Sniper Elite V2 had its problems, but the seemingly never-repetitive killcam, which gruesomely detailed entry wounds in painful slow motion, giving us a comprehensive look at ever bone break and skin laceration suffered, would – rather cheaply – remain the game’s strongest appeal.

Sniper Elite 3 screenshotSniper Elite 3 - pic: Rebellion

Of course, that killcam is back, and with a new African setting and an open-world map, Sniper Elite 3 looks to build upon V2’s limited success with a new chapter in the Sniper Universe. But what do the critics think?

“The package as a whole is still very much a rough diamond, but it's a definite improvement over its predecessor. The gruesome kill-cam remains a deliciously wrong thrill and the unifying force that holds the game together, but it's doubtful that it would be enough to paper over the cracks in a fourth game without a major overhaul of the AI and physics code,” writes Dan Whitehead for Eurogamer in his 7/10 review. “Even with its flaws, though, Sniper Elite 3 is a solidly enjoyable mid-tier action game. It may not hit the bullseye, but it's getting closer with every shot.”

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“Glitchy level geometry and the gung-ho tone render it a touch too charmless to rank as one of the great B-games, but it competently delivers on its premise. With each level supporting multiple different approaches past its idiotic guards, and stuffed with collectibles you'll easily overlook amid the drab design, it could easily soak up those long days waiting for the next XBOX One release. You'll know that you could be doing better things with your time, but you probably won't mind,” says Total Xbox editor, Jon Hicks, giving SE3 a 6/10. 

Following the trend of ‘good, but not great’, Dan Lee for The Sixth Axis writes: “There’s a good amount of enjoyment and a fair old challenge to be found with Sniper Elite 3. Those who are after more than just another run-and-gun game will do well here, and the inclusion of two player co-op is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately the game is dragged down slightly by the number of glitches, which somewhat ruin the immersion. Still, if you’re after something both tactical and brutal, this is well worth a look.”

So, you get the picture: Sniper Elite 3 isn’t the finest game ever made, and it probably won’t win any awards. But if you’re looking for a decent co-op option, or even a new drinking game – whisky for a testical shot, or whatever – then this WW2 sniping game might be the WW2 sniping game for you.