Intro
Sniper Elite: Resistance takes players deep into Nazi-occupied France during World War II, where they must work alongside the French Resistance to sabotage enemy operations and prevent the development of a deadly wonder weapon. This third-person shooter spans nine campaign missions, each featuring main, side, and kill objectives. Players must stealthily navigate enemy camps, gather intelligence, and strategically eliminate high-value targets.

The game offers a variety of World War II-era sniper rifles, rifles, and pistols, all of which can be upgraded to enhance effectiveness. Additionally, a skill tree system allows for character progression, providing improvements in focus, health, and tool usage. While these upgrades mark an improvement over previous installments, does Sniper Elite: Resistance live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Read on for our full Sniper Elite: Resistance review.

A sniper crouching behind a stone wall, observing a heavily fortified medieval castle occupied by enemy forces in Sniper Elite: Resistance. The environment is lush with greenery, and the castle has multiple towers with red flags.
A stealthy approach is key in Sniper Elite: Resistance, as players navigate enemy-controlled castles and fortifications.

Sniper Elite: Resistance Gameplay – A Step Back?
As a veteran of Sniper Elite 2, 3, and 4, I had high expectations for this installment. Unfortunately, Sniper Elite: Resistance feels rushed, with movement mechanics that lack the realistic weight and precision that made earlier games feel immersive. The gunplay and transitions between weapons feel too fast and arcade-like, stripping away the tactical realism that defined the series. Instead of a sniper simulation, the gameplay feels more akin to an action shooter with stealth mechanics tacked on.

One of the few standout additions is the multiplayer invasion feature, where another player can enter your campaign session as an enemy sniper hunting you down. This creates an intense cat-and-mouse dynamic, adding an extra layer of challenge. However, it also feels like the developers prioritized multiplayer appeal at the expense of the single-player experience. The AI often feels inconsistent—enemies spot you from inexplicable distances, making stealth frustrating rather than rewarding. Additionally, movement restrictions prevent players from utilizing natural cover effectively, further limiting strategic possibilities.

The hallmark of Sniper Elite games—the slow-motion bullet cam—is still present, and it remains as satisfying as ever. However, the overall gameplay mechanics feel diluted, making it harder to appreciate this signature feature when the rest of the experience lacks polish.

A sniper crouches behind a train cart, hiding from a group of enemy soldiers in a military rail yard in Sniper Elite: Resistance. The environment features industrial structures, supply crates, and a truck in the background.
Using cover to stay undetected, the player waits for the perfect moment to strike in Sniper Elite: Resistance.

Weapons, Skills, and Tools – A Bright Spot
Despite its flaws, Sniper Elite: Resistance does offer a robust customization system for weapons. Sniper rifles, pistols, and secondary weapons can all be modified with attachments that improve accuracy, noise suppression, and armor penetration. The ability to select different bullet types, such as subsonic rounds for stealth or armor-piercing rounds for tougher enemies, adds a welcome layer of tactical depth.

The skill tree is another well-executed feature, divided into three categories:

  1. Aid: Enhances healing speed and survivability in combat.
  2. Tools: Increases the number of gadgets carried and expands available ammunition types.
  3. Experience: Improves melee assassinations, health, and sniper focus.

These upgrades allow players to tailor their approach, but they don’t compensate for the fundamental gameplay issues.

While most tools are useful, some—like landmines and TNT—feel underwhelming. For example, I successfully stopped a tank with a landmine, but it continued to fire, making the utility of such tools questionable. On the other hand, grenades are highly effective, with sticky and impact variants providing reliable crowd-control options.

A sniper crouches in a wooden platform at night, overlooking a Nazi-controlled facility built into a rocky canyon. A zipline extends into the distance, and rain falls over the dark, war-torn landscape.
Under the cover of darkness and rain, the player surveys a Nazi stronghold from an elevated position in Sniper Elite: Resistance.

Final Verdict – Is Sniper Elite: Resistance Worth Playing?
Sniper Elite: Resistance leans heavily into multiplayer mechanics at the expense of the single-player experience. The shift toward a more arcade-like feel diminishes the strategic sniping elements that defined its predecessors. While the slow-motion bullet cam remains a highlight, inconsistent AI, restricted movement, and an overemphasis on multiplayer hinder the overall experience.

On the positive side, the game features an extensive weapon customization system and a well-designed skill tree, offering meaningful progression. However, these elements aren’t enough to make up for its gameplay shortcomings.

For those seeking a realistic sniping experience, this game will likely disappoint. However, new players or those looking for a more action-oriented shooter might find some enjoyment. Overall, Sniper Elite: Resistance is a step backward for the franchise, earning a 2.5/5 rating.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.