Sniper Elite is a game of tactical planning, bluff, chance and calculated risk taking. The Operation Kraken expansion adds to the choice and variety, bringing in two new maps – the open spaces of the Norman village and the confined spaces of the Super carrier – and adding new rules and equipment. If you like the Sniper Elite base game, then I would highly recommend the Operation Kraken expansion.
Game play
As with the basic game, the set up is simple. One side positions the defenders that guard their own distinct sections of the map, each with a leader with their own specialisation. The defenders can move around the whole map, but it is usually a good idea to keep teams covering distinct areas and in particular the objective spaces. Then the sniper chooses their starting location, equipment cards and begins their actions in secret. Turns alternate with the defenders trying to both protect the objective spaces as well as rooting out the sniper. Meanwhile the sniper has to reach both their objectives before getting shot twice or ten turns have been completed.
Tactical play
There is an element of luck with the objective card draw and the token draw for shooting, but with it is a fair amount of skill in the risk the sniper takes. Secrecy is the sniper’s best weapon to dash past defenders especially given how vulnerable they are and given the time constraints. Choice of equipment can matter and in addition to weapons you have small rocks to act as a distraction and sound masking to allow you to move further in secret.
As a defender I enjoy the deduction and planning, working as a team and celebrating as such with a win. As a sniper, I have the fun of hidden movement and subterfuge and when you win, it’s yours, alone.
Ultimately, it can be difficult for the sniper if the defenders guard the objectives well, especially if they have the medic in play to make it more difficult to remove the guards. If you focus on weapons and shooting you are more likely to get caught, try too hard to be hidden and you risk running out of time, focus too much on distracting the defenders and you may face a big challenge trying to move at speed if the defenders are tightly knit. My favourite specialisation is the Kennel master. Not only is it very thematic but once you get it set up it helps the defenders spread their net to catch the sniper.
Ultimately, if the sniper can trace a good path from one objective to another, it can still be challenging for the defenders to pin point the sniper’s location and then quite funny to reveal how the sniper moved past several guards at the end of the game.
Maps
The new Operation Kraken has two interesting maps. The Super carrier has new mechanics with ladders and air ducts to pass through as well as new equipment and it utilises confined spaces over three decks. It looks tricky and the spaces confined, but that’s the challenge and it looks good.
The Norman village has large sections of the map out in the open but at the same time it still has choke points into buildings. It also sees the introduction of vehicles as the defenders have two armoured cars to use on the roads. The open spaces offer more room for maneuver for the sniper but you still have a good challenge getting to the objective spaces and with just two in the yellow section, there is less for the defenders to protect.
Balancing act
I think overall there is a good balance between the layout and tactical options. Some aspects like location of objectives can make it tougher for the sniper if there are only two locations in a sector and with the gather intel action helping zoom in to where the sniper is, it can be easier to guard the objectives. However, making the objectives too easy to reach would render it too challenging to defend. The secret movement mechanics ultimately help the sniper so the need to sneak into tight spots and risk being caught and shot is a more balanced matter.
Quality of components
The maps are solid enough and good quality and the miniatures have enough detail that you could give them a paint if you so desire. The two armoured cars work well for the Norman village map and generally the components are good.
Limitations
I wouldn’t really say there is much to complain about. You could argue that the defenders have little to do except guess the sniper’s location and begin a search pattern. There is no equipment to collect, objectives to achieve, just guard those objectives and use spare defenders to home in on the sniper. It could be boring for some. On the up side though, this is a quick game and unlike some games which may need more detail and depth to make the game balanced and engaging, I don’t ultimately think it’s a problem with Sniper Elite in part due to the short game length.
As a defender it might get tight towards the end trying guess the sniper’s location, but even if I get it wrong, I still find it fun. As a sniper it can be frustrating trying to entice the defenders to leaving an opening, but then if you are clever you can always try looting for extra equipment.
Final thoughts
Overall, I find Sniper Elite to be an interesting challenge and the Operation Kraken expansion offers a good additional set of maps and new rules to continue this. It makes for a very replayable game. Each game is dependent on the objectives drawn, the disposition of the defence, the tactical choices made and given how quick a game can be, it is reasonable to play a few games in a games session and you could also have a tournament with players switching sides and taking turns as the sniper.
