Posted on 21 Feb 2017 by Kyle Johnson

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3

The Defence

Developer: CI Games
Publisher: CI Games
Genre: Action, Shooter
Platform: Consoles, PC
Review copy: No
Release date: 04 Apr 2017

The Prosecution

Minimum
OS: Windows
CPU: Intel Core i5 3.5 GHz
AMD FX 3.9 GHz
VGA: Nvidia GeForce 660
AMD Radeon HD 7850
RAM: 8 GB
HDD: 50 GB
DirectX: 11
Controller: Partial
Mod Support: No
VR: No
FOV Slider: No
FPS Lock: 120+

I am a terrible sniper, and an even worse ghost. As it would happen, I do alright as a warrior, though. Such was my discovery in the beta weekend for Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3. Developed by CI games, the developers of previous entries in the series, and also the action-fantasy tale Lords of the Fallen, this is the first Ghost Warrior game in four years, and the first for modern consoles.

Moving away from the fantastic-yet-fictional nature of the previous games, Ghost Warrior 3 squarely places you within the hills of the Caucasus state Georgia, with a conflict more than likely inspired by the Russo-Georgian War from 2008. Even though we were only treated to two missions in the beta, nonetheless, there’s much to talk about, and much to be impressed by.

Evaluate then execute.

As it stands, Ghost Warrior 3 represents the first AAA development effort in the series from CI Games, and the product clearly reflects that. Moving away from a linear progression of missions as was the case in previous games, Ghost Warrior 3 adopts an open-world strategy, peppering the landscape with villages, husks of armored vehicle columns, abandoned apartment blocks, and more. Making use of vehicles and fast travel points to traverse the countryside is a necessity, but in doing so one will miss various “points of interest,” which could be crafting resources, enemy patrols, or parts for more unlockable sniper rifles.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an open-world game without crafting, but instead of building bases, players will be crafting weapons and customizing them as they see fit. Though the beta only allowed access to three sniper rifles, three assault rifles, and two sidearms, each allowed for a number of different attachments and ammunition types for each and every combat situation one might find themselves in. There were also a number of gadgets and grenades available for use, but the most useful tool by far was a remotely operated scouting drone, which you use to mark objects of interest and enemy soldiers.

Home is where the weapon cache is.

Above all this, however, is the gameplay. The Ghost Warrior series has always prided itself on offering a number of ways to kill your enemies, and Ghost Warrior 3 is no different. No matter whether you choose to snipe your enemies from afar, assassinate and take them down as a ghost, or blast through, guns blazing, every action you undertake during missions earn you experience in a skill tree, which can then be used to further enhance your abilities. These abilities vary from tree to tree, but it’s a nice feeling of constant progression, without feeling overpowered.

At the end of the day, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 reminds of a mix of the Far Cry series in its environments, and Metal Gear Solid V with its open-world tactical play and sniping. Sure, you have the option of blasting your way through safehouses and enemy outposts, but it’ll more often than not get you killed. Wreaking havoc with grenades, misdirection, and a mix of ranged and close-quarters combat is far better for your sanity and success rate. With any luck, we’ll see more environments in the full game release, but for now, it’s safe to say that Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 is shaping up to be the best entry in the series yet.

Comments (1)


Posts: 9
Michael
Posted 13 Mar 2017, 23:49
I think that is would be unfair to compare SGW 3 to previous parts of the game. I mean CI Games has grown so much and this game will be their first 'AAA' title (maybe accept LOTF) Also the game has been delayed so developers will have more time to polish the game