Platform(s): PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Genre: FPS, Sniper Simulator, Stealth

That headline perfectly encapsulates what Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 is about. I’m sure that anyone who’s even interested in this game has a fantasy of being a badass deadeye sharpshooter expert. If that’s all you want, then this game definitely delivers in spades, but nothing much else.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Sniper

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 is a modern warfare FPS set in the Middle East. Players assume the role of a protagonist named Raven, who’s basically just there to sound edgy all the time and spew out one-liners, like any movie action hero since the 80s. The story is pretty rote and typical for any game like this, and you’re probably in it just for the sniper fantasy.

What distinguishes this entry from past games in the franchise is that enemy targets can now be located over a whopping 1000 metres away for the first time ever. That’s incredibly far, and the best part of it all is the slow-motion cinematic camera sequence which activates every time you manage to hit a headshot or a nice kill from a distance. The camera follows the bullet in slow-mo, ending with a load of blood and even heads freaking exploding. It’s very graphic and gory.

Playing into the fantasy of being a sniper, the game encourages a stealthy approach and sneaking around. The cycle in each map and mission is this; go to the objective and locate enemies with your binoculars, before killing them any way that you want to. You can even go guns blazing in if you want to, or stealth kills enemies with close-quarter combat and knives one by one like you’re Solid Snake.

The maps allow players to free roam and complete any objective (or contract) in any order they so wish. There’s always one main objective, as well as several side ones and even hidden ones (like special bounties and the like). There are a total of five massive maps in the game, and objectives can be anything from destroying satellite antennas or killing specific targets. The size of the maps also means that players can’t really rush through the game.

Just like a real sniper, you’ll need patience and a keenly observant eye of the environment around you. Basically, you just need to find a relatively decent and safe place to shoot from, since enemies are often far away. If they come close, you’ll still have other weapons to blow them away with, like assault rifles, pistols, shotguns, and even unique gadgets like drones and automatic turrets that can be set up.

Completing objectives and contracts will net you money, which can be used to buy more weapons, gadgets and stuff to customize them with. You can customize your weapons with multiple scopes, barrels, and the like. If you’re a gun enthusiast, it will certainly be enjoyable for you.

Unfortunately, the objectives and contracts can end up feeling same-y after several hours in, as you’re basically just moving from objective to objective and sniping enemy targets. If you’re not really into the fantasy of being a sniper, things can get old really fast.

Hawkeye

That’s basically all there is to Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2. If you prefer more explosions and action, you should probably look for other more action-heavy FPS games. This is a great sniper simulator if you’ve ever wanted to be a slick deadeye yourself.

Pros

• Great sniper simulator.
• Slow-motion cinematic cam follows bullets, resulting in visceral kills.
• A variety of weapons and special gadgets like drones to utilize.
• Massive maps to explore.
• Objectives/contracts can be completed in any order.

Cons

• Contracts end up feeling pretty much too similar
• Missions lacking in variety.

Review copy provided by CI Games. Played on PS5.

Final Score: 60/100