Title: Metro: Last Light Redux
Developer: 4A Games
Publisher: Deep Silver
Released: August 26, 2014
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4
Platforms Available: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux, macOS
Article Reading Time: 7 minutes
The game was created under the supervision of Ukrainian game development studio 4A Games. In addition, the author of Metro 2033 and Metro 2034 collaborated on both games. This time, he was entrusted with the work of creating dialogues and stories. His script for Metro: Last Light was too long for the game to reach its full potential, so he reworked it into another book called Metro 2035. Even though only some things Dmitry Glukhovsky had in mind during the months of development was included in the game, the story is more than complex enough, and the same could be said for the rest of the game.
The Story of Glukhovsky’s Metro Game Continues
Last Light takes place a year after the events of the first installment, in which Artyom decided to launch a missile attack aimed at the Dark Ones, supernatural beings found around the subway that were killing everyone in their path for no reason. In Metro 2033, the game even had two possible endings, of which the creators decided to follow the worse of the two. By now, Atyom had become an official member of a group called Sparta, an elite unit of the city of Polis that had simultaneously taken control of the D6 military base from which the missiles were launched. However, the last Dark One has been found on the surface, and Artyom is ordered to kill him. But, of course, the whole thing goes wrong. After being captured by the Nazis and rendered unconscious, Artyom wakes up in a concentration camp putting him in an awkward situation from which he must shoot his way out.
Exploring the Depths and Heights of Post-Apocalyptic Russia
Of course, the dark corridors of Metro 2033 follow us into the sequel, although this time, we get to see the surface more often than ever before. This is where the adrenaline kicks in anyway, as you never know when you’ll run out of filter on your gas mask, which then forces you to hide back underground as quickly as possible, lest you accidentally become a mutated monster, which you’ll meet more than enough of here.
The developers manage to build up a decent atmosphere by exposing the player to unexpected situations connected with the story, which take you by surprise and, at the same time, present you with a new challenge to overcome each time.
Gameplay Mechanics in Metro: Last Light
Before the game’s release, the developers talked a bit about sneaking around behind enemy backs, which helped hold me up in more than one of the many situations I had to deal with opponents. Admittedly, while I did my best in the rest of the game, they could spot me a little too quickly. The subsequent match of Rambo in a situation where many enemies are running at me from all sides doesn’t have that atmosphere anymore.
Arsenal and Upgrades
There are enough weapons to choose from in the game for everyone to find the one that will be their salvation from any dangerous situation. After just a few minutes in the game, it’s possible to occupy all three weapon slots available to you, but taking out enemies will give you much more exciting and functional weapons. Hence, it’s pointless to settle for anything ordinary. You can also fit various upgrades to individual pieces, including thermal vision, silencers, faster reloads, larger magazines, or any of several other gadgets that will come in handy along the way anyway. Formidable enemies can, at most, be annoyed with one well-aimed shot to the head, and over time, it won’t be relatively as easy with any of your opponents. The talk of the constant fear of running out of bullets that we had with the previous installment is gone now, and there are enough of them even on harder difficulties.
AI Shortcomings and Atmospheric Inconsistencies
You can’t use this method against mutated enemies coming straight at you, but if you’re in an enclosed area with many enemies, just find a good spot, take one good shot, and you’re done. The blunt AI ensures that if you just sit in a narrow corridor and wait, almost everyone in the room will gradually appear in front of you. And once you’ve killed them off, which isn’t the only problem, you collect the fallen bullets from the 20 or so enemies stacked neatly on each other. By this point, you’re already deprived of atmosphere altogether and have to wait for the game to build some up again. Unfortunately, this is an easy way to fight that you’ll occasionally take advantage of unknowingly, which could be better.
Attention to Detail: Level Design and Immersion
There are also some issues in the game, such as bugs and other minor bugs that made their way into the game during development. While they don’t cause any significant glitches that would render the game unplayable in a split second, it wouldn’t hurt if the developers dared to fix at least a few of them, as it would add greatly to the game’s overall feel. Despite this, the developers manage to work perfectly with level design. Every space you visit is unique and will impress you somehow. Here’s an enemy trapped under rubble begging for mercy; there are survivors imprisoned by enemy factions desperately begging for your help, but there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s little details like this that build the game’s magic.
Audio-Visual Excellence: Graphics and Soundtrack
Metro 2033 set a high bar for graphics, and its sequel continues the trend with stunning visuals. The soundtrack enhances the game’s atmosphere, providing an immersive experience. It effectively signals the presence of enemies, adding to the tension and immersion. However, some technical issues detract from the overall experience, although they are manageable.
Metro Sequel Folding Up
Metro: Last Light is not a run-of-the-mill shooter that can just be overlooked. Out of respect for the first installment, I was already looking forward to seeing what the developers would showcase. However, it was clear to me that there was still plenty of room for perfection. In any case, the sophistication of the game world, the great story, and the vibrant atmosphere convinced me that the game is worth playing, whether you liked the first installment or not. The truth is, however, that a lot more could have been worked on in terms of gameplay, as the moments when it comes to eliminating enemies are the ones where you sometimes feel almost indifferent to this aspect. Nevertheless, the game deserves a positive rating and is a solid sequel overall.
Metro: Last Light Redux – purchasing the game from these trusted retailers
Steam: Immerse yourself in the haunting atmosphere of the Moscow Metro on PC or Mac .
PlayStation Store: Survive the horrors that await you on PlayStation 4.
Microsoft Store: Fight for survival in the dark tunnels on Xbox One or Xbox X/S.
Nintendo eShop: Take the post-apocalyptic experience on the go with Nintendo Switch.
GOG: Get a DRM-free version of the game for PC.
Epic Games Store: Add Metro: Last Light Redux to your Epic library.
Visit the official Metro website for more information and purchase options.
