Sniper Elite

As the Iron Curtain moved across Europe, you play a lone sniper charged with stopping the Soviets from acquiring deadly weapons in Sniper Elite.

Ever since Medal of Honor arrived, game developers have been re-waging famous battles of World War II, but Sniper Elite creates a fictional mission based on history that many may not be aware of. At the end of World War II, some U.S. generals--especially George S. Patton--wanted to take Berlin, not so much to swiftly end the war, but to keep the advancing Soviets in check. In the end, Allied troops stopped short of Berlin, and the Cold War set in for almost 50 years.

"An Iron Curtain Has Descended Across the Continent"
In the game, you play a member of the O.S.S. sent to Berlin in 1945 during the waning days of the European war to stop Soviet forces from acquiring hi-tech and nuclear weapon blueprints from the retreating Germans. However, your mission will force you to take on troops from both armies. This Sniper differs from others of its ilk in that it relies on slow, methodical movement, and precision pick-off skills, so Rambos and Master Chief Aficionados need not apply. Much of the time is spent crawling toward your objectives and staying out of the crosshairs of cleverly concealed enemy snipers, whose skill is equal to yours. A few non-sniping missions have been thrown into the mix for variety--such as demolition work.

Enemy Mine
Sniper does a commendable job of creating the bombed-out environments of the collapsing city of Berlin with effective visuals and matching soundtrack of random gunshots, screams, and incoming mortar fire. The hybrid first-person shooter and third-person gameplay mechanics are well served by the responsive controls. Some rough spots abound, however--most notably, an inconsistent frame rate on some missions, and lack of hand-to-hand combat. Plus, some enemies have goofy facial expressions after being hit by a "kill shot" that tracks in slow motion from the barrel of your rifle to the intended target. If you're prepared for the deliberate nature of its gameplay, Sniper Elite is a rewarding way to fight WWII from the comfort of your couch. Just keep in mind the prerequisite degree of patience.--Major Mike

KEY MOMENT: Watching your bullet travel in slow motion from the barrel of your rifle to your target's cranium.

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