On the list of activities that could feasibly be described as "wholesome", sniping is probably close to the bottom. While I enjoy ventilating skulls from improbably long distances in games like Battlefield 6 and Wardogs, it wouldn't be the first activity that I would consider sharing with the family.
Which is why I so admire Sniper Dan's attempt to turn sharpshooting into a positive experience on both sides of the scope. Developed by Autonauts creators Denki, Sniper Dan smashes together hidden-object games and first-person shooting, and in doing so produces a surprisingly effective symbiotic relationship.
The loose premise sees Dan—a crack-shot armed with a hunting rifle and an entrepreneurial spirit, venture out into his local community hellbent upon projectile-based problem solving. Each mission is like a 3D, animated wimmelbilderbuch, scattered with dozens of people, animals, and inanimate objects which may or may not require bullet-based assistance.
In play, Sniper Dan couldn't be simpler. You spy a problem, shoot the problem, and solve the problem. What makes it interesting is the wacky array of problems that require your assistance. You might be asked to help blow away piles of leaves in the local park, open a jammed suitcase by shooting the lock, or plant a seed by blasting it into the ground, shooting the pile of soil to cover it, and puncturing the watering can to ensure the soil is sufficiently doused.
I took Sniper Dan for a quick spin this morning, and it's a straight up Good Time. You don't need to worry about things like bullet-drop or wind-direction as you might with more serious sniping simulators. Solving a problem typically rewards you with a daft animation and a handful of coins. You can spend these on upgrading your rifle or decorating your office with various cosmetic items. Amusingly, Dan also selects the items at a market stall by shooting them.
All told, Sniper Dan is a shockingly pleasant way to spend a Sunday. If you're tempted to pull the trigger on Sniper Dan, it's currently available at a 20% launch discount, which drops the price to $10.39 (£8.79). That discount ends on October 1.
