Sniper Elite III
Overview -
When taken in the context of the first-person shooter, specifically the online component, the sniper class is viewed by many as "cheap" or the go-to for the dreaded, "camper." Yet, I'd make the case that even those who malign said class, find it infinitely rewarding to play as now and again. The sniper has made his way into many games, including two series' specifically devoted to his stealthy specialty. It's Rebellion's 'Sniper Elite' series that since it's inception in 2005 has amassed a tidy following with the original Xbox/PS2 version fetching a pretty penny on the secondary market. 2012's 'Sniper Elite V2' would bring the little underdog of a game series back into the forefront with a solid but not flawless single-player campaign and largely tacked-on multiplayer. With two games taking place in the familiar locales of the WWII Western Front (i.e. a lot of bombed out cities, bases, and countryside), 'Sniper Elite III' enters the fray taking not just the series, but the WWII game genre to a vastly unfamiliar territory: Africa. Dropping players into action as Karl Fairburne, a gravely voiced, stoic OSS officer; budding snipers will find themselves entering an entirely new realm set across eight distinct missions, opting for a more open-world feel to gameplay than either of its predecessors.
Video Review
Visually, 'Sniper Elite III' looks a good notch above 'Sniper Elite V2' but has a ways to go toward perfection. The environments are serviceable but can be more than tad bland. Color palette choices are logical and pleasing for the genre, but don't help the bland textures. Character models and animations aren't quite as fluid as desired and there's a healthy infusion of glitchy ragdoll physics (including enemies killed near the edge of a roof awkwardly bouncing on the ledge or getting stuck in the environment itself). The framerate of the game holds up admirably and sadly (or not depending on why you picked up the game), the X-Ray Kill Cam is the most consistent, visually accomplished element in the game.
Audio Review
Frustratingly simple in overall execution, the sound design of 'Sniper Elite III' just merely suffices. Effects are natural but not overly impactful and gun noise often sounds identical. The voice acting is either melodramatic (the enemy AI) or woefully disinterested (the main character). Holding it all together is a serviceable but generic war-themed soundtrack that does mix nicely into the chaotic action at times, but there's nothing hear to put your sound system to the test or add to the immersive nature of the game.
Final Thoughts
A huge improvement over the fun but flawed 'Sniper Elite' and 'Sniper Elite V2,' 'Sniper Elite III' is a welcome breath of fresh-air in the series and the WWII game genre. The trip to North Africa gives players environments unfamiliar and exciting, while the open-world approach to missions makes sure there's not just one right way to get things done. There's still a good deal of improvement left possible for the series, but the replay value of this outing, including the understated multiplayer system makes this a game worth checking out.
