Sniper Elite 3 First Impressions: Looks Great, Plays Even Better

Taking what made the Sniper Elite series so spectacular and then running with the formula, 505 Games and Rebellion Studios have truly taken things to the next level of realism, when it comes to accurately portraying the most dangerous class of soldier on the battlefield.   Sniper Elite 3 expands upon everything that was solid in the past games and completely addresses those that didn’t quite work.

Taking the approach of player choice in combination with extreme realism, everything from aiming down your scope and getting a feel for the trigger through the use of the Xbox One’s vibrational triggers, right up to the speakers incorporated into the DualShock 4 has been accounted for here. As well as making an appearance on the already established platforms of the PS3 and Xbox 360, Sniper Elite 3 looks to fully exploit the important features and additions of the next-gen consoles.

"Sniper Elite 3 takes place in the land of North Africa, and the warm lighting, highly detailed plant-life, and the rich textures that hold this masterpiece together all look terrific. Sniper Elite 3 doesn't just look pretty, it plays too."

Running in a full high Resolution of 1080p on both the PS4 and the Xbox One, Sniper Elite 3 is refusing to be held back by the limitations that were locked in place for the now aging systems. Thanks to the next-gen assets being provided by the PS4 and Xbox One, the PC is said to be pushing the game even further with higher-res textures, 4K support and everything the keyboard warriors expect. Running on the PS4 although be it in early development, the game looks stunning.

The effort and exploitation taken to next-gen systems is obvious right from the get-go. Sniper Elite 3 takes place in the land of North Africa, and the warm lighting, highly detailed plant-life, and the rich textures that hold this masterpiece together all look terrific. Sniper Elite 3 doesn’t just look pretty, it plays too.

Introducing new character abilities and gadgets including the creation of your own, via the combination of others, this opens up new tactics and routes as to how each individual person desires to play the game. This is expanded even more thanks to the overhaul within its level design. No more narrow streets and confined pathways shadowing your choice for enemy engagement, Sniper Elite 3 fully opens up its world into large scale sandboxes, that makes use of player decision and backtracking.

"The popular kill-cam mechanic that's now become a standout feature for the game has also received a significant update. No longer is this limited to enemy soldiers, it can now be used on enemy vehicles moving or parked, X-Ray vision included."

The enemy A.I. has been drastically improved here also, and it may come as a surprise as to just how much when you realize these soldiers aren’t just static figures pacing back and fourth. Enemy soldiers now react and go about their goals and behavior, and are no longer subject to scripted roles, routines and static events.

The popular kill-cam mechanic that’s now become a standout feature for the game has also received a significant update. No longer is this limited to enemy soldiers, it can now be used on enemy vehicles moving or parked, X-Ray vision included. The key feature of Sniper Elite 3 appears to be the element of choice, and this was present in every section of the demo being shown. One of the most interesting additions to the game is the option to play its campaign entirely solo or with a friend in co-op.

With so many games abandoning this choice and putting all their bets on an online multi-player, which is also included by the way, it’s good to see co-op mode make a return and in the most important section of the game. Sniper Elite 3 looks to be a truly promising game, and with its debut on both current-gen and next-gen systems, as well as extra features to the PC. This is one game that has true potential to make itself standout in a genre, that’s been over-saturated by sequel after sequel of run of the mill shooters.