Hands-On Preview: Sniper Elite: Resistance Enhances the Saboteur Sandbox Experience

Diving into the thrilling world of Sniper Elite, the series has consistently evolved its World War II setting, moving towards a more sandbox-style experience reminiscent of Hitman. It places players in the role of a daring saboteur, tasked with dismantling the Nazi regime from within. However, where the series truly shines is in its ability to capture the tense excitement of sneaking through enemy lines to deliver that all-important kill against an unsuspecting adversary, complete with the franchise’s signature X-ray kill cam that offers a grisly but satisfying payoff.

In Sniper Elite: Resistance, developed by Rebellion, the open-ended gameplay from Sniper Elite 5 receives a new twist. Players are once again thrust into enemy territory to wreak havoc on Nazi operations in a gory, over-the-top manner. This iteration also gives center stage to one of the series’ supporting characters, allowing them a moment in the limelight. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend over an hour navigating a mission that involved destroying a formidable German super train and stealthily infiltrating a hotel to gather critical intel, perfectly showcasing the core strengths of Sniper Elite.

Set parallel to the happenings of Sniper Elite 5, Resistance follows the adventures of British commando Harry Hawker. Long-time fans will recognize Harry as he tagged along with Karl Fairburne in the series’ co-op campaigns. Resistance reveals his side of the story as he works to weaken the Nazi influence and bolster the French resistance, all with a certain Jason Statham-like flair.

Sniper Elite 5 expanded its universe through a series of DLC missions in which Karl Fairburne raided secret facilities in France. This expansion inspired the developers to create a fresh campaign, resulting in an entirely new game. “We felt there was more to explore within France during the war, leading us to develop a comprehensive campaign,” said Shaw. “Releasing one large game was more beneficial for players instead of scattered updates like we did with Sniper Elite 5.”

Resistance carries forward the stealth-action formula, inviting players to cunningly navigate through intricate levels filled with Nazi soldiers, strategic outposts, and other locations brimming with supplies and crucial information. Armed with your trusty sniper rifle equipped with ammo designed for every occasion, you’re also equipped with binoculars for identifying and marking targets. Harry also comes prepared with secondary weapons and gadgets to both distract foes and sabotage enemy infrastructure.

This game builds on the Hitman-inspired strategy for eliminating targets and objectives through either direct actions or creative solutions. The thrill of stealthily reducing enemy numbers and using distractions to slip past heavily guarded zones is ever-present. Although the stealth route usually leads to success, Harry is capable of fighting his way out of a tight spot—though caution is advised, as being hit with enough bullets will take him down quickly. The enemy AI mostly holds its own, keeping the challenge interesting, though occasionally their behavior may seem a bit inconsistent, such as ignoring clear signs of sabotage or having difficulty navigating certain areas.

Sniper Elite 5’s fans appreciated its open-ended gameplay, an aspect that the developers have doubled down on for Resistance, offering various playstyles. Shaw explains, “We aim to provide players with a diverse set of tools and strategies to handle any situation. Players can assess their surroundings, identify points of interest, and choose their path. Whether sniping from vantage points or moving stealthily, we cater to as many playstyles as possible.”

The mission level design stood out for its complexity and multiple layers, featuring various paths to reach the target—the city’s main hotel, repurposed as a Nazi command center. One attempt had me crossing a fortified bridge, only to be spotted. Another strategy led me to a rail yard, following a side quest to sabotage a train, steadily eliminating high-value targets along the way for extra experience.

The highlight was breaching the hotel, which offered several entry points and concealed routes into locked areas by scaling its exterior. This segment was a personal favorite, especially the exhilarating escape—zipping down into the streets.

My time with Sniper Elite: Resistance felt like a continuation rather than a revolution, adhering to the familiar gameplay loop known to fans. It doubles down on what Sniper Elite 5 did well, inching the series forward rather than making sweeping changes. A fresh addition I missed exploring was the propaganda missions, hidden quests within each stage where players could take control of other resistance members, learning their stories and missions.

With a campaign length comparable to Sniper Elite 5, Resistance stands as a fitting sidekick to its predecessor while serving as an enticing introduction for newcomers. It continues to deliver satisfying action and strategic assassination in an open-world backdrop where liberating towns from Nazi control never loses its appeal—plus, those iconic kill cams remain as captivating as ever.