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

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

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

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

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 fight 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

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.

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

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

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 !!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.)

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

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.

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

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

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

While the game, at release, was marred by animation glitches, performance issues, and lackluster gunplay, after a number of patches, along with the later released 'Ranger' pack, Metro 2033 stands as a breath of fresh for the fps genre. One of the most atmospheric titles I've had the pleasure to play through, the game does a great job of placing you within it's world, creating a believable atmosphere, both oppressive and almost heartbreaking. The world is as much a character itself as any of the souls you will come across throughout the story. This, combined with a strong narrative, creates a very interesting and satisfying experience for the player. As stated above, the gunplay, easily the weakest element of the game at launch, has received a major upgrade in the form of a dlc pack. The 'Ranger' dlc pack (240 points on xbox, free for pc), offers two new weapons, as well as two new difficulty modes. These modes boost the damage of both yours and your enemies' weapons, doing away with the excessive damage both parties used to take. This goes a long way to improving the overall feel of the combat. That said, there are still a few issues that I have with the game. With all the improvements they have made since launch, the stealth section are still rather shoddy, prone to be broken through either ai issues, or simply through lackluster design. The physics found in the game are also a mixed bag. While it allows for realistic weight to the firing of weapons, some ragdoll animations are less than believable, and the throwing of grenades feels very, very off. Everything said, this was still one of the most satisfying gaming experiences of a long while. Not without it's problems, it's easy to see that 4A games went out of their way to offer something truly interesting to the player. A highly recommended title, there is only a few gripes holding this game back. Even then, the pros largely outweigh the cons. Now easily found for cheap, there is little reason for someone not to check out this title.… 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

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.

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.

I am changing my score from eight to seven. The atmosphere is still great, and the potential for a mind blowing game is still there, but as I have played more I have seen more issues with poor hit detection and silly AI. Being that combat is a big part of the game (stealth is much fun in this game) I felt that a score of eight was too high and adjusted down to a seven. This game is still a lot of fun, and worth picking up. Hopefully, Metro: Last Light will have these issues resolved (if it gets released).… Expand

Metro 2033 is a post apocalyptic first person shooter that's based on the novel of the same name by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky. A story about one man's journey through the last standing pieces of civilization to seek help for his home, defending humanity from being swept away by an evolutionary menace and being lost forever. The main character, Artyom, is a man born before the nuclear conflict that destroyed the world and left the surface uninhabitable, but too young to remember anything of the old world. All he can recall is the cold underground of the deep Metro subway systems. One day he simple life defending his family is interrupted by his unit being slaughtered by an unknown evil. Forced to leave his home to seek assistance from a far and unfamiliar station, he must battle through the horde of the new species that survive the wilderness of the cold frozen surface, the surviving forces of long dead political parties, and mysterious paranormal forces to save the last of humanity.

Read Full Review http://www.ign.com/blogs/thegrandmasboy Wasnt enough room for full post.… Expand

didnt know what to expect and was happy with my purchase! i dont whats with me but i like russian post - apocalyptic shooters. just the feel of it is fun. the only thing that i was a bit disappointed in is the story. sometimes it just feels like its not there and you forget about it when you're shooting the mutant rats or whatever their called. but since the game was based on a series of books. i might go out and buy them now!… Expand

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game's atmosphere and unique design choices will make it a worthwhile experience for some, but Metro 2033 suffers from a number of issues (poor implementation of stealth, recurring glitches, etc.)… Expand

This game's bread and butter is the environment. That's the most enjoyable, well done part of it, and sets it apart from other shooters. I'm a sucker for post-apocalyptic settings, and an edgy game like Metro surely fit the bill. Going into this game, as I just finished here in February 2013, I had high expectations since I have a friend who is in love with Metro and it is one of his favorite games. Alas, it didn't take long before I found out this game wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Artyom is the main character, as most people know by now, but you really don't get to find out much about him. And, while I understand the decision, it always leaves something to be desired when you play as a silent protagonist. The story remains interesting throughout based on one thing some type of hallucinations that Artyom has in which special types of mutants contact him. Otherwise, most of the characters in the game don't really matter much. Bourbon and Ulman have interesting personalities, but otherwise everyone is pretty generic. The conclusion, I found, really didn't do much justice. I wish they could have fleshed it out more, instead of just giving you a short conclusion and a sentence or two from the mind of Artyom.

The Gameplay is really what sinks the experience. Stealth is made possible, but it is extremely difficult. If you thought Hitman games were hard, you've got another thing coming. There is no gray area, as the IGN review said. It's either you don't exist or everyone within the current level is trying to kill you. Besides stealth mechanics, the game is not that difficult or complicated. Having a shotgun and an automatic rifle will guide you through any close encounters. Bombs and throwing knives are seldom needed, if at all in the entire game. The shooting, however, is very wonky, and the game is very glitchy, even post-patch here in 2013. In the last chapter, Artyom kept pulling out the universal charger everytime it went below 100% without me pressing the button for him to do so, for example. Overall, Metro 2033 was an enjoyable game, and I am considering a second playthrough to see the alternate ending. I am fascinated with what the game calls 'Dark Ones.' While the environment leaves you nervous to see what's around the corner, the gameplay and glitches ultimately pull Metro down.… 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

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

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

I wanted to like this game, but it was pretty bad. Couldn't play more than an hour before I realized it wasn't going to get any better. The monsters were laughable and the poor gameplay sucked any sense of suspenseful atmosphere right out of the game.

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

Oh my god. This is the most boring game i've ever played. Story just isn't interesting. Guns are garbage, and graphics look dated.

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

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

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

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