This game is tough to recommend. I enjoyed the heck out of it, but it isn't for everyone. Pros: Graphics are amazing. Atmosphere is immersive, and the story and the game itself is compelling. The world is gritty, the metro stations are incredibly detailed, and you feel like you are a part of the game world. Sometimes, even dying is fun. When I got killed by a spiked, swinging log that I caused by hitting a tripwire, I couldn't help but smile. Plenty more traps where that came from. Cons: The shooting is a bit off. The human enemies are a bit too hard to kill, and sometimes when they recoil from getting shot they get invulnerable until they get out of a particular animation. I had no problem with hit boxes. Headshots are headshots. Animation of the characters is lackluster. Facial expressions are worse. So there you go! That's Metro 2033 in a nutshell. You'll either love it or hate it, but at least give it a try! 9/10… Expand

THIS IS AWESOME GAME !!!! 10 / 10 !!!

Graphics: 9/10 - beautiful in a dystopian sense Story: 6/10 - bland plot, characters generally uninteresting Sound - 5/10 - in the communal areas, you literrally hear 5 conversations at once, and you can't make out a word. And the accents are pretty dire. Gameplay: 6/10. The biggest problem with this game is the gameplay. Yes, its linear, but who cares - Half Life is linear, and who doesn't love Half Life? The problem is that it sets itself up to be great - good gameplay mechanics, great potential for some awesome shootouts - and then doesn't give you the opportunity to put these into practice. You encounter plenty of mindless mutants (solution: hold down the trigger while they run at you) but hardly any smart human enemies. Those you do encounter aren't always all that smart - they will be seen running one area of cover to another, sometimes with their backs to you. Sometimes they're standing out in the open and won't shoot at you. You're offered a reasonable variety of weapons, upgrades (e.g. silencers, scopes, laser sights), but none of it really matters. You basically need a rifle and a shotgun, and thats it. Throwing knives? I managed to find one single opportunity to use one of these successfully. Bottom line: visually amazing shooter with great potential, let down by its shooting.… Expand

A generally underrated game, and though much of it could be developed to a higher degree, its haunting atmosphere, edgy gameplay, and mysterious plot makes a ripple that's worthwhile among the scattered assortment of apocalyptic titles in the media industry today.

FIrst of all I have to make a note on the fantastic graphics, which helps a great deal in showing the player a dark underground world in which humanity has ended up in. The storyline was original with interesting characters along the way, if and the voice acting is great. The overall feel of the game is dark and slightly gothic (in a russian kinda way :P) but this is wonderfully presented, creating an immersive and extremely fun experience, a must have for people who enjoy this type of fps.… Expand

To say this game has flown under the radar is an understatement. Much like Vigil games' brilliant Darksiders, Metro 2033 hasn't gotten a quarter of the publicity and attention it deserves prior to launch. Not surprising seeing as it launched along side the titan that is God of War 3. I am happy to say that 4A games Metro 2033 is a success for it's astounding atmosphere, progressive sense of dread, and superb pacing throughout. Not only did I take a night off from one of the best games I've ever played(GoW 3), but I will probably be running through the campaign again soon just to experience it all again. Though the shooting doesn't match the visceral kick of recent FPS, it more than makes up for it with a well told story, truly next gen visuals, and more atmosphere than most games could ever hope of acheiving. This is not to say the shooting is bad, in fact it is quite good. One could even argue the underpowered feeling of the weapons is due to the fact that the guns are weathered and damaged to match the post-apocolyptic feel the game portrays. Everyone has retreated to the metro system after the world spirals onto a nuclear winter. Mutated creatures lurk above ground and below, and surviving factions fight eachother in the massive metro system. The trips above ground are some of the most memorable moments in the game, as you are forced to put on a gas mask and frequently check your watch for filter degration. An in game HUD is non exsistent in Metro 2033, which adds to player immersion even more. Instead to navigate you have a clipboard with your objectives and a compass pointing you towards your next objective. In dark areas you flick a lighter on to make the clipboard visible. This is a game that encourages smart play. Using your ammo wisely and conserving ammo is a must if you want to make it in the metro. The games currency is pre-fallout ammo, noticeable by it's golden shiny color and prestine condtion. These bullets are also significantly more powerful that the "dirty rounds" manufactured in the metro. The game is raw, uncompromising and at times ratchets the tension to unbearable levels. You have 4 bullets left in your shotgun, you and your partner hear the howls and screams of creatures closing in on you slowly getting louder and louder. Your in a dark wet tunnel and your flashlight is all that illuminates the way, you turn to your right and see one of the creatures climb the wall and immediately jump down after you. Suddenly your in the middle of 6 or 7 of them quickly scanning your surroundings with your flashlight. These moments are great and help move the game along nicely. This is a story driven FPS. The way it moves along to story segments without ever breaking your first person view is something to behold. Overall I am pleasantly surprised by Metro 2033 and I hope word of mouth gets this game into more peoples hands. Because I believe that like me, once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. Well played 4A games, well played.… Expand

The game is a must have for any FPS fans who enjoyed the dark atmosphere of games such as Fear and Condemned. It also has a little Fallout 3 mixed in for good measure. The atmosphere of the game really puts it head and shoulders above most FPS games, with a relentless dark, gritty and foreboding atmosphere. The management of ammo (used for money as well) is a great aspect of the game and makes buying weapons and equipment a deeper process than it is in most other shooters. A top 360 exclusive. Full marks!!… Expand

Actually i would give this game a 8.5 if this site had a .5 scale. Anyway this game has a very intense story which makes this the high point of the game. The AI however is very inconsistent. Sometimes it may appear as if the enemy is just standing there looking at you not doing anything. Thankfully however it only happens every now and again. Despite that however this game can be extremely tuff at times. The First Person controls are pretty standard compared to other games. The aiming senstivity is adjustable which is a huge plus, but for the most the default sensitivity is just right. There are some design choices that are questionable in this game such as the level layouts and such. Sometimes navigating in these enviorments in the dark can be a little trying at times which contributes to the game being harder in certian spots. Thanks to the great pacing and variety in the missions though it more than makes up for it. I recommend this game to anyone who is looking for a slightly different edge of your seats sort of survival horror fps expierence thats very challenging at times. Ignore the low reviews by 1UP and Onion(AV Club). These two reviewers clearly are not that skilled at playing videogames and let there frustration get the best of them. Too bad for them that they had to convey the wrong message to gamers about this potential cult classic. Thanks for taking the time to read my review!… Expand

After playing the first couple of hours, I was planning to give this a solid 7. However, as I got deeper into the Metro I found myself totally absorbed. While the shooting is a bit clunky, for my money the atmosphere and level of involvement is equal to anything Bioshock or even Half-Life 2 can offer. It really is like that book that you can't put down, except with a book you don9;t get the thumping heartbeat and adrenaline rush that I experienced when half sneaking, half sprinting (and not looking back!) through an abandoned library, hoping you don't get spotted by the 'librarian' while you change your gas mask filter. You feel genuine relief when you finally make it to a friendly station, and reflect on the journey you've just had since the last. And what a memorable journey it is! Go on - back the underdog games out there! Put down COD, get some headphones, turn the lights off and enter the Metro!… Expand

They should have stayed with GSC and learned how to develop this franchise. 1) Quick time events suck. Especially in FPS. 2) Linear campaign is BORING. 3) Cut-scenes are too frequent. 4) The more you play the game, the more it will suck as it is not a Survival Horror at all. It cannot decide between a stealth/FPS/movie? 5) Plot is less than worthless. It actually would be less annoying if the narrator just never spoke at all, and let the player use their imagination. Buy COD4 if you want failbox-360 shooters. Buy "Call of Pripyat" if you want to see a REAL survival horror FPS for the PC...… Expand

A game with massive potential, but almost 90% of it is wasted. Some great dialogue, but in larger areas, you're given 5 or 6 people speaking over each other and you're left with inane chatter. Guns are fairly bland. Story is compelling, but very little chance to explore further. As mentioned in some reviews, the gunplay is buggy and hit detection is way off (for example, the double barrel shotgun has no effect on enemies at times, whereas the revolver can be over powered). Overall design of the gun is brilliant, and graphics/models are fantastic, but the overall 'grey' colouring wears thin. I was quite excited to pick this up, but after the play, I found it difficult to come back to, playing it just for the achievements.… Expand

Like Metro 2033's cousin, STALKER, the main draw is the fascinating world around you. Immersing yourself in a post-apocalyptic society thriving underground is unforgettable. The gunplay is merely adequate at best, as well as the stealth components. There are also some pretty intense moments scattered here and there (one involving the most unlikely of places: a library) Overall, Metro is a solid shooter sporting some pretty unique set pieces and characters.… Expand

This game looks nice and is very atmospheric. I love the array of makeshift weapons such as the shotgun that has the butt of a P90. Also I like how you have to charge your flashlight and your journal is in realtime and is a 'weapon' that is affected by ambient light. I would recommend this to anyone who likes FPS/Survial games.

This is a spectacular game although it isn't as polished as the likes of COD it has a wonderfully odd story and the gameplay accommodates to that by the constant fear of what lurks around that dark corridor or the fact that you cant breath outside without a gas mask. The atmosphere is what i think the games strong point is i mean the depth of the game is amazing with a lot of set pieces and sneaking bits i have to say this is the best survivall game i have ever played thank god there is still games like this instead of the regular stories that have been repeated too many times, this story is original in its own way and is definitely worth a try i mean it has Russians in it how fing awesome is that… Expand

The underground of Moscow in 2033 with monsters, tunnels, darkness and a radioactive Earth surface...sounds good so far... Overall this game stands out with its amazing atmosphere which in our books will beat Bioshock's atmosphere 8 days of the week. The story is again a masterpiece and we can't fault it too much - We just wish it would have gone on for even longer!!!! So far everything is perfect...Our flaw is in the game engine and AI... Many online reports have found many glitches with the actual game and with DLC too! The AI is another annoyance. Enemies take cover behind cover (or so they think they are!). They are actually in the open but look like they are looking out from cover. You will also hear the AI enemies constantly say the same lines over and over again until you finally kill them off with the bullets..which brings us to our final problem: guns and bullets. Not only are they inconsistent but very annoying. Sometimes a single bullet will knock enemies off their feet but most of the time it will take entire unloading of clips of ammo into enemies just to watch them shout "you're dead!" in a super hardcore voice whilst they sit behind their non-existent cover. No wait, one more problem: you spend half the game collecting currency bullets and find a super cool gun you want to buy but it will cost everything you have, so you do it, knowing your reward is epic...then you walk through to the next level only to find the first enemy you encounter has the same gun and its might even have some attachments and you wasted all your ammo as you could have got it for free....damnit!… Expand

Metro feels like a really bad version of Bioshock stuck on rails ala the COD games with none of the fun or polish that either of those titles provide. Given it 's an FPS it fails on the most basic premise, the shooting, it's broken! For example, sometimes a double barrel shotgun to face would send an enemy reeling other times you can empty both barrels reload and repeat they still stand there! After trying a number of times to get into the game I just gave up, a few nice cut scenes and half decent story do not cover up the fact it's just not very good.… Expand

The power of that game in its color and beauty. Weak side of that game is much more complicated. At first - a game concept, which delivers a bunch of different mini-games followed one after another thanks to a poor idea behind the game. Second thing is absolutely brainless monsters programmed to use one way only although most of them are pretty tough. Third one - you can not explore anything - even the biggest locations, they'd been placed there like a great decoration stuff (even people). Overall game is good, it's interesting and has a lot of fun-scary moments. Worth to buy (i'm looking at the steam price now - June 2011) but not expect that Metro 2033 is a kind of a masterpiece. 6 of 10… Expand

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Metro, for all its faults, is quite underrated. To be honest, yes combat is kind of bad, but the game isn't meant to be a shooter, as many people treat it. It is mostly focused on the Story, which can be quite gripping if you are willing to go any try everything a second time. Combat isn't very good because it doesn't require you to fight EVERY baddie that crosses your path. On the Communist vs. Nazi mission, you can get an achievement for both killing them all AND for sneaking past them. In Fact, its recommended not to do it without the STEALTH suit. The nosalises are constantly just going past you or standing up mid-combat because they are stupid. They were more than likely created out of moles that mutated into them, if you take a look at their faces. As for people complaining about graphics, you're missing a very noticeable point: This is irradiated Moscow, which probably didn't look so happy in the first place. However, I will agree that the Gas Mask doesn't seem to make much sense. After all, if Gas Masks cancelled out radiation, we wouldn't have Haz mat suits.… Expand

A really solid shooter, despite the slightly sluggish controls. I can't help but feel that this is the campaign that Modern Warfare fans have been longing for, yet completely let slip by them.

OVERALL: Easily one of the most underrated game of its time. This game delivers on some very key components that you would look for in a FPS. PROS: As said earlier, the big things you are looking for in a game, Metro 2033 succeeds in. The storyline is great, containing two possible endings that both are exciting and leave you suspicious until the end. "Ranger" difficulty can make it a very challenging game making every bullet important, killing every enemy an accomplishment, and making every "Cartridge" spent carefully. The gameplay is very intuitive and offers a wide range of styles of playing. The graphics are amazing, from the people in each station, the post-apocalyptic Moscow, and every monster you encounter in the frozen wasteland. CONS: There are two big problems that this game has. First, Metro 2033 is very bug-filled, making some points in the game impossible to proceed which makes the game very frustrating at some points. It can also get confusing and sometimes too difficult, for some players, as this is a very hardcore game. Another problem is the stealth system. Stealth is an option in this game but is very difficult to control and master. This is partly due to bugs, how a guy will automatically know where you are at when you silent killed another guy in the dark. The cons are an issue but doesn't stop it from being a great game or should it stop you from buying it. GRAPHICS: 9 out of 10 Very nice, makes you feel like you are surviver living in the Moscow Metro STORYLINE: 8 out of 10 A bit confusing at first, gets better as it goes along. GAMEPLAY: 8 out of 10 Tons of new features and styles makes it unique, some bugs to work out. LASTING APPEAL: 6 out of 10 No multiplayer or anything, but "Ranger Mode" will keep plenty of people busy for a while. OVERALL: 8 out of 10 THE CONCLUSION: For a new game developer (4A Games) and a new franchise, there is always going to be some kinks to work out. But this is definitely something great they created and I cannot wait for the refined Metro: Last Light.… Expand

Metro 2033 is a unique experience that is heavily linear and heavily combat based. In the first few levels visiting the small station towns was a real treat, the atmosphere is breath taking, and there are so many details that one can absorb. Though unfortantly that atmosphere dies down as you progress through the further levels, becoming then bland, and boring. The combat perhaps is even worse. While it is an fps, it's a very flawed fps. There is a limmited supply of bullets, which for some may damper on the fun. An honestly, after 10 hours of gameplay shooting these strange, mutated, grotesque enemies really lose my interest. Overall I expected a heavy linear, dark, with a great story. An overall I guess I did get that, but in a much smaller dose. Perhaps if the game was more polished, the combat more upped the ante, the enviorment more expressive, then maybe, maybe it could've turned out the game I THOUGHT it could've been. Still overall a good game you can play once, though after that not much else to see.… Expand

The fairly long game gets every point for graphics, no doubt. It's stunning and the physics are just great. The atmosphere is spooky but a bit jarring. You're never free to roam around the Metro, as the story goes you are dragged through loading screens as new areas are uncovered, in a linear fashion. The game treats you well however, letting you outside every now and then, and while a lot of the time you have a gas mask on, it still unmasks a lot of beauty you thought you wouldn't see. Each map is like a sandbox, where you can only move forward as the story progresses, but when you can, you're free to explore and pick up fresh (very original weapons) and ammo/currency. It gets intense manually pumping a steam-powered shotgun, or recharging your generator while creatures flock around you. Unfortunately this makes the game extremely difficult, causing quite a few deaths here and there. The traps are very subtle, hence you suddenly explode when you touch a trip wire you forget you should be looking for. The healing system is delayed and you don't get NEARLY enough health to deal with the amount of enemies the game sends at you. Whether they carry guns or have claws, the enemies are always going to stress you out, and unless your aim is dead-on, you're done for. Reloading is a death-wish, it's extremely slow and once you start you better be running. It's basically necessary to have your guns locked and loaded before taking another step. That said, this game is not for casual gamers, and those who are desperate to pick it up, I'd suggest the Easy mode. In the long run, I didn't have high expectations for Metro 2033, but I wasn't disappointed, just a little unhappy that even though the storytelling, voice-acting, graphics and gunplay are phenomenal, it lacks everything else that Fallout 3 does so well, and I hate to compare them, but the two games share so much (as far as post-apocalyptic games go), and yet, with all its greatness, it just left me wanting to play Fallout instead.… Expand

Say whatever you want about the post-apocalyptic setting, and how it's been beaten to death. I don't think in terms of video games this setting has been overdone just yet. Metro 2033, while it is an apocalypse game, is not in the traditional sense. You'll not find the desolate, satirical wastes of Fallout in this game. Most of Metro 2033 takes place in the metro tunnels of Moscow. The air on the surface is still very much poisonous, and this game is the polar opposite of fallout in terms of mood. While in Fallout you'll be laughing at the jokes that Black Isle/Bethesda put in these games, but also feel very much alone in the wastes, traveling by yourself. In Metro 2033, you get a sense that humans are barely holding on to survival, and the appearance of a new step in evolution, the "Dark Ones". You are Artym, and you are for some reason immune to the psychic power of these beings, and thus go to seek help for your village, community, whatever you want to call it. You'll come across many other communities on your journey, all of which have this sense of life about then that Fallout doesn't seem to be able to quite capture. It is an odd pairing, this hopelessness you feel through the game, and these happy communities you come across, though in reality if we all didn't die from a nuclear fallout, this may be exactly what it would be like. Out in the metro tunnels though, you will feel very much alone. The game does a really good job at immersing you into your environment, combining realistic audio, current gen graphics, that may not exceed very many games of this generation, it's not to say that they are bad. They are very much good. The gunplay has gotten a lot of flak from most reviews, and it isn't exactly unjustified. There are times when enemies are performing a scripted action, and your bullets do no damage to them, which is especially bad since ammo is the currency of this post-nuclear world. The enemies don't seem to react realistically to being shot. If I had to give a comparison in terms of gunplay, I would have to say Bioshock, and that is very much what i was reminded of when i was gunning down bandits and the like. Like Bioshock however, the shooting is average, and the story and feeling of the game more than support this game. Metro 2033 is a relatively short game, clocking in at around 8 to 10 hours (longer than your standard FPS's 6 hour story), and you will not have much incentive to go back and play again if all you like was the story and atmosphere. Either get it if you don't mind spending the 60 dollars, or wait for the inevitable price drop(s) in the coming months.… Expand

This game has all kinds of potential. It seems like the developer spent way more time on the underground city dwelling experience than on the actual combat gameplay. The currency and buying/selling mechanic and just overall city experience are impressive, way more so than any other FPS I've played in a while. As impressive as it is however, the actual first person shooter parts of the game (which is 75% of what this game is about) is underwhelming to the point of being nearly broken. Overall a fairly interesting experience if you can put up with it.… Expand

Read the book? No? Want to buy this game first before buying the game? Yes? Well, it's not the best thing to do first. Why I'm telling to buy the book, then play the game? Because the story might be difficult to follow, because it barely tells the story of the book. It pretty much tells very small amount of the book, but it doesn't have its own story. The game makes much more sense when you have read the book first. Well, how is the game other wise then? It's decent. It mixes with stealth and run 'n gun action well. Run 'n gun doesn't have the last click feel, which would make it great and stealth becomes very annoying, because of how it's pretty much based on remembering the waypoints the enemies use. I would have preferred less linear style of gameplay too, but it doesn't mean the game is bad. Overall, the game doesn't impress in anything, but it's still good enough to be bought...After you have the book...… Expand

Metro 2033 has a decent premise and setting, but the gameplay is broken. The controls often feel unresponsive and clunky. I was uninterested in the story and characters, and the enemies were unvaried. I am struggling to find any positives from my playthrough, but the campaign is a decent length and the setting is atmospheric. If you can get over the glitchy controls and boring story, you might enjoy it. 1/5.… Expand

I really wanted to like Metro 2033, i loved the storyline, the graphics, and the narrators voice oozes atmosphere, yeah i really wanted to like Metro 2033, but the fact that it's one of the most frustrating games i've ever played means i didn't like it at all. I mean who's idea was it that when you die on the surface because you've run out of oxygen filters, that when the game reloads from the previous checkpoint you still have no oxygen filters, so you die quickly and on and on it goes, until you realize, you have to go back a whole section of the game to buy or scavenge said filters, and then replay through it all again, add a clunky shooting mechanism and you have a hugely disappointing game. Games should be fun, this is Rubbish… Expand

In Metro 2033 you are a citizen of a metro station about 20 years after there was a nuclear war. When you find out that these creatures created form the radiation of the nukes are beginning to come into the metro system you leave to warn and get help from the biggest station in the metro. Metro 2033 is a very linear FPS that is dark and depressing. What helps make the game feel that way is the great art design and the low creepy music. Shooting on Metro 2033 is a little heavier than most shooters, but does not take to long to get used to. Throughout the game you stop at different stations that have shops where you can buy new weapons, armor, and ammo. The currency is bullets. Specifically high quality bullets that are more rare and more powerful. You can trade in the items to get more bullets to use to buy other items. The bullets can also be used to shoot, but I recommend not do that to often, especially on later levels. Metro 2033 is more challenging than most shooters. It does not hold your hand and the player learns from experience what are the best tactics and weapons to use in certain situations. Voice acting in can be a little questionable once in a while, but it is good enough. Metro is different than most shooters in the fact that it is more story based and does not have the over the top action like other shooters. Also Metro does not have multiplayer, but the single-player over shadows it. I am personally happy that there is not any multiplayer because it could of hurt the story and gameplay. If you want to compare Metro 2033 to any other shooter the closest one is Half-Life. If you want a good story driven shooter that is different than most shooters than Metro 2033 is for you. I am looking forward to Metro Last Light.… Expand

What a surprise hit. This is a really fun and immersive game. The action is intense but manageable. A little bit of a stretch when it comes to the story but still involving after the first couple of chapters. The weapons have power too, a headshot feels explosive. All in all a great game, I recommend It.

A highly under-rated gem and a must have for the post-apocalyptic fan. This game is a unique and dark story-driven post-apocalyptic tale that adds some original weapons and mechanics to the fps genre. There are a few things the game could have done better such as a quick melee button instead of manually switching to the knife but overall the environments and unique weapons make this game stand out. The underground settlements really feel alive with npc's playing guitars, having hushed conversations, cooking a meal, and children's scribbles scattered around. This game does much more right that wrong and I am really looking forward to the sequel.… Expand