1v1 sniper-only combat in Sniper Elite has never felt this intense.
The Legacy of Sniper Elite
The Sniper Elite franchise, developed by Rebellion Developments, has long been celebrated for its meticulous attention to sniping mechanics and stealth-based gameplay. Set against the backdrop of World War II, players typically assume the role of elite marksmen undertaking critical missions behind enemy lines. A hallmark of the series is the X-Ray Kill Cam, which graphically showcases bullets penetrating various body parts—a feature both lauded for its gruesome detail and critiqued for its explicitness.
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With every installment, Sniper Elite has refined its core mechanics while experimenting with new features, and Sniper Elite: Resistance is no exception.
Released on January 30, 2025, Sniper Elite: Resistance launched on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Currently, it is available on Game , making it easily accessible to a broad audience.
This time, players step into the boots of Harry Hawker, a character previously seen in co-op modes, who now takes center stage in a story set in 1944 Vichy . Tasked with aiding the French Resistance, Hawker must sabotage a Nazi superweapon, eliminating key targets along the way in classic sniper fashion.
Of course, no Sniper Elite title would be complete without its brutal slow-motion X-Ray Kill Cam, which vividly depicts bullets shattering skulls, piercing hearts, and even obliterating enemy testicles. This controversial but iconic feature remains a major selling point, offering both strategic insight and sheer visceral satisfaction.
Gameplay – Precision, Stealth, and a Touch of Metal Gear
At its core, Sniper Elite: Resistance maintains the franchise’s signature tactical gunplay, where every shot demands precision. The game’s ballistics system requires players to for factors like wind, bullet drop, and distance, making each kill feel incredibly satisfying.
The third-person combat is smooth and responsive, providing a solid backup for moments when stealth fails. The stealth gameplay itself, while not quite at the level of a dedicated stealth title, blends the best elements of Metal Gear Solid and Hitman—with plenty of opportunities to set traps, distract guards, and disappear into the shadows. The only drawback? The protagonist sounds like a low-budget Solid Snake, which might take some getting used to.
Expertly Crafted Maps With Endless Replayability
One of Sniper Elite: Resistance‘s biggest strengths lies in its level design. The game features expansive, expertly crafted maps that offer multiple paths and strategic opportunities. Every mission allows for varied approaches, ensuring endless replay value.
Maps are designed with ion, featuring highly detailed churches, taverns, houses, and countryside villages that feel alive and authentic. The meticulous environmental detail makes each area a sniper’s playground, offering numerous vantage points, ambush spots, and escape routes. Any aspiring level designer could learn a lot from studying the intricate map layouts found in this game.
While some may still prefer the Italian setting of Sniper Elite 5, there’s no denying that Resistance feels more polished in of gameplay and level detail.
Multiplayer – The Ultimate 1v1 Sniper Showdown
While the single-player campaign is impressive, the real star of the show is the multiplayer invasion mode. This unique feature allows players to invade another person’s campaign as a Nazi sniper, setting the stage for some of the most intense 1v1 sniper duels ever seen in a video game.
The thrill of hunting or being hunted on a massive battlefield filled with hidden nooks, vantage points, and ambush zones creates a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Every movement feels dangerous, as you never know if your opponent has their sights locked on you. It’s a terrifyingly exhilarating experience, reminiscent of the good old days of Assassin’s Creed multiplayer, but with the added pressure of high-powered sniper rifles.
Final Verdict – A Sniper’s Dream With a Few Rough Edges
Sniper Elite: Resistance delivers a refined, immersive sniping experience, staying true to the franchise’s strengths while introducing new layers of tension and replayability. The game’s polished mechanics, outstanding level design, and heart-pounding multiplayer mode make it a must-play for tactical shooter fans.
One of the most intense sniper experiences ever crafted. Every shot counts, and every moment could be your last.