Platforms PS4/XB1/PC
Developer 4A Games Publisher Deep Silver
Genre Survival FPS Platform Played On PC
As mentioned in our first Metro: Redux review, Analog Addition has decided to split Deep Silver and 4A Games’ latest remaster into two articles. For our final verdict on Metro 2033 Redux, go [here]. For everything concerning humanity’s last light in the Metro universe, go on ahead. Warning! The first paragraph contains spoilers related to the first game’s ending.
Metro: Last Light Redux is a direct sequel to 2033 Redux, and starts off one year later after the canonical ending in which Artyom decides to wipe out every last Dark One from Moscow. That said, a returning character – Khan – informs Artyom that one of those creatures had actually survived our protagonist’s bombings, and it’s imperative to make contact with it.
The story presented here is much more engaging than that of its prequel. Besides the mysterious Dark One and its equally enigmatic purpose, the entire metro complex is now on the brink of total war, all thanks to the Rangers’ rival factions – the Nazis and the Communists. The narrative starts off on a strong note, though it loses some of its momentum along the way. And – again – Artyom’s silence is a complete pain. Additionally, Last Light Redux also puts more emphasis on personalisation, giving you actual reasons to hate at least one of its antagonists.
Even if there won’t be any other Metro games in the future (which I highly doubt), Last Light Redux provides a satisfying conclusion to the saga – everything ends and begins anew. Except for the very last fight, which is totally anticlimactic.
The game features the same difficulty options as 2033 Redux, in addition to the same deal regarding filters and the currency with which you are able to purchase new guns and provisions. Speaking of which, Last Light Redux includes a few new weapons, such as mini-guns, sniper-rifles, and grenade-launchers. There are also a few new types of creatures, one of which requires you to shed some light on it before gunning it down, akin to everyone that’s a threat to the protagonist in the third-person horror title – Alan Wake.
Just like in 2033 Redux, the game’s structure goes something like this: you venture into the unknown where you’ll gun-down mutants and humans alike, scour for supplies and complete critical objectives, and from time to time, you encounter small establishments from where you can restock on provisions and ammunition before going on.
Of course, the claustrophobic nature of the tunnels returns, but this time around, Artyom’s adventures are also focused on the outside (the ration is about 50-50). Additionally, the underground levels are roomier, incorporating – for example – huge catacombs. Levels outside the metro have also been greatly improved, now pitting you against stalking beasts during the night. There’s a great sense of fear instilled upon you when wandering in an almost pitch-black wasteland, simply because you’re well-aware of these mutants following you; they won’t directly engage, but get too close or fire the wrong shot, and you’ll suddenly find yourself chased by an entire pack. Some of these scenes remind me of the original F.E.A.R.
Akin to the Splinter Cell series, Artyom’s watch now tells you when you’re hidden from the enemy’s sight, and when you’re exposed. Last Light Redux puts a bigger emphasis on stealth segments, as evidenced by a prison escape taking place fairly early in the game, or by the multiple encounters with the other factions which can all be bypassed without killing a single soul.
Last Light Redux clocks in at around 10 hours. You can double that if you’re venturing on the higher difficulty settings, in addition to stand-alone missions, which range from defending a certain position, to scouring for “artifacts” in an open-ended environment, infiltrating complexes, and a few surprises that I won’t spoil. All in all, you definitely get your money’s worth with Last Light Redux, and the entire collection, as a whole.
Because this is the same engine used in 2033 Redux, the post-apocalypse has never looked better. In addition to the crisp textures, fantastic lightning, and sound effects that will make you believe a mutant is actually standing behind you, Last Light Redux also shows us that life finds its way even in the bleakest of situations, as evidenced by a particular scene in which grownups are doing their best to keep children away from the outside horrors by putting-on different kinds of shows – even plays.
For newcomers, because 2033 Redux is built on the same engine and includes some assets from its sequel, Last Light Redux might feel more like a giant expansion rather than a full-fledged aftermath to Artyom’s bombings. Having said that, Last Light Redux is definitely an improvement over its prequel. The environments are bigger and more varied, encounters more challenging, and the story and its characters are further developing the Metro universe. Too bad Artyom’s silence is still as immersion-breaking as ever, and the fact that the game’s story loses some of its momentum after the initial levels.
Having written all that, one thing is clear – newcomers (especially console-only ones) will absolutely love these two games. As it’s the case with 2033 Redux, veterans might want to wait for an eventual price-drop. Nevertheless, this particular post-apocalypse is intriguing, challenging, and most of all, worthy of your time. The metros await you.
The Good
- Intriguing Story with a Satisfying Conclusion
- Bigger and More Varied Environments
- Great Stealth Segments
- Creepier Atmosphere
- Overall Gorgeous
The Bad
- Story Loses Some of Its Momentum
- Artyom’s Silence… Again!
