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For many gamers drawn to the thrill of modern shooters, the role of the sniper holds a unique allure. The power to neutralize a target from afar, especially in survival scenarios, is undeniably captivating. This appeal extends beyond the virtual world, as sniping in reality demands rigorous training and honed skills, often employed by elite military and law enforcement units undertaking the most challenging missions.

This inherent drama has made sniping a fertile ground for game developers, resulting in iconic moments like the assassination of Imran Zakhaev in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare‘s “All Ghillied Up” mission or the chaotic shootout during Colm O’Driscoll’s execution in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Rebellion Developments, creators of the Sniper Elite series, have consistently delivered World War II sniping experiences that have resonated with critics and fans alike. The franchise’s success has led to numerous sequels, with the latest installment, Sniper Elite 5, recently released. The question remains: after five iterations, does the series still hold its captivating edge? Let’s delve into the world of Sniper Elite 5 and find out.

Sniper Elite 5 – Key Art

New Battlegrounds, New Enemies

Game franchises with long histories often face the challenge of maintaining innovation. Over time, development teams can become more conservative, prioritizing established formulas over bold changes that might disrupt core gameplay elements. This has affected numerous long-running series, from the perceived stagnation of Final Fantasy after Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age to the repetitive nature of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the gameplay missteps of Wolfenstein: Youngblood.

Sniper Elite 5 – French Countryside

Sniper Elite 5 is not entirely immune to this trend. Much of the game retains the familiar characteristics of its predecessors, feeling more like an expansion of Sniper Elite 4 than a truly standalone title. However, some welcome additions, a fresh narrative, and updated technology inject a degree of excitement into this latest installment.

This time, players trade the Italian peninsula for the picturesque French countryside. Following series protagonist Karl Fairburne, players embark on a mission to connect with the French Resistance in preparation for D-Day.

Sniper Elite 5 – Infiltration

While the core gameplay loop of moving from point A to B, triggering events, and engaging enemies remains, Sniper Elite 5 boasts significantly larger maps, creating a more seamless, almost open-world experience that opens up new tactical possibilities.

Instead of operating solo, players now have the support of Resistance fighters. This allows for more strategic approaches, including setting traps from afar, utilizing allies as distractions, and engaging in larger-scale battles.

Sniper Elite 5 – Combat

To combat potential monotony, Rebellion Developments has incorporated diverse mission styles. At times, players adopt the role of a silent assassin, utilizing stealth takedowns and disposing of evidence. Other times, the game embraces a more action-oriented approach, reminiscent of Gears of War, with heavy weaponry and even bazookas to take down enemy armor.

Sniper Elite 5 – Stealth Takedown

Of course, the core appeal of Sniper Elite 5 remains its long-range sniping. The Asura Engine excels in simulating realistic ballistics, taking into account gravity, wind, and even the unique spin imparted by different weapons.

Sniper Elite 5 – X-Ray Kill Cam

Each shot requires careful consideration, as enemies will often relocate after the first shot. The game’s weapon customization system further enhances this aspect, allowing players to feel the tangible impact of modifications on bullet trajectory.

Sniper Elite 5 – Weapon Customization

This attention to detail in ballistics and weapon customization sets Sniper Elite 5 apart, surpassing even its competitor Sniper Ghost Warrior in the eyes of many sniping enthusiasts. The game’s visuals and audio have also received an upgrade from the previous installment, featuring new models based on real-world locations and capturing the atmosphere of the French countryside. Notably, the implementation of AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution allows for 4K gaming even on mid-range graphics cards.

Familiar Flaws Persist

Sniper Elite 5 – Enemy AI

While Sniper Elite 5 is a solid entry, it doesn’t significantly deviate from its predecessors. Features like Axis Invasion, allowing other players to join your game as enemy snipers, offer interesting potential but can lead to disjointed gameplay and lack the tension of a truly engaging cat-and-mouse pursuit.

The enemy AI remains a weakness, exhibiting predictable behavior and occasional scripting conflicts that result in comical actions. Even on the highest difficulty setting, the game remains relatively easy to exploit due to these AI shortcomings.

Sniper Elite 5 – Environmental Interaction

While visually improved, Sniper Elite 5 still suffers from some of the Asura Engine’s limitations. Limited environmental interaction and clunky animations, particularly with doors, hinder stealth gameplay. Explosions and ragdoll physics also feel dated, lacking the polish of more modern techniques like Ray Tracing.

In conclusion, Sniper Elite 5 offers a refined sniping experience with some welcome additions, but fails to break new ground. While the core gameplay loop remains satisfying, the game’s limitations prevent it from reaching its full potential.