On more than one occasion, there’d be at least one guard just yards away from a massive firefight, patrolling as if I was still undetected. It felt archaic in 2012 and it feels even worse in 2019.ĪI isn’t up to snuff either, often failing to react convincingly to fallen comrades. The game’s cover system could have been improved with this remaster in a similar manner to Gears of War Ultimate Edition‘s refinements over the original release.
This highly trained covert operative also doesn’t know how to wrap around cover. Transitions from cover to cover don’t exist. Even though we’d already seen three Uncharted and three Gears of War entries by this game’s release, it’s missing basic abilities. Movement while in cover feels like wading through a pool of chunky peanut butter. Snapping to cover doesn’t provide much feedback. Its finicky cover system is only the start. By this point, Sniper Elite V2 begins to overcome its weaknesses. Whether it’s hiding gun shots behind nearby explosions or a tower’s bell, sound becomes part and parcel with the experience. The sniper is reserved for specific assassination targets.īy mission 3, though, the game introduces sound as a gameplay mechanic. Early missions teach patience Observing patrols and taking out enemies with the silenced pistol. While fighting your way through reinforcements is always a viable option, Sniper Elite is at its best when it makes you feel like a covert bad-ass. The first two missions provide few opportunities to snipe enemies without being alerted. While you may feel the urge to snipe immediately, the game’s design funnels the player until it unleashes its main hook. Players are equipped with a sniper, silenced pistol, and automatic weapon at the start of every mission. If you’ve never played Sniper Elite, be prepared to die many times until you settle into its rhythm.
Trial and error stealth is the name of the game. This is a trial and error stealth game built on simple objectives with clearly defined checkpoints, tiny segmented levels, and an arcade-like scoring system.
Despite an interesting narrative backdrop reinforced by its clever title, Sniper Elite V2 is a very traditional video game.īy the end of the prologue mission, there’s a clear sense of the game’s direction. It fails to capitalize on this potential, though.Īfter finishing the campaign and all its dlc missions, I couldn’t tell you a single plot detail. With such a namesake, referring to its status as a reboot as well as Germany’s devastating guided missiles, there’s room for strong storytelling. Sniper Elite V2 follows a skilled sniper toward the tail-end of World War 2 as he tracks down and tries to stop the spread of Germany’s deadly V-2 rocket launches. Itself a reboot of the original, does Rebellion Development’s 2012 effort leave a positive first impression for the franchise?
With Sniper Elite VR and Sniper Elite 5 on the horizon, Sniper Elite V2 Remastered serves as an entry point for newcomers. Disclaimer: The review’s content has been updated to reflect the multiplayer and Xbox One X version of the game.