The 4th Sniper Elite entry is a tactical third-person shooter, set during World War II. The game follows the same protagonist as the previous entry, Karl Fairburne, as he operates behind enemy lines, this time in Italy, to weaken Axis forces through sabotage, intelligence gathering, and strategic assassinations. Unlike many fast-paced shooters, the game emphasizes patience, positioning, and careful planning, making it feel closer to a stealth sandbox than a traditional action game. As the title suggests, the intention is to try to emulate a sniper routine, so don't expect flashy gameplay seen in most military shooters.
One of the defining strengths of this game is its excellent sniping system, which is in steady evolution with each new entry. Shots are influenced by factors such as bullet drop, wind direction, distance, and the character’s heart rate. And although it is not as deep as a realistic military shooters, such as ArmA for example, it still has a good balance between realism and arcady gameplay. The series’ iconic X-ray kill cam also returns, showing the bullet traveling through enemies in slow motion and highlighting the internal damage caused by the shot. And while it is very satisfying the first few times you experience it, I usually turn this off so it helps me with immersion and focus.
The mission design is another major highlight, each level is large and open, functioning almost like a sandbox environment where you can approach objectives in multiple ways. I think this entry has the biggest maps so far, making them way less linear than previous titles. Some may prefer to remain hidden, eliminating enemies quietly and using environmental sounds, which is my favorite style. Others might set traps, sabotage vehicles, or trigger distractions to manipulate enemy patrols. The freedom offered by these maps encourages experimentation and replayability. I highly recommend trying to complete all optional objectives, it makes up for a much more interesting experience, elevating the difficulty.
For me, the stealth mechanics play a central role in the experience, in my opinion, focusing on stealth is the best way to experience the titles of this franchise. You must manage visibility, noise, and enemy awareness while navigating through bases, villages, and fortifications. Although these mechanics are present in the titles of this franchise, overall this entry, with bigger maps, more optional objectives, and more freedom to approach situations, makes up for a clear evolution up to this point. There is a very subtle vibe to this experience that brings me back to the old days of Medal of Honor, which even though you are playing a military war game, it doesn't feel rushed. The gameplay loop can almost be considered coozy, you can take your time to tag enemies, recognize the environment, plan routes and place good shots.
As for the visuals, it presents varied and attractive environments inspired by the Italian countryside. Coastal towns, forests, mountains, and military installations provide a good mix of landscapes, and the larger map design compared to previous entries helps make the campaign feel more expansive. The OST and sound design also contribute to the atmosphere, particularly when distant gunfire, wind, and environmental noise reinforce the tension of waiting for the perfect shot. I also love the voice-acting, which improves the immersion a lot since you often hear soldiers speaking italian.
I can't say anything about it's coop elements since I played this entirely solo, so no comments on this regard. Despite its strengths, the narrative itself is not particularly memorable. The story mainly serves as a framework to move the player between missions, and the characters lack strong development. Some objectives can also feel repetitive after extended play, especially when missions revolve around similar tasks like destroying equipment or eliminating officers. This is something that also happened before but, it becomes especially bad this time around due to the bigger maps this title has.
Overall, this title stands out as one of the most polished and enjoyable sniper-focused games. Its combination of realistic shooting mechanics, open-ended mission design, and satisfying stealth gameplay creates a rewarding experience for those who enjoy methodical and tactical approaches to combat. Even years after its release, it remains one of the strongest entries in the Sniper Elite series and a highly recommended title for fans of stealth and precision shooting. A no-brainer if you enjoyed the other games, or if you like st
