It was only about two months ago when I was pleased to review CI Games’ latest Sniper Ghost Warrior release. Check out my review on PS4 Pro for more details, but last week, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 (SGWC2) landed on the PS5 in the form of an enhanced version, featuring the bells and whistles you’d expect as well as additional content. Let’s zoom in a bit and have a closer look.
As seen in my original review, I found SGWC2 to be an impressive and enjoyable sniping game. With mission design that encourages super long range killshots (1km+), lots of great gadgets like auto-turrets and drones, and a variety of difficulty settings and goodness, there’s a lot to like about SGWC2. For the PS5 release, all of that holds true, but you also get the benefit of customizable visual options, faster load times, DualSense controller features, and DLC that is available separately on PS4.
I thought the graphics were already pretty darn impressive on PS4 Pro, but the PS5 version is a good bit better. No, it’s certainly not a night and day difference, but there is a noticeable improvement, and the player has the ability to adjust the settings, too. The ability to custom the visual package is not too uncommon in these cross-generational games, but SGWC2 has more under the hood for discerning players to tinker with. That said, if you’d rather just check a box, you do have the standard option to just go with a preset Performance mode or a Resolution mode. In Performance, the resolution is reduced and the target is 60fps, which in my experience it seemed to accomplish most of the time. In Resolution mode, you’re going to be in 4K but anchored to 30fps; still, things sure look crisp, and when you’re trying to pick off enemies at massive range the extra res is a plus. However, besides these two modes, there is also a balanced mode that gives players the option to adjust things in that gray area in between Performance and Resolution. Something that maybe gives you a little less than full resolution, but you’re also seeing framerates well above 30fps. I wasn’t aware of what this tech was called, but it’s apparently from AMD and it’s known as FidelityFX Super Resolution — it’s a pretty exciting technology that should help gamers get the best of both worlds.
Snappier load times and a better visual package are all well and good, but I appreciate that CI Games went a step further to include haptic feedback with the PS5 version by leveraging the power of the DualSense controller. The first impression I got of this was when I started up the campaign and was doing the tutorial mission. When you go to take your shot, the right trigger of the controller tightens up, kind of simulating that two-stage military trigger feel of a real weapon — it’s a nice touch for a game that is promoting simulation elements. Haptic feedback is used in other areas of the game, but none as remarkable and game-changing as with the trigger pull.
Included DLC is always a plus in any kind of game re-release, so it’s nice that players get both the older Crossbow DLC and the second DLC known as Butcher’s Banquet. I have barely played either of these, so I can’t comment on their features or quality, but, that it’s included is certainly a plus.
At the end of the day, the upgrades from the PS4 version aren’t massive, but they are significant. If you’re looking for a solid sniping FPS on PS5, not only is SGWC2 you’re only choice, but also it’s a great one.
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