Sniper Elite 4 is the latest installment for the franchise. It retained the action-tactical shooter gameplay of the previous games, but added bigger maps, multiple options, and verticality to the levels with its climbing and traversing mechanics.
And yes, the X-ray kill cam is still there.
The game was released for Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on Feb. 14. Yes, Valentine's Day. But did the critics love the game? Let's find out.
GameSpot - 8/10
Richard Wakeling of GameSpot describes Sniper Elite 4 as a "natural progression" for the series, praising developer Rebellion for continuing to "refine its systems" and its dedication to "put a greater emphasis on the long-range shooting" the series is known for.
Wakeling cites the new series' attempt to introduce more exploration given the game's "open-ended mission design," which naturally leads to "emphasis on experimentation." He is also impressed with the "fluidity" of the game's stealth and action gameplay, praising how it "shifts from stealth to action and then back again."
He however takes issue in the multiplayer mode of the game. While it offers the competitive and cooperative gameplay, he notices that in a "battle for supremacy" for map-control maps, the sniper rifle is being disregarded "in favor of some up-close-and-personal skirmishes."
"This sits in stark contrast to the rest of the competitive modes, which are predominantly marksman affairs," Wakeling says.
Game Informer - 7.75/10
Brian Shea of Game Informer praises Sniper Elite 4 for "hitting the target." Describing the "thrilling moment in any shooter" of taking out the enemies "before they even know what hit them," Shea concludes that "developer Rebellion has created a well-rounded and empowering sandbox shooter." Aside from the sniping aspect of the game, Shea says he also likes the skirmish gameplay. He says he doesn't "mind getting my hands dirty and taking the fight up close."
Despite issues such as animation glitch locks, he describes the game as a "well-rounded experience that delivers on multiple fronts." He praises the flexibility of the campaign and multiplayer modes.
"The unique collection of competitive multiplayer modes rounds out Sniper Elite 4, giving shooting fans a game that's worth a look despite its flaws," Shea writes.
IGN - 8.3/10
Brian Albert of IGN gives a thumbs up to Sniper Elite 4, praising its open possibilities that "empowers you to make your own path."
He focuses his attention to the game's level in terms of map scale and game time. He claims to have not finished a mission in "under an hour" which for him is "far longer than most shooter missions." However, he finds it worthwhile and not dragging because of the create-your-own-path nature of the game.
He ends his review by praising the game's ability to deliver on its "smorgasbord of options."
"The way it encourages you to stay mindful, experiment, and get better is a refreshing vote of confidence, even if it doesn't always reward the extra effort you're putting in," Albert writes.
GamesRadar - 4/5
Louise Blain of GamesRadar praises Sniper Elite 4's "murderous choice on offer" as "positively inxtoxicating."
"The beautiful thing about Sniper Elite 4 ... is that it's ready for however you want to play," she writes. The game's multiple approaches to finishing objectives appeal to her. "There's never only just one way in and you'll constantly have to switch out your playstyle."
Blain also gives a thumbs up to the AI and the "layers of detail." She calls the game "insane" for item collectors and perfectionists. All in all, she calls the game a "murderous theme park you didn't know you needed to visit."
Eurogamer - 'Recommended'
Martin Robinson of Eurogamer brings up Sniper Elite 4's sticking to traditions, writing it "doesn't deviate from the formula laid out by its predecessor" or makes any "profound additions." But he thinks that move - that is, focusing on the basics - is "all for the best."
As with most reviews, he concurs that the game's open gameplay and multiple approaches are its crowning glories. He cites the game's progression from linear to open.
"If you haven't played a Sniper Elite beforehand, this is most definitely the right time to get acquainted," Robinson writes. "Sniper Elite 4 is a really good video game. It's as simple as that."
