Metro 2033 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Mar 16, 2010
  • Also On: PC
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 257 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 211 out of 257
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 257
  3. Negative: 29 out of 257

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DrNakedSpaceMan
    Jul 20, 2011
    10
    I was actually really surprised with this one. It's pretty rare to see a shooter rely on story to keep the player going instead of the mindless action we see in the Call of Duty series. There are some but very few parts that are annoying, but they aren't very big things. Numerous times I forgot to take off my gas mask because the breathing audio is barely audible. I'm not sure why they put the air powered weapons in the game since finding them is next to impossible except for the rare one or two times. The scoped weapons scopes don't work very well in darker environments even with night vision goggles on. I like the stealth elements of the game as well. It's not like other games with stealth in them where you only have to keep track of a few things. You have to keep track of the light exposure, how much noise your making, and how far you are from others that you might wanna kill. While this may sound unnecessarily complicated, it's actually all very simple.

    I did find it annoying that there's no obvious way to get the "good" ending of the game. I actually had to find a guide only to find that you would have to pretty much talk to everybody and interact with pretty much everything to get to it. I'm also disappointed that they didn't use the "good" ending for the sequel but instead went with the "bad/normal" ending. But then again it's understandable since, the book, Metro 2034 doesn't have much fighting in it like Metro 2033 has.

    The guns are also extremely fun to use. I was really surprised that using the AK-47, or the Kalash as the in game residence call it, didn't feel like just firing yet another AK-47. Using the silenced weapons to get rid of enemies quietly and destroying lights are also fun to do.

    Overall, the game is extremely good. It may not be for the one who is looking for nothing but action but it's still good. I recommend setting your own challenges in the game since it makes it even more fun. For example, playing the entire game using only pistols or rifles.    … Expand
  2. APearson
    Mar 24, 2010
    9
    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
  3. Goat
    Dec 27, 2010
    9
    THIS IS AWESOME GAME !!!! 10 / 10 !!!
  4. darkblorg
    May 2, 2011
    10
    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
  5. Travis
    Mar 17, 2010
    9
    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
  6. SkullScience
    Mar 22, 2010
    10
    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
  7. MichaelC
    Mar 23, 2010
    9
    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
  8. ChrisB
    Mar 23, 2010
    9
    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
  9. cremeegg88
    Aug 28, 2010
    10
    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
  10. Emile
    Feb 18, 2013
    9
    This was a game that totally came out of left-field and showed the triple-A titles how.
    It plays as a FPS, but can more readily be described as a survival-horror with first person shooting elements involved.
    I won't go into the story here it sounds cliched and over-done, post-apolyptic Russia with mutant creatures and what-not but it's all in the presentation, story and atmosphere, baby    ! And Metro have got it in spades.
    All the characters feel real, the graphics are fabulous (especially for its time) and the game can be seriously frightening and panic-inducing.
    But not all FPS Call of Duty slaves may like it. It's slower paced and very story-centric. The FPS shooting mechanics may not be as smooth or precise as COD or other war titles, but that actually feeds into the panic and story. You're a 20-year old novice who never shot a gun before who gets thrown into a hellish situation and not a battle-hardened soldier. And the shooting's not that bad, anyway. This is not a game for the faint-hearted. It doesn't hold your hand and lead you through easy shooting galleries towards a gotta-see ending that ties everything up neatly, which seems to be most games these days.
    Metro does not care about you. Metro does not like you. Metro does not give a fig whether you make it to the ending or not. Metro gives you the bare essentials (very bare) and throws you into the deep end with a grim growl: "Survive!"
    Your ammo is usually very limited, you are often swamped by terrifying creatures intent on eating you, you wear a gas mask where the air is poisonous and your filters constantly deplete or your mask can break in an encounter with a beast. Then you must frantically search for a new one while more creatures pour into the windows. And there's no helpful arrow pointer showing you where you might find a mask before you choke to death. Yes, kids. This game is hard. Hard. Even on easier settings.
    This leads to terror-filled panic attacks while running through darkened hallways while being chased by wailing and screeching beasties. See the survival-horror angle?
    And just you wait for the library level. Hee hee hee. Pause and get some fresh pants when entering here. You're about the meet the librarian!
    Fright fans, check this one out! And I hope the forthcoming sequel, Lost Light, retains what made this so great and refines upon it.    … Expand
  11. BiasedCRTC
    Sep 1, 2011
    9
    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
  12. timbers_WSU
    Feb 3, 2013
    9
    This is one of those games that despite its flaws it is different enough and has the bells and whistles in place that the flaws can be easily over-looked. The game is set in future Russia where mankind is now settles underground. I never tell story elements in my reviews and never read reviews with potential spoilers but the setting is what makes this game so good. For a 360 game it looks downright fantastic. The lighting and atmosphere is above everything else not called Hal 4. It really is a sight to behold. The only flaw is the outside levels (Very few) have some ugly texture work.
    Another cool feature is the good ammo and the worn down ammo mechanic. The good ammo is standard affair while the older ammo takes more bullets to down and enemy or you can use it to trade for better weapons and ammo. At first it is a tad confusing which one you are using however. Also the gun play is not up to par with other shooters. It is a bit clunky. As good as the story is, I wish the developers did a better job of giving the players more variety instead of a still pic with the words text across the screen and the main character reading it off. At least Artyum is a cool character and the other characters do a decent job filling you in on the back story. Enemy A.I. is either incredibly stupid or brutal. So the difficulty is all over the place and I did find a few bugs. But regardless, when it comes to production values, atmosphere, and creepy settings, very few games touch this gem. A must play and I can't wait for the next installment.    … Expand
  13. DEATH0NWH33LZ
    Jan 1, 2013
    9
    ill keep it brief, this is one of the best single player experiences money can buy, i have seen some pretty unfair reviews on this game and all i can say is that they are full of it. The only thing wrong with the game is the stealth system, and i felt like they over dramatized it, it wasn't that bad, sure not perfect, but not broken. Other than that this game is great, you do have to get the secret enlightenment ending to fully appreciate the themes and the message this game is sending you, which is something few games can math, the atmosphere is top notch. If your thinking about getting this game do it, and show THQ some support!… Expand
  14. gyigyo2
    May 18, 2013
    10
    This is the Best FPS in the world, in story,protagonist,voice acting,music is fit for the game,atmosphere is unique.not like metro last light in my opinion that is a failure game.
  15. Dorby5826and360
    Nov 24, 2011
    9
    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
  16. Extintor
    Mar 3, 2013
    10
    An excellent game set in a richly detailed and elaborately conceived environment. The story is much stronger than the industry average for FPS games. The textures and art design are also above average. Sound is generally decent also and the Russian accents add authenticity to the dialogue. The brilliance of Metro lies among a host of little details done exceptionally well. There is claustrophobia in the dark tunnels but as soon as you leave them you can't wait to get back. Every bullet is scarce, and thus valuable, a notion that is wonderfully underlined by the use of bullets as currency. Gas masks and their filters are a necessity while traversing certain areas... and are always necessary outside. Masks can break during combat, leading to rapid asphyxiation. Avoiding combat through stealth makes sense then, but don't take too long doing so or you'll run out of filters..! In short the brilliance of this game lies in the way that it manages to convey both continual dread and omnipresent threat.… Expand
  17. tr1gz
    Sep 9, 2012
    9
    Metro 2033 is a very underrated game. It has some issues indeed, it's not for everyone but for me who doesn't like mindless shooters it's one of the best games I've played so far. It's dark, violent, mature and its atmosphere is just stunning and very depressing. The story is great, as it's based on the book, which I really enjoyed and the graphics, for a 2010 game, are really nice. The world of Metro is completely destroyed and beautiful at the same time and still, after playing the game and reading the books, it has a lot of questions unanswered which makes me extremely hyped for Metro: Last Light. However, the game is very annoying sometimes. It's glitchy, not very polished and the AI is so precise that it's almost impossible to sneak unnoticed, which kinda ruins the game for me. I don't recommend it for everyone, but if you like shooters with a good story and atmosphere, go get it ASAP, even if you'll be annoyed sometimes.… Expand
  18. Bulldozer
    May 17, 2013
    10
    This is my PC opinion for this game, it's here since I'played it on my 360 also, clearly the PC tech part does not apply here.

    Among the best atmosphere in a game so far, it's somehow linear but in way that makes you feel more free than how you actually are, in this game you actually cares about your weapons and stuff, you can feel every bullet you or your enemies fires, you have to fig    ht against various kinds of threats, enemies, time and fears in an environment that really sucks you in, it's a mature and tense experience able to drag a bit of the scary kid out of everyone no matters age or experience, kids you are warned.
    Complaints about a narrow FOV are just nonsense from beginners, this game is supposed to give a good amount of claustrophobic feeling and is pretty damn good at it, complaints about weapons "feeling" lets clearly understand who played it with a controller and who didn't, usually mouse and keyboard doesn't have a rumble pack inside, actually a controller is the best way to play many games and many PC gamers have to realize that mouse and keyboard weren't planned to play games while a controller, yes. The sounds are creepy and relaxing at a right pace, the graphics looks really good but are heavy at higher settings on non high-spec or old machines, the AI is balanced and challenging, if you walk on glass or alarms, no wonder they will hear you and suspect something is going on, in a reality in which everything can kill you the fact they set up traps an get immediately alerted is quite reasonable, it's not about "you" but everyone and "everything" could be there.
    Many of the few complaints I've seen here among the negative reviews seems to come from beginners or people scared by this game that are actually searching for other reasons to mask their feelings and to "punish" the game...childish, there are people simply giving a 0 to this game due to the fact they haven't understood this game or they've thought it were something else, NO, it's not Call of Duty, it's a damn immersive experience and it NEEDS a more narrow field of view than other shooters for kids, it's an engaging, immersive and amusingly punitive hard-core experience for mature "minds" regardless of physical age.
    Few "here and there" and the fact that on PC it has heavily requirements to be pushed to the limit would require a little lowering of my rating that would approximate more a high 9 than a 10 but the fact that there are people giving out 0-4 not being able to roam the configuration menus or not reading all the hints the game gives out lead me to round this up to 10 just to balance this unfairness, a good game getting bad rating from bad players is something that drives me mad, when I realize that a game is not my kind and or I don't have enough skill to play it, simply I don't drop crap on it giving a bad rating and blaming as a fault of the game itself.

    The short version is: I've played it on the 360 a first time and decided to replay it on PC to enjoy better graphics and sound lately while waiting for Last Light, by my point of view it's a masterpiece and never gets old, every serious gamer should not miss this experience.    … Expand
  19. DiRTY8SUPER
    Apr 2, 2013
    9
    Downloaded this for cheap on XBOX Live sale. Always wanted to play it and now I have. 3 years after it was released and man! Its awesome! This game is severely underrated! This is a dark, gritty thinking mans FPS. Gameplay is wonderful, spooky and surreal. Yes, the graphics may not be great but they do the job. Anyway, most of the time you are smothered in the darkness. If you are looking for something away from the Battlefields, COD's and any other military shooters, give this a try.… Expand
  20. FatherDoom
    May 17, 2012
    9
    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.
  21. DarkDjango
    May 11, 2012
    9
    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
  22. ForeverFalling
    May 14, 2013
    9
    Extremely atmospheric game with tons of immersion. Fairly decent shooting mechanics, but nothing to write home about. Overall, good story, good shooting mechanics, great atmosphere, great gameplay mechanics (like having to change gas mask when cracked and filters for it when you run out.)

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 83
  3. Negative: 2 out of 83
  1. The A.V. Club
    42
    Here’s the problem: the shooting, the only real game in Metro 2033, is broken.
    Read full review
  2. NZGamer
    85
    If post-nuclear apocalyptic thrillers are your thing, then Metro 2033 should be on your “must buy” list.
    Read full review
  3. GameDaily
    70
    If you're a first-person shooter fanatic that's not into micromanagement and just wants to kill things, this is definitely not your game. However, if you're looking for something in the genre that digs a little deeper, this one demands exploration.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »