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Metro 2033 Redux is an outstanding introduction for the series, capturing the claustrophobic nature of the Moscow metro and terrifying world above. The atmosphere is one of the game's strongest aspects, effectively conveying the fear and desperation that define the survivors' daily lives.
Adding to this atmosphere is the amazing ambient music that subtly raises the tension, keeping you alert throughout most of the play through. It’s impressive how the music plays into your sense of danger, ensuring you're always on your guard, no matter where you are. It’s one of those elements that enhances the experience in a way that sneaks up on you but works perfectly.
Graphically, this is where its age starts showing, even with the remaster. It’s not bad, but compared to more modern titles, it falls short. That said, the stations themselves are teeming with life and personality, which contrasts nicely with the bleak, dystopian surface. The mood and atmosphere are strong, even if the visuals aren’t as polished. Which is expected from a game that was remastered 10 years ago, made 14 years ago.
The story unfolds primarily within the confines of the metro, seen through Artyom’s eyes. The pacing, while slower at the start, gradually picks up in a way that becomes quite satisfying. As you progress, the game begins to sprinkle in moral choices that might influence the outcome, adding an element of personal responsibility. This slow burn approach allows you to become deeply invested in the world and the characters around you.
What helps keep things engaging are the different enemy types you face along the way. From mutants and bandits to mysterious anomalies and even aliens, there's always something new to challenge you. These encounters helped prevent the game from ever feeling too stale and repetitive.
Speaking of enemy types, I have mixed feelings when it comes to the weaponry. The selection is certainly diverse, offering everything from assault rifles and snipers to revolvers and shotguns. There’s also a deep level of customization, with options like adding silencers, extended mags, and different scopes. However, it felt a bit too good to be true from a lore perspective. Considering the grim reality of life in the metro, the weapon choices seem a little too... convenient? I haven’t read the books, so perhaps there's more explanation there, but I understand why they had to compromise for gameplay purposes.
In terms of gameplay, while it may show its age, the mechanics still hold up surprisingly well. The lack of a HUD adds to the immersion. It enhances the realism, making each encounter feel raw and unfiltered. The difficulty is also well-tuned, with easier modes offering accessibility while the higher difficulties provide a real challenge, perfect for the seasoned rangers of Moscow’s metro.
One thing I found refreshing is that there isn’t a single character I outright hated. Characters like Khan, Bourbon, and Miller are all written with a level of nuance that makes them feel like real people with distinct personalities, beliefs, and political ideals. Despite their differences, they’re all able to find common ground, whether for the sake of survival or for the greater good of the metro. This level of characterization adds depth to the narrative and makes each interaction feel yet more meaningful. It’s rare to find a game where even minor characters have such a strong sense of identity and purpose.
Still, what truly hit home for me was the bleak reality that hiding in the shadows of the metro felt safer than facing the outside world. It's a reminder of the brutal conditions these survivors endure, living with the knowledge that the surface, once a symbol of freedom, is now a hostile irradiated wasteland. From the start, you are invested in their struggles, and there's a strong emotional pull to help them, hoping that perhaps things will improve for Artyom and the survivors.
Overall, Metro 2033 Redux is an atmospheric masterpiece and a deeply immersive game that holds up really well despite its age. The pacing may have been too linear and takes some time to build, but once it does, the game offers a satisfying journey, compelling characters, and varied threats. It's a must-play for anyone looking for a story-driven survival experience, even if some elements of the weaponry feel a little too polished for the gritty world it's set in.
Metro 2033 Redux is a strong 7 or a weak 8 out of 10.