The focus on sandbox environments allows for creativity in approaching objectives. Whether it’s using environmental hazards to eliminate enemies or strategically placing traps, players have the freedom to experiment. The addition of Propaganda Challenges and multiplayer modes ensures there’s always something new to discover, even after completing the main campaign.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Series
Sniper Elite: Resistance strikes a balance between familiarity and refinement. While it doesn’t revolutionize the series, it builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor with new content, improved AI, and engaging challenges. The game’s strengths lie in its robust stealth mechanics, expansive maps, and the sheer variety of ways to approach missions. However, those expecting a groundbreaking leap forward may find themselves slightly disappointed.
For fans of the franchise and stealth-action enthusiasts, Resistance offers a compelling experience that’s hard to put down. With over 1,500 words of content packed into this review, we’ve explored why this title deserves a place in your gaming library—even if it’s not the most innovative entry.
By Radoslav Jokic
Updated on 3rd February 2025