While the Xbox 360's hardware held back the original Metro 2033 and the PC version required a high-end rig, the power of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has allowed developer 4A Games to take another crack at executing the experience the team originally envisioned.
Metro Redux contains both Metro 2033 Redux and Metro Last Light Redux, and first we'll take a look at the former.
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Metro 2033 is a survival-horror shooter based on the novel of the same name by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. The game places the player in post-apocalyptic Russia, wherein the surface is decimated and most survivors live in the relative safety of the nation's metro system. You play as Artyom, a young man initially tasked with delivering an important message about his home station's dire situation. The threat from mutated beasts is growing rapidly, and the small militia is ill-equipped to deal with the attacks much longer--help from larger forces is needed.
In the metro, resources in general are scarce and high caliber ammunition is used as currency. Regular ammo for your weapons comes at a premium, and venturing to the destroyed fallout-ridden surface requires a mask, which needs filters to operate effectively. These filters only work for a certain amount of time before you begin to suffocate, so a sufficient stock of them is needed to live through your excursions above ground.
A unique take on a post-apocalyptic world--no doubt one of the most frequently used settings in games and film--combined with a tense, well-defined atmosphere and constantly shifting gameplay segments come together for a very memorable experience. If Artyom's overarching tale (each individual section is well-made and enjoyable) had a bit more depth and development, I'd be much more willing to name this among the best games I've ever played.
In fact, despite the issues, it's still in the running--especially when compared to other shooters. There is a feeling that the series has gone somewhat overlooked, but Metro 2033 Redux--which comes closer to a deliberate labor of love than a simple HD upgrade--is highly recommended.
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Metro Redux is an HD remake of both Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Metro 2033 released in 2010 for Xbox 360 and PC, while Last Light launched in 2013 for PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and PS3. The remastered games are available to purchase together on PSN, Xbox Live, and PC digital stores as Metro Redux for $49.99, or separately as individual titles. The product was reviewed on PS4 using a download code provided by publisher Deep Silver.
