Sniper Elite: Resistance continues Rebellion’s tactical stealth shooter series, offering open-ended gameplay and satisfying sniping mechanics. This time, you step into the role of Harry Hawker, a British agent aiding the French Resistance to stop a Nazi superweapon threatening D-Day. Set in WWII-era France, the game presents eight missions designed for creative approaches and strategic decisions.
As Harry, you’ll infiltrate German facilities, scout French towns, and tackle objectives through sniping or stealth-based tactics. Beyond the campaign, features like Axis Invasion, Propaganda Missions, and online multiplayer add replayability and variety.
With a new protagonist and fresh missions, Sniper Elite: Resistance takes the series back to its WWII roots. Let’s see how it holds up against the high standards of stealth and sniping gameplay the series is known for as we dive into this Sniper Elite: Resistance review.
A New Face in the Fight
Sniper Elite: Resistance shifts the spotlight to Harry Hawker, a British agent working with the French Resistance. The story follows his mission to dismantle a Nazi superweapon threatening the Allies’ D-Day invasion. Along the way, Harry uncovers more about the Nazis’ plans while taking on increasingly dangerous missions in occupied France. The narrative provides enough interest to support the gameplay, as we’ll explore further in this Sniper Elite: Resistance review.
Harry is a refreshing change from Karl Fairburne, bringing more personality and humour to the role. His sarcastic comments during missions add a lighter tone, which I found surprisingly enjoyable. During one mission, Harry made a sarcastic remark about the absurdity of a Nazi officer’s secret hideout—a small detail that made him feel more relatable. Compared to Karl, who often felt like a blank slate, Harry brings much-needed charm to the experience.
While the WWII setting is familiar territory, the collaboration with the French Resistance adds some variety. Missions occasionally feature Resistance allies, creating a sense of camaraderie as you work together to disrupt Nazi operations. However, the story doesn’t deviate far from familiar tropes of secret weapons and world domination. By the end, it felt predictable but still satisfying enough to support the journey.
The story isn’t the game’s focus, but it provides a solid foundation for the action. Still, the occasional character moments and the new protagonist help improve the otherwise standard WWII tale.
Stealth and Precision at the Forefront
The core gameplay of Sniper Elite: Resistance lies in its open-ended missions and the freedom to approach objectives your way. Each mission drops you into a large, detailed map filled with targets to eliminate, items to sabotage, and secrets to uncover. Whether you prefer long-range sniping or sneaking through enemy lines, the gameplay gives you the tools to adapt.
One of my most memorable missions had me infiltrating a German war factory during a thunderstorm. I carefully timed my shots with the thunderclaps to mask the sound, picking off guards one by one. When I accidentally triggered an alarm, I had to think fast, using nearby machinery to set traps and slow the soldiers chasing me. Crawling through air ducts and setting trip mines by the exits felt exciting, especially when I managed to turn the tide in my favour. The mission ended with a critical final shot from a tower overlooking the factory floor, bringing everything together in a rewarding way.
The gameplay stands out by encouraging both creativity and patience. Each map offers multiple routes and tools to use, from sabotaging equipment to creating distractions. Workbenches scattered throughout missions let you customize your loadout, tweaking weapons to suit your playstyle. Upgrading my sniper rifle for better range and stability gave me a distinct advantage, while suppressed ammo let me stay undetected.
Even with all the options, the formula can feel repetitive over time. Many objectives boil down to variations of “infiltrate and destroy,” making missions blur together in longer sessions. Still, the flexibility in how you achieve your goals keeps things engaging and encourages replayability. Sniper Elite: Resistance delivers a solid mix of stealth and action, rewarding creativity and precision.
A Battlefield of Sights and Sounds
Sniper Elite: Resistance brings WWII-era France to life with detailed environments and atmospheric design. Each mission map offers a distinct setting, from industrial complexes to villages, giving every level its own identity. The level of detail in the architecture and landscapes adds a sense of authenticity, though some textures and models look dated when you’re close.
The game’s lighting and weather effects add to the mood of missions, whether you’re sneaking through a factory or making your way through a foggy forest. These touches make each environment feel dynamic. Character animations work well enough, though enemy movements can appear stiff, especially during close-range encounters.
The sound design stands out, with each weapon sounding impactful. Environmental audio, like distant gunfire or footsteps, adds atmosphere and aids strategy. Voice acting is effective, with Harry’s lines adding personality, though supporting characters lack the same polish.
On the technical side, Sniper Elite: Resistance runs generally smooth, with consistent frame rates across missions. However, I did encounter some minor bugs, such as AI pathfinding issues and clipping. Luckily, these were far and few in between and didn’t take way from my overall experience.
While Sniper Elite: Resistance may not push visual boundaries, its presentation effectively supports its gameplay. The combination of detailed environments, strong audio design, and smooth performance creates a satisfying backdrop for the action.
Sniper Elite: Resistance Delivers Tactical Action with Familiar Precision
Sniper Elite: Resistance sticks closely to the series’ established formula, offering a familiar mix of stealth, sniping, and open-ended missions. The best thing about it is still the amount of freedom you have to approach objectives however you like. While the gameplay doesn’t reinvent itself, it remains satisfying, especially if you enjoy experimenting with strategies and tactics.
Harry Hawker injects some much-needed personality into the series. His humour and wit make missions feel less rigid, adding a bit of charm that Karl Fairburne often lacked. However, the story supporting the gameplay feels predictable, sticking to familiar WWII tropes without exploring anything deeper. By the campaign’s end, the story serves more as a backdrop for the action than a memorable experience on its own.
I found myself drawn back to missions after finishing them, replaying for better performance or to experiment with alternate routes. One time, I returned to a mission to complete a secondary objective I had missed earlier. Exploring a hidden route and taking down an officer with a perfectly timed shot reminded me why this series keeps pulling me back. The thrill of improvisation and the satisfaction of executing a plan make Resistance worth revisiting.
Though the game doesn’t take bold steps forward, its strong level design and solid mechanics deliver what fans expect. Sniper Elite: Resistance might feel too familiar at times, but this Sniper Elite: Resistance review highlights how its solid level design and mechanics deliver a satisfying experience that makes it a worthwhile addition to the franchise.
Sniper Elite: Resistance
Summary
Sniper Elite: Resistance offers tactical stealth and satisfying sniping gameplay with a new protagonist, Harry Hawker, leading the charge. While the story leans on familiar WWII tropes, the game’s open-ended missions and strong level design keep the experience engaging. With replayable content and additional modes like Axis Invasion, the game delivers plenty for fans of the series, even if it sticks to its well-worn formula.
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