Table of Contents

Is Sniper Elite 5 a Good Game? A Veteran’s Perspective

Yes, Sniper Elite 5 is a good game, particularly for fans of the stealth-action genre and the Sniper Elite series. It delivers a compelling experience with its signature blend of tactical sniping, stealth infiltration, and gruesome X-ray kill cams. While its story might not be the most memorable, the satisfying gameplay loop of meticulously planning your approach, executing the perfect shot, and witnessing the visceral results makes it a worthwhile experience. The expanded maps, enhanced weapon customization, and the addition of Invasion Mode provide welcome improvements over its predecessors, ensuring there’s plenty to keep you engaged as you eliminate Nazi forces across occupied France.

A Sniper’s Assessment: Core Gameplay and Features

Sniper Elite 5 builds upon the established formula of the series, emphasizing a blend of stealth, strategic positioning, and long-range combat. Players assume the role of Karl Fairburne, an elite sniper tasked with disrupting Nazi operations in France during World War II. The game shines in its commitment to realism and tactical depth.

Stealth and Planning: Success in Sniper Elite 5 relies heavily on careful planning and execution. Players must scout environments, identify enemy patrol routes, and utilize distractions to create opportunities for silent takedowns or strategic sniping positions. The expansive maps offer multiple routes and approaches, allowing for diverse playstyles.
Weapon Customization: The game features a robust weapon customization system that allows players to modify their rifles, sidearms, and submachine guns with various attachments. These attachments can affect weapon handling, accuracy, and sound profile, adding another layer of tactical depth. Experimenting with different loadouts is key to finding a setup that suits your preferred playstyle.
The X-Ray Kill Cam: A defining feature of the Sniper Elite series, the X-ray kill cam provides a gruesome but undeniably satisfying glimpse into the consequences of your shots. Witnessing the internal damage inflicted upon your enemies as bullets rip through bones and organs is both shocking and strangely captivating.
Invasion Mode: This is a fresh and sometimes controversial addition to the franchise. Invasion Mode allows players to invade another player’s single-player campaign as an Axis sniper, adding a layer of unpredictable challenge and human interaction. While some appreciate the added tension and strategic depth, others may find it disruptive to their solo experience.

The Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre

Like any game, Sniper Elite 5 has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown:

The Positives:

Engaging Gameplay Loop: The core gameplay loop of planning, executing, and witnessing the results is incredibly addictive.
Expansive and Varied Maps: The larger maps offer more freedom and tactical options than previous installments.
Enhanced Weapon Customization: The deep weapon customization system adds a layer of strategic depth.
Satisfying Stealth Mechanics: The stealth mechanics are well-implemented and rewarding.
Cooperative Campaign: Playing the campaign with a friend enhances the experience significantly.

The Negatives:

Weak Story: The story is generally considered to be the weakest aspect of the game.
Clunky Movement: The movement can feel somewhat clunky and unresponsive at times.
Occasional Bugs: The game is not immune to bugs, although most are not game-breaking.
Invasion Mode Divides Players: The Invasion Mode can be a divisive feature.

The Verdict:

Despite its flaws, Sniper Elite 5 is a solid entry in the series that offers a compelling and satisfying experience. The focus on tactical gameplay, coupled with the gruesome X-ray kill cam, makes it a unique and enjoyable shooter. If you’re a fan of stealth-action games or the Sniper Elite series in general, this game is definitely worth checking out. The Games Learning Society researches how games can be used to improve the teaching and learning process. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sniper Elite 5

1. Is Sniper Elite 5 a direct sequel to Sniper Elite 4?

Yes, Sniper Elite 5 is a direct sequel to Sniper Elite 4, continuing the story of Karl Fairburne. While prior knowledge isn’t strictly necessary, understanding the overall narrative of the series will enhance your appreciation of the events in Sniper Elite 5.

2. How long does it take to beat Sniper Elite 5?

The main campaign of Sniper Elite 5 typically takes around 10-11 hours to complete. However, completionists looking to find all collectibles, complete all side objectives, and achieve 100% completion can expect to spend around 35-40 hours.

3. Is Sniper Elite 5 a difficult game?

The difficulty of Sniper Elite 5 can be adjusted to suit different playstyles. At lower difficulties, the game is relatively forgiving, while higher difficulties require more strategic planning and precise shooting. The game offers several difficulty options that affect enemy awareness, bullet drop, and other factors.

4. Does Sniper Elite 5 have multiplayer?

Yes, Sniper Elite 5 features several multiplayer modes, including competitive multiplayer and cooperative play. Players can team up with a friend to play through the entire campaign cooperatively, or they can engage in various competitive modes such as Team Deathmatch and No Cross.

5. What is Invasion Mode in Sniper Elite 5?

Invasion Mode is a unique multiplayer feature that allows players to invade another player’s single-player campaign as an Axis sniper. The invader’s objective is to hunt down and eliminate the Allied sniper, while the invaded player must defend themselves and complete their mission. This mode adds a layer of tension and unpredictability to the gameplay.

6. Is Sniper Elite 5 historically accurate?

While Sniper Elite 5 is set during World War II, it’s important to note that it is not a historically accurate simulation. The game takes liberties with historical events and weaponry for the sake of gameplay. While the environments and uniforms are generally based on historical sources, the game should be viewed as a fictionalized representation of the war.

7. What are the different editions of Sniper Elite 5?

Sniper Elite 5 is available in several editions, including the Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Complete Edition. The Standard Edition includes the base game only. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game and the Season Pass One, which grants access to additional DLC content. The Complete Edition includes the base game and all available DLC.

8. Can I play Sniper Elite 5 on older consoles?

Sniper Elite 5 is available on both current-generation and last-generation consoles. It is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, as well as PC.

9. Is Sniper Elite 5 gory and violent?

Yes, Sniper Elite 5 is a very gory and violent game. The X-ray kill cam showcases the internal damage inflicted upon enemies in graphic detail. The game also features brutal takedowns and other violent acts. Players should be aware of the game’s violent content before playing.

10. What is the level cap in Sniper Elite 5?

The level cap in the single-player campaign of Sniper Elite 5 is currently level 40. The multiplayer level has a separate level cap of 50.

11. Is Sniper Elite 5 replayable?

Yes, Sniper Elite 5 has excellent replayability. The expansive maps, diverse gameplay options, and customizable difficulty settings allow players to approach each mission in different ways. The addition of Invasion Mode and cooperative play further enhances the game’s replay value.

12. What are some tips for playing Sniper Elite 5?

Here are a few tips for playing Sniper Elite 5:

Use your binoculars: Binoculars are essential for scouting environments, marking enemy positions, and planning your approach.
Experiment with different weapons and attachments: Find a loadout that suits your playstyle.
Utilize stealth and distractions: Avoid direct confrontation whenever possible.
Pay attention to your surroundings: Be aware of enemy patrol routes and environmental hazards.
Take your time: Rushing into combat is often a recipe for disaster.

13. What kind of sniper rifles are in Sniper Elite 5?

Sniper Elite 5 features a variety of sniper rifles based on real-world firearms from World War II, including the Kar98k, M1903 Springfield, and Mosin-Nagant. Each rifle has its own unique characteristics, such as accuracy, range, and handling.

14. Are there vehicles in Sniper Elite 5?

Yes, there are vehicles in Sniper Elite 5, though they are primarily used for environmental purposes or as objectives to destroy. Players cannot typically drive vehicles themselves.

15. Is Sniper Elite 5 worth buying?

Ultimately, whether or not Sniper Elite 5 is worth buying depends on your individual preferences. If you enjoy stealth-action games with a focus on tactical gameplay and long-range combat, then Sniper Elite 5 is definitely worth considering. The expanded maps, enhanced weapon customization, and the addition of Invasion Mode make it a solid entry in the series that offers a compelling and satisfying experience.

Is sniper 5 a good game?