
From the first cutscene that shows a failed bombing run, Sniper Elite: Resistance proves it doesn’t miss the target but hits it. I’m a big fan of the long-range Rebellion-developed World War II combat shooter and always look forward to a new entry where I can pop Nazi skulls like a jelly-filled balloon. The game arrives on the 30th of January 2025 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, and PC with two editions: the regular and deluxe. The deluxe edition includes the season pass, though its content is still unconfirmed.
UNABLE TO RESIST(ance)

Gameplay
Sniper Elite’s bread and butter is of course its ‘X-Ray’ kill cam, which lets you watch your bullets pass through enemy bodies in gory anatomical detail. It is just as visceral in Sniper Elite: Resistance, with blood spurting like an overactive fountain on a semi-regular basis.
The game takes place alongside the events of Sniper Elite 5. While the legendary deadshot Karl Fairburne is busy stopping Operation Kraken, it’s time for some new blood. Sniper Elite: Resistance features Harry Hawker. Sounding like Jason Statham and looking like Euron Greyjoy from Game of Thrones, Hawker brings fresh gruff potential to the series. It will be interesting to see if Hawker gets more of his backstory developed in future DLC and games.
I noticed some slight graphical issues. In one encounter, Hawker got stuck on some steps, doing his version of the running man. These issues occurred very rarely and are likely fixed with the day 1 patch.
Tools of the Trade
The first mission sees Hawker attempting to destroy the defences of a Nazi-held dam to allow Lancaster bombers to fire bouncing bombs to destroy it. Sniper Elite is known for offering multiple ways to approach levels. The continued tradition of medal challenges and collectables boosts this, making each level an explorer’s dream. You could stay in your perch and snipe enemies from afar to raise your rifle mastery. Perhaps creep through Nazi defences to unlock ghost medals, or go in guns blazing for secondary mastery medals. Getting the collectables helps to unlock longer scopes, grips and attachments as well as new weapons entirely.

Weapons are always a key part of the series and there are the usual suspects such as Mosin Nagant and the Lee-Enfield No 4. If you prefer more up close and personal then the trusty Welrod pistol is there for all the silent but violent type of players, a range of throwables both deadly (TNT, Grenades) and distractors (bottles, lures) as well as multiple types of lethal and non-lethal mines.
Story
Sniper Elite: Resistance takes place the month before Operation Overload also known as the D-Day landings, The plot of the game sees an offshoot Nazi unit developing a Luftwaffe Wonder Weapon known as Kleine Blume without the Führer’s knowledge to disrupt the invasion by the Allied forces. In the first half of the plot, Hawker uncovers and attempts to destroy the project. It isn’t as easy as it sounds, with both the difficulty and tension ramping up as the game introduces the Gestapo, marking the first time the series encounters a non-military or non-paramilitary unit as an enemy. The plot has twists and turns that end with a set piece that wouldn’t look out of place in a summer blockbuster.

The game starts with a relatively smaller playground at the dam compared to previous entries, but the missions that follow introduce a walled town, sprawling train yard, and picturesque vineyard. Each level has a variety of optional objectives, from destroying evidence of the resistance to taking out Jaeger snipers, to its main objective, allowing you to exfiltrate the level. Each level has a high-ranking Nazi official to kill, which awards bonus XP if you kill them in a certain way.
Graphics & Audio
I spent most of my playtime admiring the beautifully designed locations, which seem to get better and better. The much-beloved level from Sniper Elite 5, “Spy Academy,” inspired the level designers. It’s clear where they applied the lessons learned to Resistance. With a new character comes a new main theme. The Sniper Elite theme has been replaced by a more tense and patriotic number that wouldn’t sound out of place in a British Pathé wartime newsreel.

The sound is crisp and just as great as ever, opportunities to mask your shots with destroyed generators and church bells are as satisfying as ever. Sonderzüge Sabotage, the game’s third level takes place in a town named Fourviére where a grand hotel sits as the level’s main focus point. There are guard towers, spotlights and a train station that all house enemies aplenty. Sneaking towards the hotel and then taking the tense climb through the floors has a similar feel to The Raid, slowly clearing out enemies floor by floor to reach your objective.
I enjoy the fifth level, Devil’s Cauldron, the most because it’s the most similar to missions that i enjoyed in previous games. It’s the type of mission where you break into a secret facility to sabotage a project. You’ll face a mountain base defended by counter snipers on cranes, multiple guard checkpoints, and armoured cars.
Not being careful could leave you saying Auf Weidershen to your progress.
Longevity
Sniper Elite: Resistance brings back the popular Invasion mode, where another player controls a ‘Jager’ sniper to make the mission just a bit more complicated, turning them into the cat to your mouse. Danger lurks around every corner, whether you step on a mine or get sniped from hundreds of meters away.
Multiplayer is back with free-for-all, team deathmatch, and the unique no-cross mode. I didn’t get to test these modes out as there were not enough players, but I don’t expect many changes from the previous entry. The wave-based survival mode is also back, borrowing from the sister series Zombie Army. The mode sees you defend a point against increasingly difficult waves of enemies, either solo or co-op.
A new entry to the franchise is the propaganda missions. To unlock these challenges, players find a poster in each level. They test the player’s mastery of stealth, combat, and sniping under a time limit. Players can earn bonuses for stealth kills and headshots. Completing them on authentic difficulty with three stars makes you feel like a sniper (elite).

The campaign and survival modes each have separate skill trees. The three skill nodes focus on different aspects of the character: Combat improves Hawker’s weapon handling and grants the ability to auto-search enemies after takedowns. The equipment allows Hawker to equip specialized bullets, such as armour-piercing and non-lethal wooden ammo. Finally, the Body enhances health and aim focus.
Accessibility
Reviews often overlook the game’s accessibility. Rebellion has built a reputation as a studio that cares about accessibility. This is led by Cari Watterton, an award-nominated developer being a champion of the cause. The accessibility features are very robust with options for menu text size, hud opacity and binocular lens distortion. Included also is a hold-to-button toggle and multiple aim and sensitivity options. All are completely optional but they are there for those that need them. When everyone can play, we all win and that is a message Rebellion have taken on board.
Final Thoughts
I think that Sniper Elite Resistance is a great follow-up and keeps the momentum built by Sniper Elite 5. The sniping is just as satisfying as ever and the open levels allow for everybody to play their way. The addition of Propaganda missions adds a level of difficulty for those who aim for 100% completion. A minor gripe is the loss of the iconic Sniper Elite theme. This is of course a personal preference as a fan of the series and does not affect the gameplay whatsoever.
Out with the Fairburne and in with the Hawker, Sniper Elite: Resistance adds some fresh ideas. The new protagonist accordingly allows for a perfect jumping-in point for new players with minimum mentions of previous games.
I’m going to stop (Hawk)ing on at this point and award Sniper Elite: Resistance the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received to write this review.
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