Have you ever experienced the uncomfortable claustrophobic feeling when you were travelling by subway? Well, at least you knew you would get out soon. But imagine you had to give up on the fresh air, sunny skies and starry nights, and spend the rest of your days in the inhospitable underground Metro systems. This is what it looks like in post-apocalyptic Moscow in the first-person shooter survival horror game Metro 2033.
Based on a novel by the Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro 2033 takes place around 20 years after a nuclear apocalypse. The inhabitants of Moscow retreated into the vast Metro systems to save themselves from radiation, mutants, dangerous anomalies but also each other. Because similarly to the pre-apocalyptic world, even here in the tunnels people formed diverse groups and parties with different ideologies, which only decreases the chance of survival of the human race.
You take control over young Artyom, who is sent out to deliver an important message to a neighbouring station. You are inexperienced since you have never ventured beyond the limits of your home station but luckily, you are guided by more seasoned guys. In return, you help them eliminate the threats which surprise you along the way.
Radiation-mutated animals, mysterious anomalies and the rival Nazi and Communist groups are an inseparable part of the underground world and therefore, your Kalash is your only way of survival. However, the cartridge is not easy to come by since it is also used as a trade currency, so you should rather conserve it. If you manage to save up some ammunition, you can invest it in buying new, better and upgraded firearms. And here we come to a significant weakness of Metro 2033. Even though there are some basic tutorials at the beginning of the game, the trading system might be confusing for beginners.
Besides buying and upgrading firearms, the time spent at metro stations is also a great opportunity to get to know the Russian culture. Since the nuclear catastrophe, the stations have served as provisional settlements, representing at least some protection against the horrors lurking in the tunnels.
In the course of the game, you will explore life at the stations, help their inhabitants and even take your mind off everything you have gone through in local bars. Moreover, you can also buy there medkits, armor, gas mask, and reserve filters, which are absolutely essential in the game. Due to the poisonous air on the desolate surface, not wearing the gas mask or running out of the filters means instant death.
Metro 2033 is a well-done survival horror game, which excels in the ultimate post-apocalyptic atmosphere, unique design, and gripping storyline. The game is definitely worthwhile to every fan of survival post-apocalyptic horror games. If you want to experience a journey into man’s dark future, you should definitely give this game a shot! And if you’d already played the game, a remastered version for next-generation consoles called Metro 2033 Redux was released in 2014, offering a thrilling experience for both newcomers and veterans.
All pictures used in this article are from the official 4A Games webpage http://www.4a-games.com/metro-2033.html
Key information
Developer: 4A Games
Publisher: THQ Inc.
Release date: 16 March 2010
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, OS X
Genre: First-person shooter
Survival horror
PEGI Rating: 16
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