Rebellion has announced the next chapter in its third-person stealth shooter series, Sniper Elite, taking a different approach by not continuing with numbered entries. During the Gamescom Opening Night Live pre-show, the developer revealed Sniper Elite Resistance, hinting at a fresh narrative direction. This new installment features Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent Harry Hawker, diverging from the usual protagonist, Karl Fairburne. Alongside the announcement, the developer provided a trailer to give fans a sneak peek into the upcoming game’s features.
In comparison to earlier news about the Sniper Elite series, the introduction of a new protagonist and the decision to create a parallel storyline to Sniper Elite 5 signifies a strategic shift for Rebellion. Previous announcements focused heavily on the advancements in gameplay mechanics and historical accuracy. The new direction reflects an attempt to keep the franchise fresh and engaging for both long-time fans and new players.
Parallel Campaign and New Protagonist
Sniper Elite Resistance’s campaign runs concurrently with Sniper Elite 5, featuring Harry Hawker. Hawker uncovers a powerful Nazi Wunderwaffe, posing a significant threat to the Allied forces. The storyline focuses on his mission to thwart the enemy’s plans, introducing a new layer of intrigue and strategy. This narrative shift aims to provide a fresh perspective while maintaining the series’ core elements of stealth and tactical gameplay.
Enhanced Gameplay Features
The game promises a standalone campaign, bringing back the popular Invasion mode and offering enhanced multiplayer options. These features are designed to deliver a comprehensive gaming experience, ensuring players have multiple ways to engage with the game. The inclusion of new and returning modes aims to cater to a wide audience, from solo players to those seeking competitive and cooperative multiplayer experiences.
Release and Accessibility
Sniper Elite Resistance is slated for a 2025 release, available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC through Steam, Epic Games Store, and Windows Store. Notably, the game will be accessible via Game Pass on its launch day, broadening its reach. This availability on diverse platforms ensures that a wide range of players can access the game, reflecting Rebellion’s commitment to inclusivity.
The decision to introduce a new protagonist and parallel campaign indicates a significant evolution in the Sniper Elite series. By shifting focus to Harry Hawker, Rebellion aims to refresh the narrative while retaining the tactical depth the series is known for. The inclusion of enhanced gameplay modes suggests that the developer is keen on providing varied and engaging content to its player base. The broad platform availability and the Game Pass inclusion further emphasize Rebellion’s strategy to make Sniper Elite Resistance accessible to a diverse audience. This move could potentially attract new players while retaining the franchise’s loyal fanbase, setting the stage for a promising addition to the Sniper Elite legacy.