Metro 2033 Redux
- March 16, 2010
- 4A GAMES
- 9h median play time
A valuable remake that makes the original Metro feel complete on PC.
In Metro 2033 Redux, players experience the post-apocalyptic world of 2033, where a generation has grown up in the Moscow metro system following an apocalyptic event. As Artyom, born before the fire but raised underground, players embark on a dangerous mission to warn remnants of mankind of an impending threat, traveling from the metro's forgotten catacombs to the desolate wastelands above. Players' actions will determine the fate of mankind in this immersive first-person shooter.
Reviews
- story8,179 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Metro 2033" is widely praised for its emotional depth and immersive world-building, drawing players into a post-apocalyptic Moscow where survival is paramount. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to blend philosophical themes with intense action, creating a gripping narrative that resonates with players. However, some critiques mention a lack of character development and occasional confusion in the plot, suggesting that while the story is compelling, it may not be as cohesive as it could be, especially for those unfamiliar with the source material. Overall, the game is recommended for its strong storytelling and atmospheric experience.
“From the moment you step into the dark, atmospheric tunnels of post-apocalyptic Moscow, the game grips you with its incredible world-building and immersive storytelling.”
“The story is rich, emotional, and thought-provoking, filled with moments of tension and reflection.”
“Metro 2033 redux is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay.”
“The story has completely failed to capture me in the first 2 hours because of the extreme disconnect between the gameplay and story/atmosphere they are trying to go for... nothing is scary when you get control, just frustrating, the rest is all scripted and out of your control.”
“The story is painfully slow and not all too interesting, and very few of the characters in the game seem very likeable. Those that are rarely stay in the story for very long.”
“The story is bloated with a too-wide variety of enemies that exist for maybe a handful of missions at best, to the point that I forgot about the dark ones entirely until very late in the game.”
- gameplay3,564 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Metro 2033 Redux has received mixed reviews, with many praising its immersive atmosphere and survival mechanics, such as managing gas mask filters and limited ammunition. While some players appreciate the blend of stealth and action gameplay, others criticize the clunky controls, outdated mechanics, and linear level design that can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is recognized for its engaging story and unique setting, but the gameplay may feel repetitive or frustrating at times, especially for those accustomed to more modern FPS titles.
“The gameplay is tense; it doesn't hold your hand, you are always short on ammo, or worried your gas mask will run out of filter time.”
“The selection of different difficulties and the large difference they make in the game, as well as the different gameplay modes that feel like you have three different games entirely, topped off with a hidden moral system that leads to two separate endings, give the game so much replayability which I have used to its fullest potential.”
“Metro 2033 redux combines an impressive narrative and improved visuals, puts them carefully into some of the most captivating and unique locations in any video game, and mixes it with unimpressive gameplay that doesn't take away from its unforgettable experience that will forever stay in your memory.”
“The gameplay is by far the biggest drawback here.”
“While the atmosphere is solid, it’s not enough to make up for the outdated gameplay.”
“The gameplay was pretty boring to me, and I got frustrated a lot with the hit boxes and such.”
- atmosphere3,069 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Metro 2033 Redux" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting qualities, effectively capturing the bleakness of a post-apocalyptic Moscow. Players commend the game's detailed world-building, sound design, and lighting, which together create a tense and claustrophobic experience that enhances the storytelling. While some critiques mention a loss of the original's darker atmosphere in the remaster, the overall consensus is that the game remains a standout example of atmospheric storytelling in gaming.
“From the moment you step into the dark, atmospheric tunnels of post-apocalyptic Moscow, the game grips you with its incredible world-building and immersive storytelling.”
“The atmosphere is one of the game's strongest aspects, effectively conveying the fear and desperation that define the survivors' daily lives.”
“Metro 2033 is a masterpiece based on a book series, although a bit linear it delivers stellar atmosphere and storytelling, adding to this a living post-apocalyptic world with all kinds of mutated beasts.”
“Too many scripted events and telegraphed fight arenas, sucking the tension out of the atmosphere.”
“The story has completely failed to capture me in the first 2 hours because of the extreme disconnect between the gameplay and story/atmosphere they are trying to go for... nothing is scary when you get control, just frustrating, the rest is all scripted and out of your control.”
“The atmosphere feels way less terrifying than the original Metro 2033.”
- graphics2,677 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Metro 2033 Redux" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity, particularly for a game originally released in 2010. Many reviewers noted that the remastered version significantly enhances the graphics, utilizing the 4A engine to deliver improved textures, lighting, and atmospheric effects that create an immersive experience. While some players pointed out minor graphical glitches and dated character models, the overall consensus is that the game's visuals effectively contribute to its haunting and engaging narrative, making it a standout title in the post-apocalyptic genre.
“It's a unique FPS game, with gorgeous graphics, and engaging shooting mechanics that were put together very well with horror-style scenarios.”
“The graphics in the remastered version are solid, and the metro tunnels are genuinely eerie.”
“The graphics are stunning and the gunplay was god-tier.”
“The graphics are rough by modern standards.”
“The graphics were gritty, the atmosphere thick.”
“The graphics, while updated in the redux version, are nothing to write home about.”
- music435 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in "Metro 2033 Redux" is widely praised for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the game's tense and haunting environment. Many players appreciate the blend of ambient sounds and musical scores that contribute to the overall sense of dread and isolation, although some find the soundtrack occasionally forgettable or repetitive. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point, with standout moments that resonate emotionally, particularly during key narrative events.
“The haunting and atmospheric soundtrack of Metro 2033 Redux enhances the game's immersive qualities.”
“The overall ambiance, coupled with a haunting musical score, contributes to the game's atmospheric brilliance.”
“The music expresses Artyom's journey and also contains two main themes: the new civilization inside the metro and the ruins of Moscow.”
“Music was not memorable at all.”
“The soundtrack was meh, it felt as if it didn't fit the action happening on screen.”
“The music is forgettable and certainly doesn't really add to the atmosphere very much.”
- stability380 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a range of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, including game-breaking issues and crashes. While some users experienced smooth performance with no significant problems, others faced frequent crashes, visual glitches, and AI issues that detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the game appears to be somewhat unstable, with a notable number of players encountering frustrating technical problems.
“I faced no glitches or bugs.”
“The game runs great, plays great, the world is phenomenal and the story is top notch.”
“This game is a prime example of how to make a great bug-free single player experience.”
“Not a bad game, but I had 2 game-breaking glitches that made me repeat whole chapters and ruined the experience for me.”
“The game is enjoyable but be warned it can be a buggy mess if you're unlucky like me.”
“It's broken, they don't intend to fix it and you'll spend almost as much time troubleshooting the thing as actually playing it.”
- optimization338 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 26 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the improvements in graphics and performance compared to the original version, particularly on modern hardware. However, numerous users reported significant issues such as crashes, stuttering, and inconsistent frame rates, especially on AMD systems and at higher resolutions. Overall, while some players experienced smooth gameplay, others found the optimization lacking, indicating that performance can vary widely depending on the system configuration.
“This game runs smoothly with no lag/freezes on max graphics with a mid-range PC.”
“The optimization allows for smoother gameplay and a more consistent frame rate, ensuring that players can fully immerse themselves in the harrowing journey without technical distractions.”
“The redux version's improved graphics and optimized gameplay mechanics enhance the overall experience, bringing the game to a new level of visual and technical excellence.”
“The game is buggy and a bit unoptimized.”
“Game runs like shit in 4k with a 4080 super and i7... it's an old game so it's probably not optimized for 4k resolution but it's glitchy on movement to the point where I had to give up even though it's a good game.”
“The optimization, on the other hand, is terrible.”
- replayability216 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is generally praised, with many players highlighting the variety of difficulty levels, multiple gameplay modes, and the presence of different endings based on player choices, which significantly enhance the experience. However, some reviews note that the linear structure and relatively short campaign may limit replay value for those not interested in achievements or exploring different play styles. Overall, while many find it highly replayable, opinions vary, with some feeling it lacks depth for multiple playthroughs.
“The selection of different difficulties and the large difference they make in the game, as well as the different gameplay modes that feel like you have three different games entirely, topped off with a hidden moral system that leads to two separate endings, give the game so much replayability which I have used to its fullest potential.”
“With two full-length campaigns and additional content, the game offers plenty of replay value for both newcomers and returning players alike.”
“The game has a high replayability value too, with different modes, difficulties, and secrets to discover.”
“I wasn't super impressed with the gameplay balance and very easy difficulty, but matched with a runtime that doesn't even crack double digits, I don't see this having much replayability outside of trophy hunting for the sake of it.”
“While Metro 2033 Redux offers multiple endings based on player choices, the linear nature of the narrative and the scarcity of resources may limit replayability for some.”
“The game's very linear, most of the missions are rather straightforward, so in my mind that limits its overall replayability.”
- emotional148 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Metro 2033" is widely praised, with players highlighting its rich, thought-provoking narrative and well-developed characters that evoke strong feelings of empathy and connection. Many describe the game as an emotional rollercoaster, filled with heart-wrenching moments and a haunting atmosphere that immerses players in the struggles of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in character design that can detract from emotional moments, the overall sentiment is that the game's storytelling and emotional depth make it a standout experience in the genre.
“The story is rich, emotional, and thought-provoking, filled with moments of tension and reflection.”
“What truly sets Metro 2033 Redux apart is its emotional depth.”
“The characters you encounter are well-developed, and their stories contribute to the emotional weight of the overall narrative.”
“Wrapped up in a boring story with boring characters and some of the most uninspired game design in recent memory.”
“This is a boring story where you, the hero, get through all those monsters, explosions, and bullets without getting a single scratch, and in the end, epic explosion, you saved the world, great.”
“Boring storyline and bad game engine.”
- grinding140 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 61 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is often viewed as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling it detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate the challenge of grinding for achievements, others find it excessively repetitive and frustrating, particularly due to unskippable cutscenes and resource management issues. Overall, the consensus suggests that players may need to invest significant time to achieve completion, which can lead to a less enjoyable gameplay experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“Great story, impressive gameplay, no grinding or collecting nonsense, just simply an immersive experience.”
“The combat is tedious, the weapons are boring.”
“Some portions are extremely tedious, and will likely require multiple restarts from checkpoints, especially for complete beginners, given the sometimes obtuse controls.”
“The story is tedious and unskippable, the inventory is garbage tier, the combat is super janky.”
- humor133 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mix of intentional and unintentional elements, with players finding charm in the quirky voice acting, absurd character interactions, and amusing glitches. Many reviews highlight the game's unique Slavic humor, which resonates particularly with Russian players, while others appreciate the comedic moments that arise from the game's serious atmosphere and character dynamics. Overall, the humor adds a layer of enjoyment, making the experience both entertaining and immersive, despite some criticisms of the voice acting quality.
“Just remember to pack your gas mask and a sense of humor - you'll need both to survive the underground 'delights' of mutant encounters and malfunctioning ticket machines.”
“The characters in the game are truly enjoyable, even the enemies have pretty funny lines.”
“It's honestly unclear if it realizes that some of its more absurd scenes, like a station locked in a perpetual war between fascists and communists, are farcical and hilarious.”
“You spend more time laughing and crying than actually playing.”
“The game is filled with funny bugs that distract from the overall experience.”
- character development40 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Character development in Metro 2033 Redux is a mixed bag, with some players praising the depth and nuance of key characters like Artyom and Bourbon, while others find many characters one-dimensional and lacking meaningful interactions. The storytelling is generally well-received, with a rich world and lore that enhances character engagement, though some critiques highlight a lack of depth in character arcs and emotional connections. Overall, while the game excels in atmosphere and narrative, opinions vary on the effectiveness of character development across the cast.
“Their character development is fantastic and the story to every character is great.”
“The character development and world-building in Metro 2033 Redux are exceptional.”
“The character development is nuanced, making you genuinely care for those you meet along the way.”
“Character development is underwhelming, with many individuals feeling one-dimensional and lacking meaningful interactions.”
“It's a very interesting take on a post-apocalyptic setting, the world and its various inhabitants are the focus, but there isn't too much character development and it's a pretty standard 'saving the world' type story, with some unique deviations mixed in.”
“Without strong story or character developments, some players are definitely going to be put off by how the game proceeds.”
- monetization26 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 12 % neutral mentions
- 77 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it as a "cash grab" due to the presence of unskippable advertisements and microtransactions that detract from the overall experience. Players express disappointment over the lack of meaningful improvements in remastered versions, feeling that the developers prioritized profit over quality. Additionally, the controversial decision to remove the game from Steam after advertising it there has further fueled frustration among the community.
“An AAA-class first-person shooter, with great shooting mechanics, beautiful graphics and single-player gameplay, engaging story, deep gun customization, thrilling suspense and survival elements - and without microtransactions!”
“Because of some decisions made by some suits at Square Enix (note: not the people actually coding and making the game), some minor items were available to buy in the game at the time the whole 'microtransactions' thing was becoming critically toxic.”
“First off, 4A makes amazing games. I'm not upset with 4A, but after all this waiting, you're telling me that Exodus is going to the Epic Games Launcher... so I can expect the fact that my single-player game will be chock full of game-breaking microtransactions.”
“This is a great game but unfortunately this 'remaster' falls into the category of shameless cash grabs where nothing is changed but people still buy it.”
“I don't actually recommend this over the original; you should opt for the original Metro 2033 instead of this lazy cash grab.”
“This redux was clearly a cash grab, piggybacked on a very vocal and bewildering cult following, and I'm disappointed I fell for it, as it seems very little effort was put in to improve the game.”
Critic Reviews
Metro 2033 Redux (Nintendo Switch)
While certainly an interesting game, Metro 2033 won’t be for every first-person shooter fan. However, if you enjoy a more thought provoking, story-driven adventure you’ll most likely enjoy yourself. With all of the game’s DLC included, there’s a good amount of content to keep you busy.
70%Metro: 2033 Redux Review
Metro: 2033 Redux is one of the better single-player first-person action games to come out. It's got some flaws and some questionable pacing choices, most egregiously the oftentimes tedious scripted story sequences that pepper the game to a fault. The core gameplay and mechanics are realised well enough when the game lets the player play around and explore its possibilities. It is no mistake that Metro: 2033 Redux's best chapters are the ones where the player has the most agency over the action. While a scripted sequence isn't a bad idea per say, they are too frequent and too many in Metro: 2033 Redux, which is already not a long game. This game is best described as the companion to Metro: Last Light Redux, where users are better off getting the retail compilation. The amount of visual fidelity and craftsmanship displayed in this game is unparalleled considering the lack of budget and absurd working conditions the crew had to endure during its development. It is a testament to the work of 4A Games and visionary Dmitry Glukhovsky.
70%Metro 2033 Redux Review
Metro 2033 Redux is a top-class first-person shooter/survival horror game, a breathless experience that's been almost flawlessly ported to Switch by 4A Games. Artyom's desperate, haunting voyage through the irradiated remains of Moscow is every bit as engaging today as it was when it first released back in 2010, and this Redux version benefits massively from overhauled AI, gameplay mechanics and visuals. In terms of first-person shooters or survival horror games on Nintendo's console, this is one of the very best.
90%