I’ve always enjoyed open world games for the most part, especially those that do stealth well. And when I heard of Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 going open world, I was really excited. The trailers were interesting, and the game looked really promising. The good thing is that when it comes to the gameplay, Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 offers some really fun and engaging options. Sadly, a bland open world and some technical issues (significantly fewer post patches) hold it back from realizing its true potential.
If you’ve been playing any of the big recent open world shooters, then Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 will make you feel immediately comfortable. Maybe even too comfortable, since the game hesitates to deviate from the well trodden path or innovate in a way to establish its own identity. Luckily, the gameplay itself feels tight and enjoyable, and the mission structure is actually really well done.
You play as Jonathan North, who is headed to to Georgia to help fight the local Separatist cells, with a personal agenda of seeking out a previously lost brother. Soon enough, you’re caught in a plot that gradually reveals more sinister happenings underfoot. It’s interesting enough, especially dues to the previously mentioned mission structure. You meet an ex-lover, infiltrate a wedding, and eliminate members involved in international conspiracies. It’s an interesting plot, fleshed out even further in the DLCs.
The game is fairly standard for open world shooters, but it’s done well and plays well. You’ll be clearing outposts, rescuing locals, gathering collectibles, resources and intel. Even the main missions have some side objectives attached to them, and give you more reasons to branch out further into the open world.
Sniping feels great, it’s tactical and thoughtful. You’ll be scouting out locations and will need to understand enemy placements to take advantage of weakness. You have a interesting arsenal of weapons and gadgets at your disposal. This doesn’t mean that the game locks you to stealth or sniping. Instead, you are encouraged and rewarded for however you choose to play. You can be a Sniper, a Ghost or a Warrior – ie. snipe, kill enemies up close or go guns blazing.
The setting of Georgia is what can be seen as something of a missed opportunity. The world looks rather bland, and not just because of the low textures, but also some pretty mediocre lighting and art direction. There were very few ‘vistas’ to take in, or distant locations that would draw your attention. Everything looks pretty plain, making the exploration feel less compelling. Some of the more contained mission areas do look much better, mostly because of the greater degree of attention given in designing them.
There were initial launch issues like lengthy load times, and some bugs, but most of them have been patched out with prior updates.
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 is a really enjoyable open world shooter if you try to focus on the main story and missions. Once they have you hooked, it’s easier to overlook some of the game’s flaws.
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