Sniper Elite 3 has jank, but its still the best open world(ish) sniping I've ever played, and is a tremendous improvement over the overly scripted but promising Sniper Elite V2 in every way. Part of the allure is how hardcore it is by the fact that unlike many open games with sniping elements you don't have a
silenced sniper rifle, so you have to be smart about both maintaining stealth and going loud as the needs require. SE 3 also provides for a lot more player choice in how to tackle each objective and whether to tackle certain objectives at all.
Play it on full realistic mode without assists (though I personally kept the option to save the game mid-mission and only used it at checkpoints) and you'll have something very unique to tickle your inner sniper.
Patience. Setup. Have an evasion plan. Utilize distractions and exploit concealment through environmental audio and set up traps in case things go sideways, but you have a limited supply of ammo and support items, so plan ahead and resupply on the field as you can. When everything is ready, line up the shot, accounting for distance and range and the qualities of your particular rifle. Exhale. Hold. Take the shot. Take a second one if needed but at great risk. Relocate.
And every shot is meaningful and fucking dramatic. Yes, this is the game behind that gif of the slow motion rifle shot through a nazi's testacles. Splooch.
Its also got full co-op support in the campaign, has multiplayer versus modes and solo and co-op survival.
Games that improve on their potential this much deserve praise, especially when they're offering something different and challenging with room to experiment and get your tactics on.
