Sniper Elite 5
" Immersive WWII tactical action-adventure with strategic sniping and polished gameplay but thin story depth "
Sniper Elite 5 Review
Sniper Elite 5 continues the series' tradition of tactical stealth and sniping set against a World War II backdrop, focusing on the sharpshooter Karl Fairburne. Players appreciate the expansive, well-designed maps that encourage exploration and multiple approaches, enhancing replayability. The gameplay mechanics have been refined, introducing smoother movement and vertical traversal options like climbing and vaulting, which add depth to tactical planning. The iconic slow-motion X-ray kill cam remains a highlight, delivering visceral satisfaction.
Graphically, the game is praised for its detailed environments, lighting, and character models, although some feel the visuals are only a slight improvement over its predecessor. The sound design and voice acting contribute to an immersive atmosphere. Multiplayer modes, including co-op and PvPvE invasion, add variety and longevity. However, the storyline is considered thin and functional rather than compelling. Despite occasional bugs and performance issues on certain hardware, patches have improved stability. DLC pricing and some gameplay shifts away from pure sniping have drawn criticism, but overall, it is a solid and enjoyable tactical shooter, especially when purchased on sale.
Highlights
Players praise the expansive and open maps that allow for creative, strategic approaches and replayability.
Refined gameplay mechanics, including improved movement and vertical traversal, enhance tactical depth.
The iconic slow-motion X-ray kill cam remains a standout feature, delivering satisfying sniping moments.
Graphics are detailed and immersive, with realistic environments and lighting effects.
Multiplayer modes, especially co-op and the unique PvPvE invasion, add engaging variety.
Sound design and voice acting effectively contribute to the game's atmosphere.
Criticisms
Many players note the storyline is thin and lacks depth, serving mainly as context rather than a strong narrative.
Some feel the game emphasizes pistol and stealth over sniping, which may disappoint series fans.
AI behavior is sometimes inconsistent and can feel outdated or clunky.
Technical issues, including crashes and bugs, particularly on certain hardware, have frustrated users.
DLC pricing is considered excessively high, with some describing it as a poor business model.
Graphics improvements over previous installments are viewed by some as minor, with kill cam visuals sometimes less clear.
Pros
- • Expansive maps encourage strategic planning and multiple gameplay approaches.
- • Refined movement mechanics add verticality and fluidity to gameplay.
- • Slow-motion X-ray kill cam enhances satisfaction from sniping kills.
- • Detailed and immersive graphics with realistic lighting and environments.
- • Robust multiplayer including co-op and PvPvE invasion modes.
- • Sound design and voice acting contribute to a tense atmosphere.
- • Good difficulty customization suits both newcomers and veterans.
Cons
- • Storyline is thin and lacks engaging narrative depth.
- • Shift towards pistol and stealth reduces pure sniping moments.
- • AI can be inconsistent and sometimes feels outdated.
- • Frequent crashes and bugs affect gameplay stability for some users.
- • DLC pricing is considered overly expensive and exploitative.
- • Graphics improvements are minor compared to previous titles.
- • Kill cam visuals sometimes muddied and harder to interpret.
Rating Criteria
The award-winning series returns as Karl Fairburne fights to uncover Project Kraken in 1944 France. The genre-defining authentic sniping, with enhanced kill cam, has never looked or felt better as you fight across immersive maps to stop the Nazi war machine in its tracks.
