2.5.2018

Sniper Elite 4 follows on from 3 in much the same way, but definitely feels more polished. If you have played the franchise before you will already know the joy of seeing your bullet go through a German’s skull in the 3D Kill Cam (more on this later) but if you are new to the franchise, you can play this as a standalone game in its own right – and it’s great fun.The closest game to this in terms of gameplay is probably Metal Gear Solid – which is no bad thing. Most definitely a game of stealth, but you can also go in all guns blazing, although rarely live to tell the tale! The setting is WWII, and you are a covert operative working behind the lines for SOE (Special Operations Executive)in occupied Italy 1943.The graphics are lovely – not on a par with Horizon Zero Dawn or The Last of Us, but nevertheless very nice and immersive, there’s definitely an authentic wartime vibe to the whole game, which gives it a strange (but great) nostalgic feel. The cut scenes are quite short, with the main emphasis on giving a bit of background on the mission(s), and targets you need to eliminate – which could be a radio operator, flak gun emplacement, or the assassination of a high ranking Nazi officer (amongst others)The missions do vary, but essentially amount to the same thing – kill or destroy targets by any means available. This could be by sniping, explosives, traps or mines, a calculated full frontal assault and even hand to hand combat – the latter being particularly brutal. All will work, but it pays to consider your approach and calculate the risks. This is the part where I think the game really comes into its own, and you’ll soon develop a play style that suits you. Personally, I like to find an elevated position, and reduce the numbers by sniping. Then sneak around picking off individuals with my combat knife, and mopping up the survivors with my sub machine gun – when the odds are better stacked in my favour. Of course you can mix this up in any way you like, and can change tactics for each region you go to, which keeps the game fresh. Yes, it does get a bit samey in terms of objectives and what you need to do, but by mixing the play style up and approaching with different weapons, it doesn’t get boring.The AI is actually very good, and on the Hard setting they are quick to respond to incoming fire, and their return fire is accurate and unforgiving. You have an indicator to show if you have been compromised (yellow if they are alerted or looking for you, and red when you have been seen or they are in pursuit). If they are after you (red), they will not stop until you are killed or have exfiltrated the area and hidden. You also have to consider things like ammunition, and first aid supplies – a few times I have had to hide for some time and sneak between buildings to avoid being killed due to having no ammunition to fight with, which just adds authenticity and realism to the game.But one of the best things about the game, as gruesome as it is, is the 3D kill-cam. When you take a successful shot, the game switches to following your bullet through the air and its impact when it hits the German soldier in graphical 3D x-ray vision, so you can see your bullet smashing his lower jaw’s teeth in and exiting the back of his skull in a haze of blood and bone. It’s grisly, but really adds to the game and is a trademark of the franchise – I love it! The same kill-cam is also shown on successful trap detonations and silent hand to hand takedowns, like smashing his nose into his brain! If this sort of thing makes you squeamish, then this game is not for you.You can level your character up by gaining XP, and you can earn skill points by completing missions and side missions. I would say that this is a weaker element to the game – not that it’s bad as such, it just could do with a bit more thought and padding out. The weapon selection isn’t extensive, and each time you choose a new weapon you need to start from scratch in building up your experience of that weapon. Again, this is realistic, but it feels like it doesn’t develop as quickly as it should and the upgrading mechanisms feel a bit tagged on rather than thought through. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t detract from the games enjoyment, but I feel they missed a trick a bit here.Each level also has accomplishments to try and achieve, but strangely these are not made clear until after the level is completed – so if you manage to accomplish one, it’s generally by accident or coincidence rather than by specifically setting off to do so. You can of course check what they are online before starting each region, but it seems odd that they are not made clear before you start off. Have no idea why this is the case!All told though, this is a great game if you like stealth gameplay and you can sink many enjoyable hours into it.PROSAuthenticity in terms of tactics, approach and settingGood and responsive AI which makes you plan your attacks with care and considerationThe 3D Kill Cam is massively enjoyableStealth mechanics are very realisticGameplay can be mixed up to keep it freshCONSSkill Tree and Upgrades could be much better (although not a deal breaker)Can feel a little linear in placesLevel accomplishments are hidden until after the level is completed – why?!!SUMMARYA great game well worth the money, but some aspects could do with a bit of padding out hence 4 rather than 5 stars. For £20 quid though, it’s an absolute no-brainer and a lot of fun, so I would definitely recommend it. I play it regularly and it also has re-play value so you can go back to it at a later date and try different approaches,

2.3.2017

This is a stealth game almost at the same level as Metal Gear Solid V. It is superb. It is 100% immersion from the first minute of the first amazing mission on Cellini Island.The choice of Italy in WW2 is a masterstroke. The settings are stunning - these are the best maps I've played in an open world game. They're huge but comprehensible, and it is a joy to replay the huge levels from different strategic angles, constantly discovering something new. My average playtime for each of the 8 maps was 2.5 hours to complete the objectives. Wow.The writing is good - the plot is a nice simple hook about missile production which joins everything together logically, but the details in the world building are excellent.

16.2.2017

Great game. Takes what was good about the last game and improves on it which to many will seem lazy but as an avid fan of the sniper elite series, sniper elite 4 feels like a huge leap forward for the franchise.The game feels very polished and graphics are decent, although not much improvement in the visuals from the last entry.One big improvement which is instantly noticeable for people who played sniper 3 to death is the character movement. Gone is the awkward, clunky controls and in its place is a lot smoother system which is faster and a lot more responsive than its predecessor.The new polished movement mechanics also now includes melee take downs which I think was something the last game

4.3.2017

A very fun and endearing game. As the title suggests, you are a sniper in WWII Italy, so rifles are the main tools of the trade, however you do have access to other weapons such as pistols, explosives and sub-machine guns. The gruesome X-Ray kill camera from the previous two S.E. games makes a return, and this time melee killing and shrapnel is included.This is primarily a stealth game, requiring you to be patient and choose your kills carefully, relocating after each shot in an effort to keep the enemy from discovering your position. You can subvert this however by waiting for a sound mask, such as a passing plane or artillery gun firing.The missions are very large and fairly open world,

14.2.2017

So. Another shooter. What's different about this compared to some other games?Location: Italy and the Mediterranean is stunning.Slow motion camera: shoot to the lung or head to kill or aim to maim the enemy with a toe shot.60 frames per second and locked. Probably the most refreshingly smooth shooter I've played since halo original on Xbox. The graphics on this are great - 10/10 and somehow it's an amazing frame per second also. To say this game is polished is an understatement. Many games released could learn from this.Co-op. There's a dedicated co-op section on the main menu. No more fumbling around trying invite a mate but have a private match, or an offline go-op match but no other random joining.

14.3.2017

Just like Sniper 3 this is an excellent game. Certainly a bigger environment to wander around. Graphics and sound are very good, as you would expect. As you kill the enemy they drop their weapons which you can swap but didn't see much point as they are not better than what you have which I though a bit strange. A bit of a twist at the end all adds to a must have game if you like this genre. Certainly a must if you have played Sniper 3. If you haven't don't worry as its not compulsory. I have read some reviews that say it's a 10 to 12 hour game. Well it would just about be if all you did was concentrate on just achieving you goal.

22.7.2017

I've only played SE 3 before but I found 4 improved in lots of ways. Better campaigns, better graphics, more aggressive AI and a few other enhancements.I'm playing on a PC but no way to leave a PC review on Amazon as they're not selling it (no idea why, bought my PC version in the recent Steam Summer Sale).What could be better? Perhaps this is possible in a different setting but I'd prefer the map not to advise me of the position and alert status of the enemies as this makes it too easy to either avoid them or to set up an ambush with a mine or booby trap a body. There is no similar system in combat so why do the game designers provide it in this game? I'd prefer to blunder into an enemy (if I haven't been able to spot him before).

29.4.2017

I like video games, a lot, but I am not too good at them. I am middle aged and online gaming is a nightmare, as what I assume are youngsters, with far faster reactions, shoot me long before I see them. So it is very refreshing indeed to have a single player game with all the fun of the online shooters, but on the easiest setting, I get to win, but there is enough of a challenge to keep me really interested. I have played the game through and every level is a highlight. The graphics are excellent and very detailed, with the famous gore shots adding to the satisfaction of each hit. The levels are well designed and there is plenty to do and explore as you sneak around bumping off the bad guys (& saegulls).

28.10.2020

Well I bought this after waiting a while for price to come down as wasn't 100% sure on the game. But wow this is a fun game. As others have said you can pick it up and put it down easily as the save point system is pretty frequent, even being killed has minimal progress loss, if any. You have complete freedom with mission objectives. The controls are fluid and responsive and environments are very well crafted. Enemy AI on standard difficulty are a good challenge, sniping is aided by amber/red scope indicators to hint at when to pull trigger but you have to select the range adjuster after scoping targets with binoculars. Harder difficulties steepen the challenge significantly, removing hand holding,

14.2.2017

The gameplay for me takes a twist as the levels are longer than in the 3rd instalment there are more reinforcements of the enemy than ever before but what would be a nice idea for the 5th instalment would be to show signs on the compass where you have left your Trip Mines etc just so you can be certain that the enemy is going to walk & or run on it & not go home for Christmas.I also like the fact that given this games has sold millions around the globe its still stays the same style no big shot graphics like BF4 which are good dont get me wrong I just the way the maker of the game have preserved the series innocence.I am surprised that this is only out on next gen a lot of people cant afford

6.5.2017

I have played all the titles in this series, and this one keeps up the superb trait.The graphics are beautifully rendered, the play/movement is really smooth. The classic 'kill-cam' shots are as usual fantastic in all their gory detail. The play/AI I think is superb, and only adds to the whole feel and experience when playing. I think there has been an improvement in the AI, and this only adds to what in my opinion is a great game. You have to think and plan your way through levels, as the AI can very easily scupper what you thought was an easy shot or take-out.Sold Out has created another great game, with hours of fun sneaking/hiding/planning and executing that 'perfect'

19.2.2017

This looks and feels like the real deal to me. The previous games werent quite there but this has finally nailed it!The graphics are seriously immense, even for a ps4 pro-intended title. The levels are open and allow you to enjoy your own style of gameplay with no time limits or any rush required. This gives you time to admire the beautifully realised Italian backdrop.If patience is your thing, then this is for you. It offers the perfect contradiction to today's instant ready COD run-and-gun gameplay.The AI is a little sketchy at times but it is a marked improvement on previous titles and isn't enough to negate my review from 5 stars.Can't recommend this game enough.

30.11.2017

I have been a fan of the SE series for some time and the online co op is my main draw. Having friends overseas, the ping time on a co op campaign is less of an issue as you would have on may other multiplayer games. The game feels familiar but there are enough tweaks and improvements to let you know its more than an extension of SE 3. The Graphics are improved with large maps and the way the sunlight plays through the trees is a great touch. I find the AI has been an upgrade as well, now they are not as predictably dim as before. The go for cover well, and stop less, making the head shot a bit more challenging.Its been fun so far.

16.4.2017

Good game but don't be fooled into thinking it's a creep and shoot game it isn't unless you want it to be. I completed it within a week and that included the DLC mission that came with the game. I'm no hardcore gamer I was playing an hour a day or whenever time let me.If stealthy game are your thing then you will like it and if not you will still like it I found that you can still charge in all guns blazing and still win.My problem is that I'm used to sandbox games and this isn't one you have to follow a linear path and you cannot deviate from it. Having said they I do love the kill cam effect and never got tired of it.

16.2.2017

Its definitely a big improvement on Sniper Elite 3 but still, not quite perfect.The first thing you will notice is that the maps are huge with more than one route through giving a slight sandbox feel... which is welcome because they have been far too linear in the past. They're are still bugs and the AI still isnt quite there but its a load better than it was in SE3.Overall though the game feels better and you can tell they are going in the right direction with the design and programming, which is expected because Rebellion have had three attempts at perfecting there unique sniper simulator.Four out of five... Ace.

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