The STALKER series may have claimed the spotlight in post-apocalyptic gaming, but the creative minds behind Shadow of Chernobyl found new life in the Metro franchise. This shift led to the development of a series renowned for its rich character development, intricate storytelling, and an unparalleled atmosphere steeped in darkness—a hallmark of modern survival shooters.
While the narrative foundation laid by novelist Dmitry Glukhovsky undeniably contributed to the series’ success, 4A Games proved their prowess by expanding the universe beyond the confines of the original tale.
As one of the premier entries in the survival shooter genre, fans are encouraged to gather at the station bar and explore the underground world as we dissect the ranking of the best Metro games.
6 Metro Last Light
Too Much, Too Soon
In 2013, three years post-launch of Metro 2033, the development team sought to fill the void left by Valve’s elusive Half-Life 3. Metro Last Light expanded the chilling landscape of nuclear-ravaged Moscow while injecting a dose of adrenaline into protagonist Artyom’s journey.
Although the game delves deeper into its underground lore, some aspects feel overly ambitious for 4A Games, leading to moments that may frustrate players. Stealth mechanics can be excessively punishing, and the game’s survival elements seem watered down compared to its predecessor.
5 Metro 2033 Redux
Newer Does Not Equal Better
The release of the Metro Redux collection revitalized the experience of Metro Last Light, yet the remaster of Metro 2033 experienced a less favorable reception.
While the effort from 4A Games is evident, the redux version comes across more as a simple port rather than a true remaster. The upgraded 4A Engine struggles to maintain the atmospheric integrity of the original game, leading to a disjointed visual experience.
4 Metro Awakening
Up Close And Personal
The rise of VR gaming presents mixed reactions among fans, from concerns about it being a lackluster cash grab to hopes for a deeply immersive experience. Luckily, Metro Awakening, set for release in 2024, skews towards the latter, despite its imperfections.
This latest installment in the Metro series harnesses the capabilities of virtual reality to intensify the horror and excitement that fans have come to expect, not merely relying on scare tactics. Players will find themselves engaging physically with key elements of gameplay—from donning gas masks to managing batteries for flashlights, to administering medical shots—creating an immersive experience like no other.
3 Metro Last Light Redux
A Star Is Reborn
Labelled as a remaster, Metro Last Light Redux adds considerable value to its predecessor without losing its essence. The story remains gripping, and the world felt immersive in its original form, but the redux enriches the overall experience.
Notably, players can now choose between Spartan and Survival modes, catering to a broader audience. Spartan mode embodies the action-oriented gameplay of the original, while Survival mode invokes the dread and resource management reminiscent of Metro 2033.
This mode amplifies the emotional weight of every encounter, efficiently immersing players into a post-apocalyptic survival scenario filled with despair and tension, even if a few sequences feel unbalanced.
2 Metro 2033
Darkness Incarnate
Metro 2033 serves as the foundational pillar of the series, its high standing attributable to quality rather than nostalgia. This game was groundbreaking upon its release, and its impact resonates even today.
Players step into the shoes of an ordinary man living below the remnants of a decimated world shaped by nuclear devastation, portraying raw fear and scarcity more effectively than many titles.
Despite its technical quirks and moments that might feel outdated, the immersive combination of atmosphere, gameplay, and narrative shines through, making it essential for anyone interested in survival gaming. The dread encountered when facing Librarians is unfathomable, encapsulating the terror of survival.
1 Metro Exodus
A Railroad Picnic
Metro Exodus epitomizes the idea of cyclical journeys. As Artyom and his Spartan comrades venture out from the confines of Moscow in search of new beginnings, their interactions profoundly influence every location encountered in the remnants of Russia and Kazakhstan.
Influenced by the Strugatsky brothers’ novel Roadside Picnic, which explores the enduring impact of one’s actions, Metro Exodus showcases an astounding leap in technological advancement, allowing 4A Games to narrate Artyom’s saga in visually spectacular ways previously unattainable.
The game’s aesthetics are stunning, especially with the free Enhanced Edition that supports ray tracing. Combat mechanics have also reached new heights, while character depth has significantly improved, enriching the already exceptional narrative.
Additionally, the two DLC expansions provide poignant and beautiful storylines, adding even more layers to what is undoubtedly one of the finest survival shooters on the market.
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