Sniper Dan for PC and consoles (Image: PQube)
It’s not often that you get a “family-friendly” sniper game, but that’s exactly how developer Denki describes brand new release Sniper Dan, which is out now on PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch. True to its description, Sniper Dan is a shooting game with a sense of humour, mixing Sniper Elite with Where’s Wally for a funny and unique hidden object game.
The premise is very simple and the action straightforward, as players use Dan’s sniper rifle to complete a series of jobs across multiple stages. The first stage, for example, sees Dan rake some leaves, unblock a fountain, and even help a couple take a selfie, all with his trusty sniper rifle.
Things start to get more complicated when you’re confronted with larger maps featuring dozens upon dozens of people and all manner of activity.
It took me absolutely ages to find a Happy Harbour resident with a peg leg that needed shortening, and don’t get me started on the person who needed rescuing from a lobster trap.
The job descriptions can also sometimes be a tad cryptic, requiring some small amount of reasoning alongside keen observation skills.
Visual clues can be purchased and used for when you’re really stuck, but it results in a lower score and earnings at the end of the mission. It also removes the satisfaction of finally spotting that elusive solution.
There are also emergency jobs that pop up every now and then, requiring Dan to act quickly in order to sort out a developing problem. I wouldn’t go so far as to call Sniper Dan a deep game, but there’s certainly more to it than you might think.
Indeed, beyond the standard jobs, you can also complete photography challenges, race against the clock and attempt levels with limited ammo. I found Time Attack particularly addictive, offering a nice change of pace from the more relaxing campaign.
On the flipside, and if you really want to waste some time, each stage contains a whole host of hidden items that could take you hours to discover.
Any money you make can be spent in the local market, purchasing upgrades and other fun modifications for your sniper rifle, as well as cosmetics for your office that often increase how much you earn in future missions. You even use your sniper rifle to make purchases, which I thought was a nice touch.
If all that wasn’t enough, Sniper Dan even has a selection of unexpected mini-games such as bowling and air hockey, although they’re more of a mixed bag and probably won’t keep you coming back for as long as the main game.
Sniper Dan is one of the most enjoyable hidden object games I’ve ever played, adding a fresh and funny twist to the classic formula. Whether you’re completing jobs, trying to beat your best time or responding to an emergency, the game is surprisingly dense and the action always addictive.
If you want a cozy game with a twist, then definitely give Sniper Dan a shot.
