There certainly is no shortage of post-apocalyptic games out there, but THQ's latest effort is something quite unique.
Based on the Dimitri Glukhovsky novel of the same name, and set in the year 2033, the surface of the planet has become uninhabitable due to a nuclear fallout and humanity has taken refuge underground.
The game is set in Russia, within the underground metro system located underneath Moscow to be exact (think the London Underground but without the working trains, hang on, let me correct that – just think of the London Underground).
The metro system has been adapted to suit everyday human life. As a result, each station on the system has become its own community.
Taking control of the character of Artyom, you are tasked with the mission of taking a cryptic message to another populated station.
The story of the game is quite engrossing, featuring a few twists and turns that will take you by surprise. However, what makes the game all the more enjoyable is its atmosphere.
Developed by the Ukrainian-based 4A Games, Metro 2033 has a very eastern block feel to it and it makes it all the better. The game is dark, gritty, creepy and will feel completely foreign to a western audience.
4A Games have made no secret of this fact, and have even included the option to play the game in it's native language for the more hardcore purists out there.
For the most part, the game is a first person shooter with a few unique twists which set it apart from the likes of the Call of Duty and Bioshock.
For starters, the currency in the game is ammunition. This is a neat little mechanic that makes you question your actions each time you fire a round. Not since the early days of the Resident Evil series have I been so concerned about how much ammo I was wasting.
Another unique thing is the complete lack of any HUD. Metro 2033 relies on other mechanics to tell you important data you need to know to survive.
When wearing a gas mask for example, you have to regularly check your stopwatch to see how much time you have left in the current filter. Some clever use of the audio also enhances this – with the less time you have, the heavier and more desperate Artyom's breathing becomes.
The player will also frequently have to call up the map and compass to see where they should be headed. Whilst doing this will give you some idea as to your preferred direction, it will also leave you open to attack from any number of the strange creatures and bandits that may be stalking you.
The plot is further developed by a number of strange, dream-like sequences that bring a supernatural element to the game. At times it all becomes a bit like F.E.A.R and things take a turn for the sinister.
Graphically, the game is pretty solid. The design of the underground environments are suitably grim, whilst the sequences that take part on the surface are both beautiful and bleak at the same time.
Unfortunately the game does suffer from the odd glitch, with Artyom finding himself trapped in objects, such as fences and tables. This can become pretty frustrating during those desperate times when you are running away from the giant mutated rats.
Audibly, the game is does its job very well. The sounds adds plenty of tension to the atmosphere, and when venturing out onto the surface you can hear the creatures that roam the wastelands howling in the background. You can also hear the sounds of yesteryear – people working in offices, the traffic and sound of an ambulance siren.
Featuring a solid plot with a haunting atmosphere, Metro 2033 is definitely worth checking out.
Verdict: 7.5 out of 10
The good
Very atmospheric
interesting plot
The Bad
Graphical bugs
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