Metro: Last Light Review- Brighter Than Expected

Game Reviewed: Metro: Last Light

Release Date: May 14th, 2013

Developer: 4A games

Publisher: Deep Silver

Platform: [Reviewed: XBOX 360], PlayStation 3, PC

Genre: First-Person Shooter

Rated: M for Mature

Metro 2033, based on a novel written by Dmitry Glukhovsky, became a sleeper title that was both a hit and miss by critics. However, THQ knew they had an exciting concept and insisted on allowing the 2^nd installment to see the light of day. Unfortunately, the publisher was swimming in debt and forced to liquidate all their assets. Now in the hands of Deep Silver, Last Light has, while underground, resurfaced.

Last Light continues its post-apocalyptic setting as new recruit Ranger, Artyom, a child in 2033 now a soldier fighting for a better tomorrow. Life in Moscow after the nuclear explosion gets no better than the subway as the radiation on the surface, even 20 years later, is just as lethal as day one.

In the original Metro 2033, aliens called the “dark ones” invaded the underground civilization. As a twist,  there’s one Dark One that you must try and save, giving your people hope through their own blindness. The Rangers however aren’t the only group searching for the Dark One.

Last Light is a shooter that will have you preserving bullets and strategizing every instance. You’re given a gas mask to breathe through the radiation, bullets to kill when the time calls, or use them as currency when traveling.

With bullets, you can buy attachments, explosives and exchange for other bullets accommodating your needs. In most cases you may already have what you need and can progress without merchants. Some may find it most helpful for lighting up mutants with dynamite.

Similar to 2033, expect to keep a look out for additional gas filters, as an indicator located on Artyom’s wrist counts down the allowable time of the filter strapped on. Without it, death is imminent.

As I progressed, turning off all light sources and drawing the enemies towards me for a quick stealth kill strongly became my preference; and that’s only one of the options Last Light allows you to proceed. Deciding to attack the enemy head on or carefully lure them in, both methods are quite solid. Just note that once you’re spotted back up in called in, which at times are heavy armored soldiers that will require precision on your part.

Expect to run across Spartas, the Reichs and Communists throughout that will aide and attempt to kill you, depending on their motives. I enjoyed certain areas in the campaign where I had moments to simply be a spectator and enjoy  areas of underground Moscow. Most notable example would have to be when Artyom has the choice of focusing on going home or taking a breather and enjoy a theater show. Moments like these shows that 4A Games genuinely wanted gamers to not just play but embrace the good and trying times of the post-apocalyptic setting.

Metro Last Light slowly drew me in, which I was more than appreciative of. When delving into FPS, the strongest replay factor is the multiplayer aspect.  But in M:LL, Artyom character drives the gameplay and is far beyond captivating.

One issue that I encountered twice throughout gameplay was my system (XBOX 360) freezing. While shooting a swarm of mutants at one time, the game completely locked up on me. It did again at another key moment of the game as well (no spoilers).

Last Light looks amazing. Despite a few tears in the map or a minor glitches may cause an enemy to lock up (happened once), the mechanics are fluid and enticing. The game does an exceptional job of creating the dark, gloomy lifestyle that comes from losing everything and surviving with anything left.

Even with everyone around you having plenty to say, Artyom never says a word. Even through interrogation, his lips are sealed. During transitions on the other hand, Artyom briefly shares his thoughts before delving further into the campaign.

Metro Last Light overall experience is nothing less than extraordinary. The story build, survival and shooting aspects are all unforeseen, but the delivery is astonishing. It’s a shooter that’s NOT a replication of Call of Duty but mirrors its own previous success. Unquestionably a triumph for both 4A Games and Deep Silver.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4.5/5

Visuals: 4.25/5

Audio: 4.5/5

Controls: 4.5/5

Value: 4.25/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5