It’s been almost a year since Rebellion released its long-awaited Sniper Elite III onto next gen consoles . A prequel to Sniper Elite V2, SE III retained the play mechanics and sniper-based gunplay of its predecessors, while introducing bigger environments and a better V2 X-Ray kill cam system. Ultimate Edition provides new maps, weapons and additional game modes, essentially making it your standard ‘ Game of the Year Edition’ without the official title. It also addresses some minor enemy AI issues that plagued the game, where enemy soldiers would get caught on scenery or fly in mid-air for no apparent reason.
With these issues addressed, Sniper Elite III Ultimate Edition provides the same stealth-based gameplay as its predecessor. As you sneak along the parameter of enemy outposts, soldiers will patrol the area either individually or in groups. When they are alerted to your prescience, they will take cover behind rocks and vehicles, and close in from all directions when they see a vulnerability.
Sniping a group of enemies will cause them to disperse and hide in different locations. Some will even retreat to buildings in the distance just to return fire shortly thereafter. But most importantly, they will circle around buildings (to sneak up on you), hide behind corners, and even play a ‘waiting’ game before attacking. Some soldiers will even take alternate routes in the level to catch you by surprise. If you’re not careful, enemies will follow you into cleared areas, especially if you’re fleeing from a fight.
The sniper mechanics are just as stable as they were in Sniper Elite III. The exhale function – which is performed by pressing in on the left analog stick – allows for deadly, and very accurate, sniper fire. An eye icon squints or opens to indicate your level of detection, and enemy soldiers have a circle meter over their heads to indicate their alert status. The game will sometimes recommend relocating to a new position if you attract too much attention. When you leave your current location, a ghost image will be left behind, indicating the area where enemy soldiers will search.
As mentioned earlier, the V2 X-Ray kill cam has been revamped to show the entire cardiovascular system and muscular system based on where the bullet enters your enemy. Most head shots are rewarded with up close footage of your enemy’s skull exploding into fragments, as their brain hemorrhages and separates in two from the trauma. The kill cam now also shows your sniper bullet penetrating the engines of moving vehicles. Like killing soldiers, the kill cam puts on an impressive display, as your bullet generates sparks and small explosions, as it scores its way through the vehicle’s engine block.
The levels expand in size the further you progress through the campaign. For example – the level Halfaya Pass with its rocky underpasses and abandoned buildings is one of the better levels for stealth. Later levels have you traversing through wide open vistas, where rocks and other debris are your only cover from enemy solders.
Ultimate Edition is a great release that’s worth picking up if you haven’t’ already purchased all the DLC for SE III. The improved enemy AI is worth the purchase alone, even just to play it without the in-game bugs. Plus, the revamped V2 kill cam, the relocation system, and improved AI compliment a series that has been steadily improving over the years. Next Gen gamers owe it to themselves to play Sniper Elite III: Ultimate Edition, especially if skipped out on last year’s release.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Playstation 4
Developer: 505 Games
Publisher: 505 Games
ESRB: M (Mature)
Price: $39.99
Sniper Elite III’s Official Website
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| Impressive next-gen graphics that take advantage of the Playstation 4's capabilities. | |
| Sound |  |
| Thanks to the V2 kill cam, we get to hear bones shattering and muscles tearing. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Solid sniping mechanics and precise controls. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Sniper Elite III Ultimate Edition is a vast improvement over last year's release. | |
