| Author | Review |
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smucksmucker
87,213
TA Score for this game: 1,602
Posted on 13 June 10 at 22:51 |
This review has 52 positive votes and 3 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Metro 2033 is a post-apocalyptic shooter, the premier work of the new Ukrainian gaming studio, 4A Games. The player takes on the role of Artyom, a Russian youth and resident of Moscow's Metro system, a haven that saved many from the collapse of humanity. Artyom's travels through the tunnel network and on the desolate surface are the centerpiece of this game.
The plot of Metro 2033 is mostly based on a novel by Dmitry Glukhovsky. Throughout the storyline, Artyom is met by a number of challenges, including human opponents, the hordes of mutant scum, and moral decisions. The presence of Homo sapiens as enemies in the fallen Moscow serves an important role in showing that even when we are at the brink of total destruction, conflict still plagues us. In fact, the entire game is somewhat of a sociopolitical narrative, pitting the individualism and youthful optimism of the main character against obstacles like the authoritarian regimes of the underground Nazis and the communist Reds. The anarchist confusion of Bandits and others further serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by the surviving remnants. The Dark Ones represent the need for accepting others in order to save ourselves, or from a contrasting perspective, a domineering force that must be overcome to save all mankind. Overall, the creators of the game managed to perfect the combined claustrophobic and open environments that typify the end of man. The levels come across as both frightening and beautiful in design.
The mutants are effectively scary, fulfilling their necessary roles as constant nuisances. I found the Library to be the most defining chapter with respect to "shit in your pants" moments. The mutants are slightly repetitive with the same drab gray, mammalian physique. It may have been nice to see a little more fur (Moscow is clearly not a place you want to be naked during the winter) and a slightly more intimidating Demon (the wings were almost plastic and unbelievable as far as animation and appearance). Speaking of animations, the facial expressions for the human characters were weak at best and the running was occasionally horrifying in quality.
The gameplay is decently varied with the inclusion of moral choices, traps and explosives, handmade weaponry, and opponents to shoot. Morality plays an important role in the outcome of the game, though there is no tweaking the linear path of the plotline. Its key to take note of your choices when it comes to achievements (the alternate or "good" ending takes some serious work to get). Trap and explosives are good but seem to be the weakest part of the game. Surely they could have played a larger role in the game, other than just wires on side routes. The idea of tripwires was decent but the implementation in the final product was simply unsatisfying. The weapons are enough to keep one satisfied, though there could have been a wee bit more variation. I mean, sure there would be scarcity of resources following the nuclear fallout, but the survivors would still be able to round-up more than just AK-47s. The enemy AI is okay but hardly challenging. Even on easy difficulty, it seems as though the enemies are able to survive an ungodly amount of bullets. Still, it is quite easy to take out the subterranean dimwits.
The graphics are decent for this generation of consoles (much better on PC settings). The combination of the bright and open topside and the creepy and dim underworld is successfully translated via the game's visuals. Characters and monsters seem reasonably realistic, despite flaws in animation. As stated earlier, much could be done to give the mutants more flair and to remove the seeming uniformity across species. Even in Chernobyl, there are songbirds, deer and boar, so it would have helped the visual aspect by at least including some form of life besides the typical rats and tunnel scourge. The removal of the HUD only furthers the visual immersion one feels when playing the games. The sound, on the other hand, tends to be pretty poor. The background music is often repetitive and can annoy very often. Voice acting is okay, but the emotion in the characters seems either absent or forced. The creature calls are decent, but tend to have a less than intimidating effect. Once again, the librarians come across as the best mutants, as their growling and huffing is the most effective at getting one's spine to tingle with fear.
The achievements for the game are enough of a challenge for the typical achievement hunter, despite a clear lack of creativity. They consist mainly of your typical story progression, kill X number of opponents, and collectible achievements, as well as a few missable and time-devouring ones. The Explorer and Enlightened achievements seem to be the hardest of the bunch, causing many gamers confusion due to the mysterious nature of the in-game fashes and the requirements for the alternate ending.
The Basics
Storyline 5/5
Metro 2033 has a nerve-racking and intense plot that more than conveys the awe and humor of Russia following the nuclear apocalypse.
Gameplay 4/5
There is decent variety in the gameplay aspects but not enough to make this game last for more than two playthroughs. There were some good ideas, but nothing to turn the FPS genre on its head.
Visuals 5/5
The scenery of the Moscow metros, torn buildings and radioactive rivers matches the suspense and fear of the story. Plus, it's not too shabby to look at either.
Sound 3/5
Although it manages to match the environments in creepiness, the sound falls short when it comes to the voice-overs.
Achievements 4/5
There are a few headache inducers, but the achievements are not so much of a challenge that you shouldn't be able to sweep them all up in 1 to 3 playthroughs.
Overall 4.2/5
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Undead Immortal
229,946
TA Score for this game: 1,646
Posted on 23 March 10 at 17:24 |
This review has 68 positive votes and 30 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Right here's my review of Metro 2033. It's my first review for TrueAchievements.
When i saw this game i thought wow Fallout but boy was i wrong. After playing it for a while i realised this is more like Call of Duty than Fallout. The controls are similar. The damage indicator is similar. But it's a survival horror. I was amazed.
So you play as a guy called Artyom. Your Russian. As in everyone else in the game apart from the creatures and the Nazis, (I'll get round to it). In 2013 Moscow was nuked and to survive everyone goes into the underground metro system. 20 years on and humanity is dying off. Under constant attack from Nosalises, Dark ones and whatever else the tunnels throw at them.
Basically the creatures have mutated and appear to breed like rabbits. Travelling from station to station is getting harder and harder and certain people are trying to wipe out the threat. The moment you leave your home station you'll be under attack. The game eases you into combat ( and Horror ) by letting you travel with other humans. But once your alone, travelling through tunnels is nerve racking. The atmosphere is dark and eerie. The graphics are amazing. Everything just seems so real.
The economic system obviously has been kaputted by the war. So currency is Military Grade Ammunition. Pre war stuff, made before the bombs dropped. Obviously this stuff is rare and hard to find. Not only this but you can also use it as ammunition. So you make decisions, Save ammo for better equipment, providing i get to the next station. Or use it in my gun so i make it to the next station. Of course you can scavenge ammo off of corpes' you find rotting away.
Although you spend allot of your time in the metro system, your not always down there. Sometimes you go onto the surface. That's when shit goes wrong! For one thing you have to wear a gasmask all the time. This limits your view slightly ( think Blast shield on MW2 ). Also you only have a certain amount of time before your air filter becomes dirty, then it's time to find a new one or change it if you have a spare. As you can imagine being on the surface is not only toxic but dangerous. It belongs to the demons ( what the humans call a flying creature ) and Nosalises now. Getting hit while wearing your gasmask damages it. As you get more damaged you'll notice it getting cracked and chipped. Obviously this is a bad thing, as a cracked gasmask is a leaky gasmask. Once again the atmosphere is amazing. The sound effects on the surface were perfect.
I didn't find it scary as such, but while progressing through a library later in the game, i was bobbing my pants, as these massive ape like 'Librarians' were trying to kill me. And boy do they hurt you if they hit you. These aren't the only 'unique' enemies you'll face against. Nazis, yes Nazis, are in the Metro and on the surface, as well as Fascists. You have to sneak ( or fight ) your way through a few stations that are occupied by them.
All this and you come to the games mouth watering end. Which has two endings!
You won't be disappointed if you pick this game up.
All in all i give it a 9/10
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Gabwe
124,205
TA Score for this game: 1,800
Posted on 21 November 10 at 17:52, Edited on 24 November 10 at 15:41 |
This review has 29 positive votes and 2 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
When I first heard of Metro 2033, I was immediately interested by this game and put it on top of my wishlist. While waiting for the game, I decided to read the book, which I heard, had immense success in Russia and won some prizes on the international sci-fi scene. When I got the book, I've read it in a weekend, putting everything else aside, as I was totally captivated.
Obviously, I got the game the day of its release, and never regretted my purchase. All I can say is that is the best adaptation I could dream about, the atmosphere is rendered just as I imagined it when I read the book, the stations, tunnels, monsters, characters are nicely designed. Of course, the game presents a slighly modified plot in order to adapt it to its pace ang level design, but it works just fine.
Graphics: 9/10
The graphical aspect of the game is impressive, the various environments are very detailed and beautifully designed, creating a stunning post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The only letdown is a lack of interaction with this environment and some similar character models.
Gameplay: 9/10
I'll say it frankly: I play a lot of different games, so I'm not a FPS pro which is used to some standards in the genre. While many claimed that the gameplay and combat mechanics are broken, I didn't feel it at all, and got used to the controls very quickly. Plus, the ammo scarcity and its conservation aspect, as well as using military rounds as money bring a tactical touch which I loved. And there are all these home-made weapons that stick perfectly to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
Durability: 8/10
Depending on the difficulty setting, it may take up to 15 hours to see the end of the game and obtain the full 1000G, which is more than the other shooters. The game offers a good amount of replayability if you wish to enjoy its atmosphere once again, especially if you decide to get the Ranger pack for a modest price. There is no multiplayer to extend the lasting appeal of the game, but if you're not into MP like me, that's not a big deal.
Sound: 9/10
I played the game in Russian (there are subtitles, of course), and enjoyed the dialogues and voice acting. The musical themes are splendid, they match perfectly the dark, depressive atmopshere of the game and contribute to it. The sound effects in the dark tunnels and the sounds of the monsters maintain a sense of fear and anxiety.
Story and achievements: 9/10
As I said above, this is the best adaptation of the book I could expect. It takes up the intrigue and transposes it into a video game with its limits and requirements. Not a big surprise if you know that the author, Dmitri Glukhovsky, supervised the adaptation himself.
The achievement list is pretty balanced, besides storyline achievements and level-specific ones, that often add to replayability, it encourages you to use all the weapons in the game. Some other cheevos push you to explore the stations and Dead City thouroughly in search of collectibles and places that are off the beaten path.
Overall 9/10
Metro 2033 is a must-have game due to its poweful identity, a unique atmosphere, which is beautifully rendered thanks to impressive visuals and a great sound. If you're looking for a solid story-driven FPS, then you've found it with Metro 2033.
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silver DewSky
159,037
TA Score for this game: 406
Posted on 05 March 11 at 21:22 |
This review has 19 positive votes and 2 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
In the future, man’s best friend is a gas mask.
Over the past years in videogames we’ve been able to experience a world post nuclear attacks and struggle against new enemies, scavenge around for tools, and try and survive to see another day. Metro 2033 was released in March of 2010, and gave us a different take on that type of experience. I finally had a chance to play the game, and I was pretty impressed.
Taking elements from Fallout, Bioshock, and a little Silent Hill mixed in, Metro delivers a world full of desperation, and as Russian survivor Artyom, you can experience a new take on life after the nuclear apocalypse and looking for a way to improve life.
Like with many Post-apocalyptic games, Metro introduces creatures who have emerged and changed due to the nuclear effects. The nosalies are the common type, and these creatures have found a way into Artyom’s Metro home, so to protect his people, he embarks on a way to rid the Metro of these creatures. Throughout the game you’ll learn of a bigger threat: The Dark Ones. These creatures are more intelligent than the common enemies and appear to be sending a message to Arytom. It isn’t clear until the end what they want, but based on your decisions, the ending can be changed.
Like with Fallout 3 and New Vegas, the world of Metro 2033 has adopted a new currency to use: Bullets. Depending on the quality of bullets you find, you will be able to purchase new weapons, gas fillers, ammo for specific guns, and med kits.
You’ll be engaging with the enemy in different areas, and having ammo to use is crucial to survival, but the thing about the game is that your currency is also your current ammo.
Every bullet will count. Literally.
The surface in Metro 2033 is so badly damaged that traversing the dead land requires a gas mask. You have a watch that determines the amount of radiation in your area, and since there is essentially no HUD, you will have to regularly check your watch for the levels and how much air you have left in the mask.
In fights, your mask can damaged, so you really have to be careful when fighting on the surface since Gas masks are a bit harder to come by then ammo and weapons. There were a few times I was stuck during the game because I was scrambling to find more air for the masks, and once you run out you have only about 20 seconds to live before Artyom succumbs to the contaminated air.
It’s pretty intense, but can also be a bit annoying, especially on the harder difficulties when your health runs down even faster.
The greatest feature about Metro 2033 has got the be the atmosphere of the game. You’ll see tons of people all grouped in the small Metros and overhear conversations of bored and hungry children, and the yells of merchants hoping to make some deals off the goods they have just received. The Russian dialogue is great as well as the creatures you will face. There are truly some pretty scary moments in 2033, and I rarely get scared from playing a game. The surface looks pretty nice in a nuclear explosion kind of way and feels almost depressing to look around. In this world, the people have no place to go except underground while the radiated creatures roam the surface looking for anything to eat or kill.
This singleplayer only game really impressed me with it’s atmosphere and story and something I believe is worth checking out. The A.I enemy can be a little weird at times, and take more shots than they probably should, but this game is a great experience and another great look at the world after nuclear destruction.
 http://thebuttonpresser.blogspot.com/
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youre so bastos
232,304
TA Score for this game: 1,606
Posted on 26 May 10 at 20:56, Edited on 26 May 10 at 20:57 |
This review has 25 positive votes and 8 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Post-apocalyptic games seem to be the trending theme in video games these days. From your zombie outbreaks to your nuclear holocaust, you can't take a turn at your local game store without seeing at least one of these games that fit the bill. Metro 2033 builds on this premise, but does it do enough to stand out from the crowd?
Metro 2033 is a game that combines shooter elements with a bit of survival horror and exploration on the side that is based on the novel of the same name. The story is set in a post apocalyptic Moscow from the point of view of a man named Artyom. After the nuclear attacks, the surviving humans ended up living in the metro system, who are under constant threat of the Dark Ones and Nosalises. These metro stations are cramped, and the game does a good job at giving the player a sense of claustrophobia while trying to navigate these stations through run down shacks, crowding of people, and sounds of the inane chatter of the station dwellers.
The settings away from these stations are almost as detailed, with the maps created with exploration in mind. Though the game is linear, there are many hidden rooms to explore and find those precious military grade cartridges which are used as the currency in the game. One touch I liked specifically was being able to see the silhouettes of the fallen during one of the missions. The atmosphere in these tunnels give a sense of eeriness, but it doesn't do enough to scare players.
The emphasis on the world and exploration is evident in the combat, as the fighting lacks the excitement and thrill that games like Call of Duty have. The guns do not feel like they pack a heavy enough punch, and they overall just sound weak when you fire them. The combat leaves you with much to be desired.
It was a little hard for me to understand how all of that tied into the story. The story was probably one of the most hard to follow in all of video games. After two playthroughs, I was still left wondering what was the point of Artyom's journey. Everything just seemed a little vague and it seemed obvious that you had to have read the book to gain a full understanding. The characters that told the story were a bit iffy at times. For a Russian setting, it felt a little too Americanized. Though I did enjoy the comic relief of Ulman.
Metro 2033 doesn't really do much to shake the foundation of the genres it represents, but it is a solid game. It does give a decent depiction of post-apocalyptic Russia, and the emphasis on exploration is strong, but the vague story and combat system keeps it from being a truly memorable experience. Still, it is a fun game that will keep you entertained for the 10-12 hours it takes to get through it. Definitely worth a rent.
Graphics: 8
Story: 7
Sound: 7
Gameplay: 8
Overall: 7.5 |
Hurball
174,419
TA Score for this game: 2,316
Posted on 27 September 11 at 14:03, Edited on 30 September 11 at 11:02 |
This review has 17 positive votes and 1 negative vote. Please log in to vote. |
Following your companion down the deserted tunnel, you hear a low humming noise. Like electricity. Getting louder. The man tells you to stay back, and hold your fire, as a giant glowing ball crackles into view, hovering for a moment, before moving onwards, leaving behind darkness and silence again.
"A wicked phenomenon yes? But it's not any more evil than say, fire. It all depends on your point of view."
After those poetic words, you both progress on, deeper into the Metro.
Metro 2033
Boiled down to it, 4A's Metro 2033 is yet another shooter set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. But it's with scenes like the one above that it becomes something so much more than simply the sum of its parts. It's a game that has its flaws, but more than makes up for them with something too few games offer - soul.
Based on Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel of the same name, Metro 2033 sees players take on the role of Artyom, living in the Moscow Metro system with the other survivors of a past nuclear war. You're a young man with no immediate claim to fame, other than knowing a Ranger named Hunter.
After learning from Hunter of a mysterious threat to his station, Artyom is tasked with delivering a message to Polis - the de-facto capital of the underground. And from such basic beginnings Metro 2033 is born, a journey through not only the usual mutant creatures, but through warring Soviets and Nazis, and phenomena, not just the aforementioned sphere of light, but also the mysterious "Dark Ones" that call out to Artyom in hallucinations, their intentions unknown.
Survival Horror
Naturally, the game Metro 2033 is most likened to is Fallout 3. But that's like saying Forza is like Grand Theft Auto since they both involve driving. The nuclear wasteland setting aside, the two games share very little in common, and to be honest, comparing Metro with any game at all is folly. It's unique. There's no sign of Fallout-style inventory-management, or a vast barren world to explore, with hundreds of meaningless side-quests. Metro is a claustrophobic, tightly-knit adventure - perfectly suited to it's setting. Those demanding an open-world game should look elsewhere, for here is a game that proves linearity is just as viable, just as immersive. Just as good.
Where Metro excels most is in its setting. The Moscow underground is a vast place, and every inch of it feels alive. Stations now act as settlements, with the tunnels between them empty and dangerous roads, trodden only by those with guns and no fear. And you. 4A should be commended for their efforts - the stations bustle with people and noise, all with their own story to tell, all getting on with life. Stop for a minute, and you'll hear the inhabitants on old soviet radios trying to contact the outside world, discussing events at adjacent stations, or simply bartering for food. And the beauty of it all is that none of this is essential. You can step back for a minute and absorb the atmosphere, or you can run on by. Either way, the place feels more real than any part of Fallout 3 ever did. Give it a chance, and it'll draw you in.
The game isn't always confined to the metro system, however - trips to the surface becoming necessary from time-to-time. With radiation levels still dangerous gas masks are essential, and it's through these that even above ground Metro retains its claustrophobic feel. Everything is enhanced - your loud breaths, the mask steaming up ever-more as your filters run out - placing a constant time constraint on everything you do. And enemies patrol the surface too - in particular the huge winged Demons (or Bitches, as a companion nicknames them).
Speaking of companions, Metro isn't a solitary adventure - and throughout the journey, Artyom is accompanied by a variety of travellers, from the thoughtful Khan, to the drunk Bourbon. They never feel tacked-on, helping you along, providing a history of the world you find yourself in, and aiding in combat. And then, they'll leave you again. Horror always works best when a helpful aide is taken away - as the original Resident Evil knew only too well ("lets split up..."). And anyone who's played Metro 2033 will remember the Library section only too well, as your armed comrades leave you to explore the narrow corridors of the beast-infested building solo.
Design
For the most-part, Metro plays just like any other shooter. Aim at the thing you want dead, and pull the trigger until it reaches said state. Unfortunately, the mechanics behind this never feel quite right - and it's often difficult to tell whether you're actually hitting the thing you're aiming at. Creatures will often continue their route towards you unaffected, despite a shotgun blast to the chest, which can be off-putting at the best of times. It's the game's biggest flaw, and one that some people will find it hard to look past.
It's apparent that Metro was designed for the PC, and adapted for the console. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the default linear weapon selection system, and the game does have the aura of a PC game throughout. But do these things matter? The weapon-selection can (and should) be changed to a BioShock-style circle, and aside from the controls feeling a little clunky at times, it's nothing game-breaking.
There's no inventory system in force here - instead, players can only carry one of each type of weapon, and a number of health-packs and gasmasks. Ammo is displayed next to the equipped weapon. In fitting with the world, ammunition is now used as currency - in particular good condition, pre-war ammo. This can be acquired through exploration, or by trading other bullets at station markets. It's a neat system, if a little fidgety. The pre-war ammo can be itself fired (as a more-powerful version of normal ammo), but it's never cost-effective to literally shoot money away. This wouldn't be a problem were it not for the fact that holding the reload button equips these bullets without any other warning, and on a few occasions I found I'd been using expensive ammunition for an entire chapter without even realising. Cue much swearing.
These issues aside, Metro plays very well. Light plays a big part, with yourself carrying a small torch that gradually dies out before having to be charged up manually again in order to see in the dark tunnels. Other lights can be shot at, or turned off by hand, creating darkness in which to stealth through some parts, conserving bullets. Admittedly, stealth can be frustrating, with enemies seeing you a little too easily at times, and a guns-blazing approach is often the way to go.
Despite the overall linearity of the game, most areas have a few routes through them, offering some scope where needed. Scavenging for bullets and equipment is always necessary, so exploration is encouraged. New weaponry can also be found, and there's a good amount of variety here, from the ever-present AK-47 to more exotic weapons such as the pneumatic ball-bearing launcher that needs hand-pumping to increase it's killing power.
I've heard some criticisms levelled at Metro for it's voice-acting, and it's westernised-styles. Both of these seem unfair - the voice actors are all Russian, speaking English - how more authentic an accent to some people want? And the design team behind this are Russian too. A Russian team making a game based in Russia, with Russian people. It's as authentic as you'll get.
Conclusions
There's no doubt that Metro 2033 has its issues - most prominantly in the shooting department, but for those willing to excuse it those mistakes, there's a brilliant game here. A thoroughly immersive experience from start to finish, with a memorable setting, characters, dialogue, scenes, and encounters. It's a game with a great deal of thought put into it, and an experience that'll remain long after the credits have finished. One of the games of the year by far, and certainly one of the standout games on the Xbox 360.
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StarSnapshot
144,337
TA Score for this game: 1,561
Posted on 29 January 11 at 23:03, Edited on 29 January 11 at 23:08 |
This review has 21 positive votes and 5 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
*Fourth Review!* This whole gaming-journailism thing is pretty addicting, in an odd way :)
Here we have Metro 2033. For me, a largely unexpected and 'unknown' buy. I bought it pretty much because I could. I was bored, and the game I wanted was nowhere too be seen for weeks. So, I bought this to pass the time. Boy, was it a suprise.
Story:
The story in Metro is entirely plausible. From mutated 'dog-like' beings to Homo-novus, the evolutionary next-step, it makes sense. Bar the Amoebas. They didn't really fit in. Metro manages too cram plenty of detail into those tunnels.
Starting out as a young man defending his home station against (as always) the most basic of enemies with your trusty hand-gun, you learn a little of the hopelessness and despair raging throughout the tunnels due to the war Humanity is losing to the mutants.
Your 'ranger' friend Hunter goes out on a mission too try and discover more about the Homo-novus, or 'Dark ones' and tells you if he fails too return, you must travel too his HQ and deliver a message. Obviously, he never returns.
This begins a story that will have you circling the metro tunnels, experiencing overwhelming enemy threats, a Fascist v Commie war, and even viewpoints on the atomising of heaven and hell during the nuclear war. It all makes sense during play, I promise.
I enjoyed the story, and it tied who/what you were killing into the story pretty well.
Unique Components:
As FPS's go, I can hardly call Metro revolutionary. Pneumatic weapons (guns where you have to pump air to shoot) and the fact you can actually shoot out your currency are about the only major differences.
Gameplay:
The gameplay in Metro is solid. The controls are responsive and apart from those pesky demons flying around that just soak up ammo, the game isn't overly hard to master. The variety of weapons (and weapon based Cheevo's) means you'll have plenty to try before the game's over. The metro tunnels can seem quite small at times, and the game will have you walking through doorways smaller than your little finger, but finding your way isn't very hard.
Your compass and objective are located on a clipboard you can pull up, and can light with your lighter when in darkened areas. This lighter also takes an AGE too light any grenades, so remember that when your trying to blow some stuff up.
The stealth system isn't much too shout about, it works all the way up until you kill someone. Then everyone knows where you are, even with silenced weapons. Still, it was nice too get the one kill in with some peace, right?
Missions/Events:
Metro is a very linear game with 4 very small areas that you can do some collecting in. That being said, missions follow one by one, one dialogue usually informs you of where your going to end up a good 3-4 missions in advance.
There are a few minigames where you man turrets on moving vehicles, but that's about the only variation. Even the 'sprint' section where your comrades 'can't hold the door' isn't timed; They can hold it forever really. Liars.
Collectibles:
The collectibles in this game are gold bullets. Whether you choose to fire them or sell them is up to you. I advise you hoard them though, as the extra damage isn't really needed. Normal ammo will take down enemies just fine, and it's certainly plentiful. Not very difficult to locate, just look in odd corners or take side passages too where your going.
Graphics:
I like them; They can be rough in places, and some enemies can look a little rubbery, but it's a dark and gritty underworld, and the graphics reflect that. The few times you spend above ground are fairly adaquate to their purpose, and the snow will only sting your eyes if you stand there for too long.
Sound:
Dodgy, stereotypical voiceovers happen alot. Still, their voices provide amusement when it comes to funny-man Ulman, or the all-wise Khan. Music and special sound effects generally fit into their specific roles, such as the hiss of a silenced pneumatic weapon or grunts of a dying librarian.
Overall:
I enjoyed it. I really did. I got the limited edition for £20 not long after release, and never used the heavy shotgun I got for it. But still, the rest of the game was excellent. No slap-on multiplayer here, nothing at all but a solid story, solid controls and some 'useful' collectibles.
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ryanlegend95
135,371
TA Score for this game: 1,374
Posted on 29 October 12 at 12:38, Edited on 29 October 12 at 12:47 |
This review has 8 positive votes and 1 negative vote. Please log in to vote. |
Hmm a novel based game huh. Alright. I'm game.
This is Metro 2033 and I have been playing it for a long time now. It's set in Russia and the world has gone to hell. People have to live in Metro stations in order to survive from the radiation outside but even the Metros aren't safe. In the Metro tunnels there are a new race of monsters that lurk in the darkness waiting for the prey to come out and open the main gates so that it can kill everyone in that faction. You play as Artyom who is just a fellow survivor with a special psychic link with the monsters known as the dark ones. His mission is to destroy the dark one's homeland so that the humans can live without fear.
Hell on Earth.
That's the gist of it. Now time for the review.
Graphics:
This isn't a bad looking game nor a beauty. It's somewhere in the middle. When the game is in motion it's fine but when you stop it doesn't look all that. The graphics look pretty old and bland with bland textures and odd looking character models and animations. The graphics just look pretty ropy to me. It does however have a great atmosphere which fits in nicely with its post-apocalyptic theme. The lighting is really good and really sets the mood and special effects like explosions and that look pretty. Transparent graphics look pretty dam good.
Great atmosphere = tension
The game runs well with occasional frame rate drops and very little screen tearing and pop-ins.
The graphics has its ups and downs and that's why I'm giving it a 7/10.
Sound:
The sound design is an interesting one. The ambient sounds are weird but they suit its theme some how. Well the game is weird any way so I guess that's why. The gun sounds are mostly good but some sound muffled and explosions are really nice. The soundtrack is nice but can also be muffled and not so easy on the ears at times. The voice acting is its weakest point though. There is some good voice work but the Russian accents are just goofy in English and the dialogue isn't all that either. It has its moments but that's it really. although I do like the nick names of the monsters like the Bitch and the bastard gun which is the worst gun in the game so they do have a reason to call it that. The monster voices are cheesy and much to be desired.
I give the sound score an 8/10.
Gameplay:
Unfortunately it's all ideas and no polish. There is a large roster of guns but they are clunky to use. It's a shame because some of the weapons are actually cleverly designed like the pump gun that acts like a crossbow.
There are many cleverly designed guns like this. Shame is does jack though.
The ammo system is unique but not really used because you don't have much of the special ammo. Please note that the special ammo is also used as money so it's kinda annoying but a cool new way of looking at it though. Exploring the stages is a lot of fun because of the great secrets that are hidden there and the AI is actually clever which makes the stealth mechanics a real challenge. There are big battles but it's ruined by poor gunplay.
I give the gameplay a 7/10.
Storyline:
The storyline is actually not bad. It's a bit confusing at the start but gets there in the end. It does have mystery but they are spoiled by many plot holes and you don't really care much for the characters because they lack personality. The morale system is cool but sometimes weird and unexplained like how is squeaking a baby doll considered as a good thing. At least the 2 different endings are cool and interacting story in a first person perspective is a nice feature. Want more of that in other games actually.
I give the storyline score a 7/10.
Is it your cup of tea?
If you want something with a great atmosphere then go for this.
If you like to explore maps and look for secrets then this will be inviting.
If you want a satisfying gunplay then stay away.
Summary:
Good
-Great atmosphere.
-Clever gun design.
-Interesting stealth mechanics.
Bad
-clunky gunplay.
-Goofy Russian accents.
-Plot holes.
Overall I think this game is a good one but may not be for everyone due to lack of polishing. I give this an overall score of 7/10.
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mrspock456
69,906
TA Score for this game: 1,450
Posted on 25 October 10 at 04:26 |
This review has 3 positive votes and 5 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
This game seems like a rip-off of Fallout 3 but is nothing like it. With a creepy atmosphere, great story, and exciting locations this game is epic. There is a number of guns available for purchase by the game's currency, bullets. The combat can be a bit wonky with some hits not registering, along with almost impossible stealth sections, and spikes in difficulty. Even though there are these issues, the game is still very much enjoyable. The ability to change the language spoken to Russian is a nice touch and the ability to choose levels through a chapter select option make the achievements very doable. Overall a fun action ride that has a good atmosphere and concludes with a sweet ending makes Metro 2033 a game to buy.
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LAWNCHAIRsoda
29,588
TA Score for this game: 1,129
Posted on 08 September 10 at 04:15 |
This review has 5 positive votes and 9 negative votes. Please log in to vote. |
Lots of things wrong with this FPS.
-First, many times there is so much action going on that the framerate slows down dramatically.
-Second, this is pretty much an escort FPS. I mean that you will be escorting someone nearly the entire game. And they are slow. And they are stupid. And they make this game take so much longer then it would. You can sprint very fast, but you have to stay back and escort them slowly.
-Lots of glitches, including random death, enemies disappearing and reappearing, enemy immunity to your bullets
-You will fall to your death many times, even when it looks like there's no hole there
-No boss battles?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
-the replay value is zero. There are so many storyline sequences that you can not skip that it virtually eliminates any desire to replay through.
-humans can take several shotgun blasts to the face before dying, which is kind of lame. I expect a human being to die when I shoot them point blank with a shotgun
-did I mention that all you do is escort slow NPCs the whole time?
-You would think there would be awesome weapons in the future, think again. Just your basic shotgun, assault rifle, and pistol
-complete lack of enemy variety, you can expect the same 5 monsters the whole game
-No new game+ or anything.
-unresolved plot twists
This game seems poorly made, lots of glitches and very slow paced.
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