Had this since yesterday but only managed to try out the first few introductory chapters. The original game for me was a real unsung gem, it was clunky in places but nothing on console represented its game world better bar perhaps the Bioshock games however with Metro, despite its fantastical elements, it felt grounded enough to let you feel like you were in those tunnels and facing whatever horrors lurked in the shadows whilst also managing to be fairly true to its source. It carried its own vibe and I liked that so I was pleased when it managed to squeeze out this sequel.
I've picked up the PS3 version which according to EG's Digital Foundry is a decent version, though PC reigns. The game follows on from 2033 though prior experience with that game isn't necessary, the set up is tied to that game and so it explains events from the last ending as the opening sections unfold. Once again the sense of place is brilliant, despite the linear nature of the game, you don't mind being led through the Metro as it has allowed the devs to make sure the atmosphere is spot on with rolling shadows, lumiscent growth and failing lights. The NPC's chatter as you pass by only this time they whisper more about your character.
Visually it's just gorgeous, a full on exercise in lighting but used for the right effect rather than showing off and the attention to detail not just in background animations and little corners that might have shown shortcuts in design but also to the sound with strange noises making you second guess when your in the dark.
To play it's a lot more polished than 2033 was and those familiar with the last game will notice it straight away, it's still not top tier but it does the job and without a multiplayer to worry about that's all that's needed. It works well enough to please the masses which seems to have been the thinking behind most tweaks however pleasingly it doesn't feel any less 'Metro' than the first game.
As I said, I'm still early on but this is more Metro in a more polished form which suits me fine. Now excuse me, Artyom has some Nazi's to deal with before venturing deep into the dark and forboding Red Line tunnels...
I've picked up the PS3 version which according to EG's Digital Foundry is a decent version, though PC reigns. The game follows on from 2033 though prior experience with that game isn't necessary, the set up is tied to that game and so it explains events from the last ending as the opening sections unfold. Once again the sense of place is brilliant, despite the linear nature of the game, you don't mind being led through the Metro as it has allowed the devs to make sure the atmosphere is spot on with rolling shadows, lumiscent growth and failing lights. The NPC's chatter as you pass by only this time they whisper more about your character.
Visually it's just gorgeous, a full on exercise in lighting but used for the right effect rather than showing off and the attention to detail not just in background animations and little corners that might have shown shortcuts in design but also to the sound with strange noises making you second guess when your in the dark.
To play it's a lot more polished than 2033 was and those familiar with the last game will notice it straight away, it's still not top tier but it does the job and without a multiplayer to worry about that's all that's needed. It works well enough to please the masses which seems to have been the thinking behind most tweaks however pleasingly it doesn't feel any less 'Metro' than the first game.
As I said, I'm still early on but this is more Metro in a more polished form which suits me fine. Now excuse me, Artyom has some Nazi's to deal with before venturing deep into the dark and forboding Red Line tunnels...
Strangely enough I don't think it does. I don't think this has any new ideas over 2033, it's more just refinement. There's still tunnel set pieces, surface beasty killing and stealth sections but not as frustrating this time. Most new copies let you download Ranger mode which I imagine is a pain and one for the more hardcore fans especially as completion unlocks Ranger Hardcore 
Decent length too, literally played all day and up to Chapter 23 of 30
Comment