Having released just last year, Metro: Last Light does not inherently benefit from a remastering as much as its predecessor, Metro 2033. Nonetheless, the game has been remade as one half of Metro Redux, and does gain improved resolution and framerate on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One--this is the best version of the title on consoles to date.
We've already posted our review of Metro 2033 Redux, which is enhanced hugely by both the graphical upgrade and introduction of features borrowed from its sequel. Below is our review of the remastered Metro: Last Light Redux.
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The plot of Metro: Last Light picks up where Metro 2033 left off, again placing you in the shoes of Artyom following the world-changing events of the first game. The title benefits from the structure of Redux--it feels more like playing through one long story, with Last Light a continuation of the events that took place in 2033, rather than two separate games. The fact that the features and graphics are now shared evenly across the titles only enhances this feeling, and the Metro experience is better for it. There isn't much need to detail the specifics again: everything great about the well-crafted atmosphere and enjoyable gameplay of 2033 Redux holds true in Last Light, and that alone makes it worth playing.
This review focuses mainly on the narrative's issues, but that does not imply Last Light is a poor game. Rather, it's a byproduct of already having praised the core of Metro: Last Light Redux in the Metro 2033 Redux review: the majority of the well-designed gameplay, attractive visuals, gritty settings, and solid mechanics are the same in both titles. The stories are simply the biggest differences between the two, and examining Last Light's narrative was the most worthwhile endeavor that avoided redundancy--but its problems do not overshadow the fantastic game.
Metro: Last Light Redux is more or less an extension of Metro 2033 Redux, the two forming one longer tale now repackaged together as a fantastic-looking, enjoyable game. The two now offer a unified experience and feature parity on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One--this is undoubtedly the best way to experience the pair of titles. Even if you've played both of the original titles on PC, the Redux versions are easy to recommend, especially since the games themselves are great enough to warrant another playthrough. Last Light's plot may be too complex for its own good, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying a fundamentally sound and immersive experience.
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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.
