Metro 2033 Redux! Now Released!

Metro 2033 is a survival horror game released in 2010, based off of the novel of the same name. It was well received by critics, and a sequel was released a few years later. Metro Last Light brought an improved engine, as well as many optimisations. The goal of Metro Redux is to graphically improve Metro 2033 while giving the gameplay enhancements provided by 2033's sequel. I say that Redux does it's job very well.

Everything has been changed in Redux; 4A has rebuilt 2033 from the ground up in the newest version of the 4A engine, and it shows. The intro videos and main menu screens have been redone, and the graphics options are the same as Last Light. It is also worth noting that the new engine brings the optimisations that Last Light had, so Metro Redux will run well and still look beautiful on old-ish or mid-tier rigs (I can run almost all settings on max, including PhysX, on 1 GTX 770).

When starting the game for the first time, you are given the option to choose your play style. Spartan gives you the action filled style that Last Light has, while still maintaining the basic survival horror feel. Survival stays true to 2033 in that ammo is limited, and stealth and ammo conservation are vital. Both modes can also be combined with Ranger, which limits the HUD - this makes the player more observant, while increasing difficulty and immersion. Note that there is no "Easy" mode, at least from what I have seen. I chose to play on Spartan Normal (action-feel, while keeping the HUD). All modes include the more forgiving stealth gameplay from Last Light, so stealth is a bit easier and more realistic.

The story remains the same, but there are improvements over the original, besides the graphics. Notes are in the world, which expand the story further. I found myself exploring areas looking for notes. The music has been improved, although it is a bit loud for my taste (this can probably be changed in a menu). The sound design is good, but I feel it could have been improved. YMMV, however.

To close, I wholeheartedly recommend Metro 2033 Redux to people who enjoy FPS games with tight controls and excellent mechanics. Although there are minor issues (some bad sound design, lack of an Easy mode), the graphics, optimisations, and added gameplay make this an easy recommendation over the original. If you are new to the Metro games, be sure to check out Last Light Redux.

Storm_. wrote:the only thing they change is graphics