Metro Redux Review – Metro 2033 Redux & Metro Last Light Redux

Metro 2033 and Metro Last Light Redux release as standalone titles or together in a bundle for PC gamers, and also release on Xbox One and PS4. The question is, with extra content, and a visual upgrade, are these stealth action games worth playing again, or for the first time. Take a look at our Metro 2033 Redux & Metro Last Light Redux review for the full picture.

Metro Redux Review:

Today we’re taking a look at 4A Studios’  Metro Redux package which includes Metro 2033 Redux and/ or Metro Last Light Redux depending on what you purchase on PC or whether you’re buying the Xbox One and PS4 version which ships with both games. To emphasize the options for PC gamers at least, and the options are to  purchase Metro 2033 Redux or Metro Last Light Redux for £16.99 each or buy them together in a bundle for £33.99 making a grand saving of zero. That said, if you already own Metro 2033 or Last Light, then there’s an upgrade offer on Steam which means you can snag the game with a 50% price reduction – so that’s about £8.50 each which isn’t bad at all. What’s perhaps has to be noted here is the fact that gamers are given the option to pick and choose rather than be forced to get both games if its only one you’re after which on PC is probably very likely as Last Light is still quite fresh. On consoles, the game is packaged with both and seeing as these are much better versions than those seen on PS3 and Xbox 360 is definitely worth the upgrade or visit if you’re jumping in for the first time.

So, looking at Metro 2033 redux first and it’s clear the game has seen a massive improvement in its visual qualities on console and PC using the more up to date engine from Last Light. The story is set within a Russian world ravaged and poisoned, where humankind survives in the underground network of the Metro stations – hence the name. Players assume the role of Artyom,  a silent protagonist raised in the underground, but a fearless and surviving member of the community all the same where aside from some ambiguous partnerships, sets off on an incredible journey utilizing stealth and all out combat with traditional makeshift weaponry. The gameplay is top quality here and now that it’s been tweaked works very well although some players who would rather stealth through the entire game might be a little disappointed as there are several forced moments against the mutated enemies where stealth becomes obsolete. The gameplay shines when players are given the choice to skulk around the dark shadows, silencing the human opposition and avoiding the pitfalls of the underground madness. It’s a game of survival which has its highs and lows despite some confusing plot moments and a relatively slow pace overall.

What has to be said overall is that the game’s looks have been well improved and the operation is much smoother than before where the original would chug in places bringing some PCs to their knees. Whilst it’s still not perfect on PC with variable frame rates in interior and exterior sections, the overall feel is much smoother which is a good thing. The details are far more pronounced than before, and there’s simply a better sheen to the looks making it a noticeable step up from its previous iteration.  Players can now choose to go Survival or Spartan at the start of the adventure  which affects the action/ survival elements, and then there’s a wide range of difficulties to play with such as the ultra tough Hardcore Ranger Mode which removes all the clutter and makes for the most challenging of experiences with the game. Sadly, there’s no way to have multiple save files here for those wanting to sample before they commit which is a shame. Metro 2033 Redux is certainly a solid HD remaster for PC gamers and a no-brainer for consoles owners and perhaps the best part of the Redux package overall if you’ve played the games fully previously.

Looking at Metro Last Light Redux and the appeal on PC diminishes quite a bit considering the game was already pretty solid despite not being as well optimized as it could have been. So, the enticement here is to snag all the extra DLC content and smoother play operation. It’s not clear how impacting the visual changes are on PC with its improved animations and effects, but console gamers will no doubt relish in the revised upgraded visuals from their last gen counterparts. Last Light’s action packed story is a lot more accomplished and cinematic than its predecessor and just feels like a much loved and polished game overall despite an abundance of dodgy Russian accents and overlapping audio elements which still haven’t been addressed properly. Players assume the role of silent hero Artyom once more , one year on from the previous game and are given a far greater variety of scenarios to play through this time which makes for a cracking game overall.  Again, the gameplay fuses optional stealth with all out action and mixes up the human opposition with the mutants. The same criticisms of the first game remain in that players looking to go full stealth are unable to.  As with Metro 2033 Redux, there’s the all new Spartan and Survival options at the start of the adventure, and then the choice to go hardcore, or hardcore Ranger which ups the difficulty no end.

What is perhaps the biggest enticement for PC players is the included extra DLC content which adds many hours of extras to the core game which if you missed the first time around are possibly worth it on their own. There’s a bevy of missions ranging from sniper missions to defence in VR and even the option to play through scenes from the story as secondary character and love interest Anna.

So, to conclude, PC gamers who owned the originals of both games should think carefully about investing in these two games again, because essentially the core games are the same. There’s a lot of variables here such as whether you care about visuals, smoothness of play or DLC extras. In this regard, Last Light is worth checking out for the extras but not so much the visual upgrade, whereas 2033 is the opposite and completely contrasts with the original in terms of its visual improvements and mostly smooth operation. Naturally, if this is the first step into the murky world of Metro then getting either or both games is a definite must for stealth action fans, the same can be said for those jumping in on Xbox One and PS4. Again, console gamers will notice the most improvements coming from last gen systems and with lots of play time on offer from the two bundled games and DLC is certainly well worth the price of entry.

Score 8.5/10 – Review by Robert Cram

Written by: Rob Cram

Rob Cram has hundreds of video game reviews, thousands of articles under his belt with years of experience in gaming and tech. He aims to remain fair and free from publisher/developer influence. With his extensive knowledge, feels his gaming opinions are valid and worth sharing. Agreement with his views are entirely optional. He might have a bias towards cyberpunk.