This series of articles will describe a few games we feel would make great next-generation makeovers for the new line of gaming consoles.
Sniper Elite, the first in our series of ten games, which could use a next-generation makeover. We will discuss the graphics, physics, music, sound, game play, multiplayer and controls and how they could receive a beautiful next-generation make over without ruining the real treat the original game offered.
The character death physics are accomplished professionally, especially when combined with amazing animations when you pull off a head or kill shot. However, we would love to see more special effects physics involving bodies falling through windows, off of vehicles and otherwise interacting with the environment around them.
Doom 3 is a good example of ambient sounds working in a game. You can set the mood and general feeling for the game with well placed ambient sounds. You do not need a professional music score to make a game fit its genre.
If you have not played Sniper Elite, it is worth the money. For those finding themselves tired of the WWII genre, this game stands out amongst the trendy World War clones. Sniper Elite has you think your way through levels and doesn't annoyingly repeat the same type of missions over and over.
Sniper Elite, the first in our series of ten games, which could use a next-generation makeover. We will discuss the graphics, physics, music, sound, game play, multiplayer and controls and how they could receive a beautiful next-generation make over without ruining the real treat the original game offered.
Sniper Elite
- Developer: Rebellion
- Publisher: Namco-Hometek Inc
- Xbox 360 Compatible:Yes
- Web Site: www.rebellion.co.uk
- Amazon: $8.68 used
"1945: World War II is drawing to a close and the Soviets and Nazi's are caught in a furious battle for Berlin. Taking the role of an American Sniper sent into the chaos of war-torn Berlin by the Secret Service, the player must complete a series of vitally important missions to thwart Soviet nuclear ambitions at the dawn of the Cold War."That is the premise of a wonderful game almost nobody played because it was another World War II era game among countless WWII games. This is a shame - it is a smart thinking mans game where "run and gunning" rewards you with death followed by more death.
Graphics
Beyond the high resolution textures and advanced models, this game could use more particle effects which have become standard in war games. Fire, debris, and other battle effects would be an added bonus to this title since the original game lacked any of these graphical touches.
Physics
The game has great bullet physics and this is where the game shines. Long range shots are difficult because of the life-like facts such as breathing, gravity, wind and enemy retribution. The game could offer more next-generation physics on clothing and tents, explosion physics for when you take out tanks and other exploding objects.The character death physics are accomplished professionally, especially when combined with amazing animations when you pull off a head or kill shot. However, we would love to see more special effects physics involving bodies falling through windows, off of vehicles and otherwise interacting with the environment around them.
Music
It is about time we see a WWII game with WWII era music which fits the scene. Steven Speilberg did this in Private Ryan in that scene before the final German invasion. The music was set in the right period, sounded great and was performed in French which sets the mood for the battle. While music in a sniper focused game wouldn't work in most cases, there are ambient sounds that can feel musical in nature.Doom 3 is a good example of ambient sounds working in a game. You can set the mood and general feeling for the game with well placed ambient sounds. You do not need a professional music score to make a game fit its genre.
Sound
Take a page from the Call of Duty hand book on WWII sounds. Battles are intense and crazy and the sounds enforce this intensity. The original game lacked many of the intense sound effects and really hurt its overall feeling.Game Play
While this title has great game play, there are a few key areas which could polish out a next-generation hit:- Nest Design: Build your own snipper next. This would be realistic and free users from standard sniping practices. A skilled snipper would no longer be all about first shot first kill.
- Covering Escapes: Smoke grenades to give cover if you need to escape, implement them correctly.
- Co-Op game play: The new standard in great next-generation online multiplayer. "Jump in Jump Out" like Gears of War, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) when friends are not available
- Advance Egress: More ways in and out of an area, windows, buildings, sewers, etc.
- Weapon Tweaks: Allow weapon modifications - something real snipers do.
Controls
The control scheme is solid, feel great, play great and really could not be improved. Some of the best next-generation control schemes are those left untouched. Gamers that love your game will become accustom to your control scheme. If it isn't broken do not fix it!Overall
If you have not played Sniper Elite, it is worth the money. For those finding themselves tired of the WWII genre, this game stands out amongst the trendy World War clones. Sniper Elite has you think your way through levels and doesn't annoyingly repeat the same type of missions over and over.
