Sniper Elite V2 Review

Game Reviewed: Sniper Elite V2

Release Date: May 3rd, 2012

Developer: Rebellion

Publisher: 505 Games

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360], PlayStation 3, PC

Genre: First Person Action

Rated: M for Mature

Imagine being the best at what you do, going incognito into a dark area, loading up your rifle and killing anyone in your way for the sake of completing an objective. There’s no help along the way as you, the rifleman, are a one-man wrecking crew. This was the mindset of Rebellion as you take down some of the most notorious men in WWII.

You walk the battlefield as a lonesome American soldier stopping the Russian’s attempt to overrun, as well as pull together Nazi Scientist to create a massive V2 bomb causing a catastrophic nightmare to the Germans, if pulled off.

When most missions begin, you’re in stealth mode, crouching your way around to remain undetected. While crouching and going prone is the smartest idea, it’s unbelievably the slowest. Standing will cause the character to run and easily be detected from the overbearing sound of footsteps.

In your arsenal lies a rifle, sidearm and a submachine gun. PPSH, MP40’s and a few top notch rifles are earned throughout game play. There aren’t any special upgrades to the weapons themselves that can take place, but as the story progresses, you’ll find your best weapon load out as you become accustomed to your game style. You also have a few secondaries such as a trip wire, land mines and even rocks. While the thought of using rocks may sound ridiculous, it’s quite helpful at causing distractions and getting  you out of a tight situation.

The true effect of each kill comes from your deep-breath, holding it and squeezing the trigger. Watch as your bullet soars an incredible distance, piercing through the enemy’s body. Some kills are executed in different ways depending on where you aim. Depending on distance, aiming may call for a bit more finesse than others. At certain times, bells or bombs shooting in the air will be needed to help mask your kills.

At times things can become a bit overwhelming. When you’re spotted, backup comes from all angles. Some targets may be easy to pick off while others may scurry to different types of cover. In the end it’s target practice for you, if you can manage to survive.

Other riflemen will have you in sight as well. You’ll notice them after seeing the bullet shoot past,  your indicator alarming you of the direction, or even the reflection of their scope.

Maps were on point. With the destruction from the war, buildings are nothing more than dust and piles of rocks to the concrete, giving you leverage in different situations. Controls are each to clinch on to as the most important part is sniping. You’ll find yourself wanting to get more kills from a distance to see the intense cutscenes from each slow-motion fatality.

The story is not quite as memorable as you’d expect or hope it to be. However, you’ll find yourself deep into the game play, picking off enemies, tanks and scientist.  There’s even unique kills such as shooting a grenade on the belt of the enemies, causing them to explode. But after a while, even with the slo-motion bullets,  becomes quite repetitive.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4/5

Visuals: 3.5/5

Audio: 4/5

Controls: 4/5

Value: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5