Sniper Elite: Resistance Review – A Tactical Thrill That Plays It Safe

Rebellion’s latest installment in the Sniper Elite series, Sniper Elite: Resistance, takes players to the French countryside in another World War II stealth-shooter adventure. While the game stays true to the franchise’s core mechanics—tactical sniping, open-ended level design, and gruesome X-ray kill cams—it struggles to introduce any meaningful innovations. This might be a dream for die-hard fans, but does it do enough to keep the experience fresh? Let’s dive in.

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Sniper Elite: Resistance - Familiar Setting, Familiar Story

For the first time in the series, Karl Fairburne steps aside, making room for British SOE agent Harry Hawker. Set parallel to the events of Sniper Elite 5, Resistance follows Hawker as he aids the French Resistance in foiling a secret Nazi superweapon project. While the narrative serves its purpose, it doesn’t bring anything particularly memorable. The writing remains functional, and the villains feel more like generic bad guys than compelling antagonists. If you’re here for the story, don’t expect much.

Signature Gameplay Returns (For Better or Worse)

The stealth and sniping mechanics in Resistance remain rock-solid, continuing the tactical depth that the series is known for. Ballistic physics still play a major role, requiring players to factor in wind, bullet drop, and positioning to make perfect long-range shots. The infamous X-ray kill cam is back in all its gory detail, though for some longtime players, the novelty may be wearing off.

Resistance sticks closely to the open-ended sandbox design, allowing players to choose their approach—whether it’s setting up the perfect sniper’s nest or sneaking through enemy strongholds with silenced weapons. However, the AI’s behavior remains hit or miss, and cover-based combat can still feel clunky, making some close-quarters encounters frustrating.

Level Design: Expansive but Reused

One of Resistance’s strengths is its impressively designed maps, each featuring multiple paths, hidden entrances, and vantage points. The French countryside, dense towns, and enemy fortifications all offer a sense of freedom and tactical variety. However, some levels feel too familiar, with assets and locations borrowed from previous games. Reusing elements from Sniper Elite 5 diminishes the sense of discovery that made previous entries exciting.

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New Content: Small Additions, Big Impact?

Resistance does introduce some new content, though it doesn’t shake up the core formula much:

• New protagonist – Harry Hawker takes center stage, though he doesn’t feel all that different from Karl Fairburne.
• Propaganda Missions – Bite-sized challenge missions offering unique sniping and stealth objectives. Fun, but not a game-changer.
• Invasion Mode Returns – A PvP feature where players can invade others’ campaigns, adding tension and unpredictability.
• No Cross PvP – A snipers-only multiplayer mode that delivers some of the game’s most intense online battles.

While these features add variety, they don’t significantly evolve the gameplay. The skill tree remains identical to Sniper Elite 5, failing to offer new progression incentives.

Sniper Elite: Resistance - Game Performance & Technical Issues

Visually, Resistance holds up well with detailed environments and smooth animations, though it’s far from a technical powerhouse. Players may experience inconsistent traversal mechanics, with some objects being climbable while others inexplicably are not. There are also minor AI glitches and animation bugs, though nothing game-breaking.

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Should You Play Sniper Elite: Resistance?

If you love Sniper Elite, Resistance delivers exactly what you expect—but little else. The core gameplay remains strong, and the open-ended missions still offer satisfying tactical depth. However, recycled assets, a lack of meaningful innovation, and occasional clunky mechanics prevent it from standing out as a true evolution of the series.

Pros:

• Excellent level design with tactical flexibility
• Sniping remains highly satisfying
• PvP and co-op modes add longevity
• Open-ended missions offer freedom of approach

Cons:

• Overly familiar mechanics with little innovation
• Some missions reuse assets from previous games
• AI and movement can be inconsistent
• Propaganda missions feel like filler content

Final Verdict: A Solid, If Safe, Sniper Elite Entry

Sniper Elite: Resistance is a fun, well-crafted tactical shooter that sticks to what the series does best. However, its lack of innovation, recycled content, and minor technical flaws hold it back from being a truly great sequel. For newcomers, it’s an excellent entry point, but longtime fans may find it a bit too familiar.

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FAQs: Sniper Elite: Resistance Review

Is Sniper Elite: Resistance worth playing?

Yes, if you’re a fan of the series. The sniping mechanics, stealth gameplay, and open-world design remain excellent. However, if you were hoping for major innovations, this entry may feel too familiar.

How long is Sniper Elite: Resistance?

The campaign takes 10-15 hours depending on playstyle. Additional PvP, co-op, and challenge modes offer extra content for those looking to extend their playtime.

Does Sniper Elite: Resistance have multiplayer?

Yes! The game includes PvP modes like Invasion and No Cross, along with a co-op campaign option, making it a solid choice for both solo and multiplayer experiences.

What platforms is Sniper Elite: Resistance available on?

Sniper Elite: Resistance is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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