Metro 2033 – Preview

The year 2033 really doesn’t sound as far away as it should now that humanity’s survived the Noughties. According to 4A Games, there will be another 23 years of relative peace before downfall of mankind due to massive nuclear war.

It’s a setting gamers have seen plenty of times before but this definitely isn’t your average first-person shooter, as it’s a very atmospheric and polished experience. Comparisons with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series are inevitable due to the dev team being almost exclusively made up of formerly GSC Gameworld staffers, but with a new setting of Russia and no sign of any RPG progression, this is an entirely different experience.

Based on a novel by Dmitry Glukhovski, players can expect linear plot progression with expertly crafted dialogue and a gradually escalating story. The game begins in one of Moscow’s oldest safe havens, Exhibition underground station, which has been home to dozens of malnourished and scared survivors for over 30 years. Nobody dares go above ground due to the threat of mutants and other survivors. Gamers assume the role of Arytom, a young station dweller who has recently learned of an impending mutant menace which has the power to wipe out the remnants of mankind. He, meaning you, needs to leave the safe confines of Exhibition in order to warn other people of the danger. The story continues in earnest, but as you would expect, all doesn’t go according to plan…

While walking around decrepit station the sense of desperation hangs thickly in the air as you see survivors discussing the political impact of their plight, occasional muttering drunkards and children playing with dilapidated and broken toys.

Metro 2033’s pulpy origins are obvious, and gamers will relish exploring areas which are full of character. The game’s many stations function as stop-off points where you can purchase new ammo, additional weapons and supplies.

Venturing out of the station is easily equitable to stepping out of Vault 101 in Fallout 3, it’s just as dramatic and empowering. The feeling that your presence isn’t wanted is accentuated by the need to wear a special suit to protect yourself from the environment.

Players will need to make sure there’s enough for the entire journey, otherwise Arytom will become slower, breath harder and eventually capitulate to the hostile atmosphere.

Some may be disappointed with a linear single-player shooter without multiplayer in 2033, but after our short time in Metro 2033, we were gagging for more. The intriguing setting mixed with the sort of detail only a novel can provide culminates in a desperate, scary and fulfilling experience. It tickled areas we always wanted the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise to with great character design, atmosphere and a layer of believability.

We convinced that Metro 2033 is sure to be one of the most intelligent and thought-provoking first-person shooter you’ll play this year.

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