Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 (PS5) Review

Although arriving a bit later than expected, with the goal of the PS5 upgrade landing date and date with the PS4 version - Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 arrives in stunning form to the current generation. It offers a cleaner visual palette, better resolution, and some very enjoyable DualSense additions. This is the definitive version of the game, and one could argue the best in the series.

The PS5 upgrades are the reason you can recommend it. You'll find the 'Elite Edition of the game right out of the box. Along with the tech upgrades, you'll also have access to the large 'Butcher's Banquet' DLC. It's not as cool as it sounds, but it's worth checking out if you are already a part of the campaign. There are a few more primary targets and a new area to explore in order to collect the all-important collectibles. You also have a few extra bounties. Although it's quite straightforward when it comes DLC, let's face the truth, pulling off a slow-mo shot to the skull of an unfortunate soldier never gets old. This is especially true in 4K.

This edition has significantly improved loading times. However, don't expect instantaneous loading from 'first-party'. Third parties still have a lot to learn about the lovely SSD in the PS5. They're still quite good, so it's hard to complain. It's easy to jump in and out of the game, as well as the main menus. Loading from the Game Card menu on the PS5 takes around fifteen seconds. Although it is difficult to complain, it is frustrating that developers continue to ignore the SSD's capabilities elsewhere.

The Elite Edition includes the anticipated DualSense enhancements and they are not disappointed. The Elite Edition's DualSense additions are primarily focused on haptic feedback. Feeling the crunch of slow-mo is an amazing treat. Each shot will feel the pressure of your trigger and you'll be able to tell when you're hit.

You won't find a third-party doing more with DualSense than you do. Perhaps we're spoiled by Astro's Playroom and Ratchet & Clank, but other than the first-party features, there isn't much to compare. Contracts 2 can't even match the power of what the controller can create. There's only so much you can do in a Sniper, but the weaponry and proximity explosions are what make it all worthwhile. You can incorporate the terrains that you encounter or use it as a navigation tool to find collectibles. It is still a little too limited in third-party uses of this controller. I hope that this will change over time.

CI Games has taken full advantage here of the additional power and resolution. Visual options like 60 frames per seconds are now standard. This is locked to a 2K resolution. There's also a stunning 4K resolution option. Although 60 FPS is fine in a game like this that requires pin-point accuracy, it is hard to argue that 4K/30 is the more natural way to play. In the beginning levels, I was able to switch between them and found that the visuals were less cluttered. Bravo to CI Games, for bringing their A game to this upgrade. Each level bounces off of the screen beautifully.

This is a personal decision. You may not be able to go back after you have played the game 60 times (hi Miles Morales!). However, I discovered my preferred resolution early on and was very satisfied with it. Contracts 2 is an amazing game. If you have the right setup, it's worth investing in the 4K resolution option.

The balanced mode is often overlooked in the sea of performance and resolution terms. Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 includes AMD's FSR technology (FidelityFXSuper Resolution), which is the first time that a PS5 title has this technology. You can choose between high presets and performance by sliding a slider. The higher you move towards performance, the faster the framerate will be. The opposite will happen if you move towards Ultra-High.

The majority of the new additions, except for the slow loading times, are welcomed to an already solid shooter experience. There isn't much else on PS5 that can match what's available here. The Elte Edition offers a lot of enjoyment and additional DLC. It's a worthwhile upgrade and worth the investment.

Never was shooting dudes in balls so crispy.