Game Review: Sniper Elite 5 A shot that misses the mark
Sniper Elite 5 is a game that clearly knows what it is – but seems unsure of what it wants to become. The latest installment from British studio Rebellion follows the continued sniper adventures of Karl Fairburne, this time set in World War II France. Sound familiar? That’s because it is – despite some attempts at modernization, this is still the same aging formula fans have known for at least two entries now.
Between Hitman and Metal Gear Solid? Not even close.
Let’s start with the key point – Sniper Elite 5 is not a sandbox game on the level of Hitman 2 or Metal Gear Solid V, despite some reviewers drawing those comparisons. That claim is as accurate as comparing a medieval crossbowman to a modern sniper. Sure, the game tries to implement some sandbox-style elements – larger maps, “open” mission structures, alternate ways to eliminate targets – but it does so half-heartedly, without depth, and above all without the technology to support it.
A sniper who can’t drive, jump, or climb
Karl Fairburne has access to eight fairly large maps. Each one boils down to some variation of “go and kill,” “go and blow up,” or “go and wait for a plane noise to mask your shot.” Surprisingly – and disappointingly – Fairburne still can’t drive vehicles, climb most ledges, or hop over a fence if there's a bush nearby. Fall from anything higher than 1.5 meters, and you risk breaking your legs. All this... in a 2022 game (with a game engine that feels more like 2010).
Shooting mechanics – the game’s strongest feature
Thankfully, sniping itself still delivers. The ballistics model, shot masking, choosing the right zoom and timing – it all feels satisfying. Even if, sadly, real opportunities to use these mechanics during main missions are few and far between. Instead of rewarding long-range stealth kills, the game often shoves players into tight, cramped environments where you’ll rely more on a suppressed pistol or – worse – grenades.
Add in the franchise's signature X-ray kill cam showing bullets smashing through bones and organs – impressive the first few times, tedious after the hundredth.
Half-measures that kill the atmosphere
It’s clear the developers wanted to spice things up with new mechanics, but none of them feel finished. Examples?
Optional "Hitman-style" kills? Sure – if dropping poison in a teacup in the same room as your target, with no guards, counts.Stealth elements? Barely work once there are more than three enemies.
Non-lethal takedowns? In theory yes, but the weird ammo types are poorly explained and feel totally out of place in a brutal Nazi-killing sim.
Story – why bother changing anything?
The campaign? Fairburne once again thwarts the Nazis’ plans to build a superweapon. It’s the exact same story as Sniper Elite 4, just moved from Italy to France. Side characters are just as bland, and some voice actors’ accents are so bad they’re unintentionally funny.
Cutscenes are long, static, and utterly unnecessary. Cut them all and the game would actually improve by picking up the pace.
France as a backdrop – pretty but hollow
To be fair, some of the locations look great. The level inspired by Mont-Saint-Michel is impressive, as is the steel foundry atop a dam. But that’s just surface-level beauty. The maps are mostly empty, full of invisible walls and linear paths masquerading as “open” design.
Exploration yields little reward – a few workbenches and collectibles that unlock minor weapon cosmetics, and that’s about it.
Co-op and technicals – finally, something solid
Big credit where it’s due: Sniper Elite 5 is very well optimized. No stutters, fast load times, smooth co-op with no desync – that’s a major plus these days. But it’s also a bit sad that such basic functionality now feels like something worth celebrating.
Summary – Perfectly average
Sniper Elite 5 is a game that simply... exists. It doesn’t wow you, but it doesn’t frustrate enough to uninstall either. It’s a solid, competent product – but one that lacks passion. Its biggest strength is the shooting; its biggest weakness is trying to be something it’s not.
If you’re in the mood for a few hours of sniper action where you don’t need to think too much and can enjoy picking off evil Nazis – this game will entertain you for a weekend. But if you’re hoping for the next Metal Gear or a new Hitman – don’t even start.
Pros:
+Solid shooting and ballistics model+Well-designed sniper effects
+Decent visuals
+Stable and well-optimized
Cons:
-Outdated engine and clunky movement-Flat, predictable story
-Ineffective sandbox imitation
-Wasted potential of alternate gameplay methods
-Boring and repetitive level design
My Score: 6.5/10
MY GAMEPLAY:
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