"Metro 2033" Review (Xbox 360)

I hate that I'm so late in reviewing this game, which I purchased and completed months ago. But I would be remiss if I didn't put my opinion out there to whoever listens to some amateur video game reviewer like me in the first place. Bottom line: in my opinion, "Metro 2033" is easily one of the best games I've played in 2010. As much as I expected to love "Bioshock 2," that's how much I hadn't even heard of "Metro 2033" until its release. And, when it's all said and done, "Metro" filled the void that, in my opinion, "Bioshock 2" so thoroughly didn't manage to. This game, like the aforementioned original "Bioshock," presented a unique setting, an interesting story, creepy atmosphere, and rock solid gameplay. I found myself playing "Metro" instead of "Bioshock 2" at every opportunity. This wasn't a retread and an unnecessary sequel -- this was fresh.

You fill the post-Armageddon shoes of a young Russian survivor named Artyom living beneath Moscow in its network of tunnels. These tunnels house what's left of humanity as nuclear winter and mutant beings reign aboveground, connecting small communities of survivors known as "stations." In this dark, gritty environment, your job is to scout beyond the safety of these stations and unravel a new and sinister threat that is rearing its head.

In this game, atmosphere is King. The graphics engine may be a bit clunky, but it is more than apologized for by the unique setting, moody lighting, and excellent design. The oppressive darkness belowground is a character in and of itself, as is the feeling of isolation and claustrophobia. The weight of these sensations that the game creates is intentional and highly effective. Even when you do finally make your way to the surface and visit what's left of Moscow, these feelings remain, and in fact add urgency because you will be confined to your gas mask -- unless you want to die of radiation poisoning, that is. And to make matters worse, you will need to replace your gas mask and/or filter regularly, as each one will be spent in a matter of minutes. The sound of Artyom's gasps for air tell you in no uncertain terms how close you are to losing your final reserves of oxygen, and add a frantic quality to these outdoor segments that few games ever offer. Another nice touch that you will nonetheless not appreciate at all in your attemps to survive the game's dangers is the fact that enemy attacks can even leave marks in your mask that make visibility more difficult. Some players may find these kinds of things annoying -- but I embraced them in the spirit that the game intended.

"Metro" wants to play with your nerves. It wants to unsettle you. It wants to rattle you. And it wants to scare you. And if I drew up a list of the Top 10 Scariest Video Games of All Time According to Me, "2033" would be near the top of it. The mutant creatures in this game are truly inspired. They look fearsome, and they attack suddenly, lunging out of the darkness when they don't offer you the courtesy of a distant, terrifying howl that is sure to set your nerves on edge. One breed of ape-like mutant late in the game is particularly memorable, as they are somewhat passive so long as you are making direct eye contact with them -- but if you turn your back, they will be all over you like stink on a monkey. These are some of the most memorable beasts ever seen in a game. Human foes crop up on occassion, but are thankfully rare as they aren't very much fun to contend with and come complete with some truly clunky A.I.. If this game weren't built around its mutant creatures, to be honest, it wouldn't make for a very effective actioner. At all. But thankfully it knows its strengths and plays to them 90% of the time.

Speaking of the game's FPS elements, shooting the game's enemies isn't really fun, it's a relief. You're just glad you killed that mutant before it killed you. The weapons aren't especially memorable, and the shooting mechanics are a bit clunky -- but this game is really not about that. It's about exploring a world that is unique and immersive, and occassionally pulling the trigger just to stay alive. This is why the game's segments featuring human foes fare as poorly as they do.

The game promotes such feelings of isolation amidst the dark that the few times you join up with a human comrade, you feel genuine relief. Friendlies between stations are an exception to the rule, and they are only so helpful in watching your back, but you welcome them nonetheless. You will also take to scavaging quite quickly, much like in the aforementioned "Bioshock" games. Everything you come across lying in the tunnels or in the desolate streets of Moscow, you will probably if not certainly need. All those corpses lying around may be ominous, but it's always nice when you can rob one for some useful items or much-needed ammo.

The game offers two endings, but neither is as satisfying as it should be. The storyline kind of ambles and stumbles around late in the game too, which is disappointing since it's been so interesting up until this point. That and the game's at-times clunky shooting mechanics might put off some, as well as those Russian accents (too many characters sound EXACTLY the same as others you've met before), but rest assured, if you want to play an eerie, tense, and downright scary ass game, "Metro 2033" is about as good as it gets.

Final Score: 9.0 (Greatness)