Ben-DutkaHey, remember when there were World War II shooters everywhere? Things have progressed in the industry, but developer Rebellion believes the setting remains intriguing to many and besides, Sniper Elite V2 isn’t an FPS. It’s a third-person shooter that looks to improve upon the 2005 Sniper Elite by offering a fresh sandbox style and a nifty mechanic known as the “Kill Cam.” We applaud any attempt at creativity and innovation so by default, we’re interested.
You will play as Karl Fairburne, a sniper in the US military who travels to Berlin a few years after WWII. Why? Well, the war may be over, but the US still wants to capture any information concerning the Germans’ storied V2 rocket program. This isn’t entirely new, as we’ve seen mention of the program in other games, including past Medal of Honor installments. But few, if any, have given you the open-ended exploring Rebellion’s project will boast. Plus, customization and preparation will be crucial.
It’s not just about sniping; Fairburne will also be equipped with standard weapons like a machine gun and pistol, so expect flashy firefights alongside stealthy sniping missions. There will be 11 missions in all, and every one of them will allow you to approach the various obstacles in various ways. Up to you, really. If you wish to play some defense, you can always set traps for patrolling enemies; trip mines could turn out to be your best friend when pinned down. If you’re getting frustrated, stand up and start spraying.
Obviously, though, the meat of the experience will center on a sniper’s finely honed skills. You’ll have to use the terrain to your advantage and take out your targets with a steady, tactical hand. A heart-rate monitor will tell you how calm Fairburne is; the slower his pulse, the steadier his aim. If he’s spotted and foes start firing in his direction, his heart rate will climb and as a direct result, his aim will become more difficult to manage. So be patient, select your targets in order, and hold your breath…
Last but certainly not least is the Kill Cam, which should definitely spice up the experience. When you perform a particularly difficult skill shot, the game pauses and goes into a slo-mo animation of the bullet traveling from your gun to the target. Then there’s the impact, which is pretty grisly; an x-ray image of the damage the bullet causes is the satisfying climax. So if you shatter the inside of a skull, you’ll see it. Of course, this won’t be a common occurrence; you’ll have to work for such up-close-and-personal culminations of your ability.
Sniper Elite V2 should be ready to go in the US on May 1.
