Just finished Metro 2033 Redux and starting up Metro: Last Light Redux.
Russians really can't be beat in post-apocalyptica and Metro really shines in that regard. As games go, it's very linear and has some pacing issues in the beginning, especially as you're being escorted around and never really get to mess around on your own. The atmosphere is just absolutely unbeatable though. The claustrophobic tunnels. The hectic pace of the fights and just knowing you have nowhere to go if you fuck it all up. Having to make sure you have the filters for your gas mask (and that you replace it if it gets damaged in combat, and for that matter ensuring you don't wear it needlessly for that very reason) and the sheer stress of having to wipe the blood and gore off it so you can even see the damn enemies in the first place.
The whole design of the weapons and UI is frankly brilliant. No need for an ammo counter when you can just look at the weapon to determine how much you have left. I also love the dual "ammo" function of pneumatic weapons as you need to both keep the actual projectiles and the pressure up. Having to hand charge your light and seeing it dim as you spend power is another nice touch.
Storytelling is a bit rushed and heavy-handed exposition, but that may just be me as I've read (and loved!) the books.
It's all surpassed by the sheer atmosphere though. I've never been so pants-wettingly afraid in an FPS before as I was skulking around the Library, staring down Librarians and very carefully trying to keep them in sight while moving around. (Dr Who fans will finally get to experience the terror of the weeping angels, I can tell you that much).
Graphics wise... well, the Redux versions are bloody gorgeous if you've got the computer for it. Especially Last Light. The lighting when you're wearing that gas mask is just unbelievably good. The character models and animation can be a little bit yesteryear, but I really don't have much to complain about. The games (again, especially Last Light) just look amazing. They really went all out on lighting here.
Overall, I can't recommend these games enough, if you don't mind a highly linear shooter with fantastic level designs and a truly oppressive tension permeating every solo venture you make.
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Topic: What other games are you playing? (Read 6848 times)