Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
Sniper Elite III (Xbox One) Review
Released: 2014
Developer: Rebellion Developments
Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
Sniper Elite III takes the stealthy, tactical gameplay of its predecessors and expands it into a larger, open-ended experience set in the North African campaign of World War II. With a focus on long-range sniping, stealth mechanics, and open-ended level design, the game rewards patience and strategy rather than run-and-gun action.
What Works
Satisfying Sniping Mechanics
- The ballistics system adds realism, forcing players to adjust for wind, bullet drop, and heart rate.
- The X-ray kill cam is incredibly brutal and satisfying, showing slow-motion shots that break bones and puncture organs.
- Finding the perfect vantage point and executing a long-range shot feels rewarding.
Open-Ended Level Design
- Unlike the more linear maps of Sniper Elite V2, this game features larger, open environments that allow for multiple strategies.
- Each mission gives players the choice to go loud or remain completely undetected.
- Maps are set in North African deserts, forts, and villages, offering varied environments.
Stealth and Tactical Gameplay
- Enemy AI is smarter, forcing players to move and reposition to avoid being detected.
- Sound masking plays a roleplayers can use environmental noise (like aircraft or explosions) to cover their shots.
- Traps, tripwires, and suppressed weapons give plenty of tactical options beyond just sniping.
Co-op and Multiplayer Modes
- Features co-op campaign missions, allowing players to coordinate as a sniper-spotter team.
- Multiplayer includes team-based modes like No Cross, which keeps snipers on opposite sides of the map, making for tense, long-range engagements.
What Doesnt Work
Weak Story and Forgettable Characters
- The games story, following OSS sniper Karl Fairburne, is bland and unmemorable.
- Missions feel more like a series of isolated objectives rather than a compelling narrative.
Melee Combat and Close-Quarters Shooting Feel Clunky
- The game is designed around sniping, but close-range combat feels stiff and unpolished.
- If caught in a close-quarters fight, the mechanics dont feel as smooth as other stealth-based games.
Occasional AI Issues
- While the AI is generally good at flanking and detecting noise, enemies sometimes act unpredictably or fail to spot obvious threats.
- At times, they can feel too aggressive or too oblivious, leading to inconsistent difficulty.
Final Verdict
🟢 Final Score: 8/10
Sniper Elite III is a great tactical shooter that excels in long-range sniping and stealth mechanics, offering open-ended levels, rewarding b
