*** Note: This review contains major end-game spoilers from Metro 2033. If you have not finished that title, I highly recommend doing so before reading this review. Consider this your fair warning.The original version of Metro: Last Light was released in 2013 by developer 4A Games, and publisher Deep Silver. Alongside the reissue of Metro 2033, this successor also got a Redux version upgrade in mid-2014. Whereas its predecessor was based off of the best selling novel of the same name, Metro: Last Light is not actually inspired by any book from Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, but rather it's a direct sequel to the first game. In fact, a majority of the ideas for Metro: Last Light came from 4A Games themselves, though done so with heavy input from Glukhovsky, who also wrote all of the dialogue for it, alongside a brief outline of the story.
First up, for owners of the original Metro: Last Light, is the Redux worth it? Since the graphics were already better in 2013, the striking difference between the original and the Redux is not felt as profoundly as the striking differences between the 2010 version of Metro 2033 and its subsequent Redux. That's not to say that the game isn't beautiful, because it is. The engine is also a lot smoother, and gameplay is definitely more fluid. However, I wouldn't say pay full price for it if you own the original release; if you do grab it, get it on one of its frequent $5 sales. If you're new to the series, read on.
Metro 2033 had two endings, and depending on where your hidden karma meter landed you, you either got the good or bad one. The bad ending for Last Light's older brother, wherein Artyom ends up bombing the Dark Ones and eviscerating them with missiles, was chosen to be cannon, and this title picks up one year after that fateful event. Main protagonist Artyom has been promoted to a Ranger, and his crew have since occupied the D6 military facility that he discovered in the first game. Due to the mysterious and legendary status of the D6 bunker, rumors of it housing great riches spread throughout the metro, and rival factions have set out to seize the area for themselves. Though that isn't the sole basis of Metro: Last Light, Artyom soon discovers that one Dark One has survived the barrage of explosive devastation that was meant to kill them all.
If you played the first installment in the series, you'll already know what to expect with Metro: Last Light Redux; as stated previously, the engines are the same, as are the mechanics. To its credit, it does feel like a direct continuation of the first game in every sense. However, while the senior title focused more on a guns-blazing approach, this release really centers around stealth, especially in the beginning. There's also more of a focus on the horror elements, rather than survival mechanics. The 30 levels across its 13-15 hour campaign are also a lot more linear, and despite having more missions, it has fewer collectibles and a lot less attention to detail in regard to background chatter and NPCs. The first half of Last Light is rather uneventful, which may turn off some players, but where it shines are within its segments where Artyom is completely alone. There are some really memorable moments here, and if you're patient they will eventually come.
To its discredit, Metro: Last Light Redux ends up leaving the series feeling exhausted once you've reached the end of its long campaign, especially if you're continuing onward right after playing Metro 2033. Though the developer wanted a direct sequel, literally nothing within the gameplay itself has changed, there are only a few new creatures to contend with, and a couple of new weapons. The linear progression and lack of NPC immersion that was present in the first game also really holds this follow-up back.
This Redux does include all of the DLC that was previously released, which includes the Developer level that's like a mini-museum for the game, Anna, Kahn, and Pavel specific missions that are mini-stories, the Spider Tunnels mission where you must traverse a deep dark dungeon alone and weaponless, the scavenger level Kshatriya where you fetch specific items from around a map, and the Tower which is a wave-based survival/shooter challenge. This content alone lasts for a good 3-5 hours, depending on your skill level, and the character specific mini-stories are some of the best content that Metro: Last Light Redux has to offer.
When it boils right down to it, Metro: Last Light Redux is a good game, but it's nowhere close to being as fantastic as Metro 2033. It's missing far too much of the immersion that was primarily given from listening to NPCs banter, and the story does take a while to pick up; the soundtrack and ambiance are also lacking. It's very easy to tell that it's a direct sequel to its predecessor, which is what the developer intended, but it also feels like a reskinned Metro 2033 game since nothing really has changed; if it weren't for its immense length, it would've been better off released as DLC. If you do grab this one, do so on sale and play a game or two in between the first installment and this title.
Rating: 4.0/5.0 - Excellent, highly worth playing.The Horror Network
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