Hands On With Metro Redux

Metro Redux paints the Metro Series in a new light. Having the opportunity to play through a small section from Metro Last Light, I got the chance to explore the surface as we set out to search for the last remaining Dark One.

It was a familiar scene, emerging from the dark tunnels of the Metro into the blight grey wasteland of the surface. Familiar, but somehow different. The games shadows suddenly seem more intimidating, its bleak ruins more dangerous.

With the heightened power of Metro Redux, the world suddenly feels more alive, its thriving, radioactive creatures more aware, both of which makes the game that little bit more unnerving. The Metro Series has always been heavily influenced by the horror genre, with both its monsters and ghosts terrifying the isolated player. Metro Redux has breathed new life into these creatures, letting us see what years of mutation has done to the beasts of Moscow.

My adventure into the horrors of the surface world were quickly met with mutants that smell fresh meat. They crawl their way out of bomb craters and dash across the radioactive bog trying to avoid my sightlines. These creatures are smart, and the pack closes in before I can manage to dispatch them all. Their teeth are vicious as the snarl and bite. But being this close is dangerous for them as well as me, with a quick backstep I equip my shotgun and blow them away.

As more approach from the side I’ve learned their tactics this time and get all but one before I have to swap back to my shotgun. It booms and echoes and I take the mutant out.

The gun mechanics have been completely reworked for Metro Redux. One of Metro 2033’s biggest complaints was weak gun handling, something Metro Last Light did a great deal to resolve. In Metro Redux the gunplay has been tweaked and perfected. Now firing any weapon feels weighed and powerful, with real bullet impact effecting the target.

For the rest of my demo I’m left to explore the wasteland, brilliant and solemn, as I search for the Dark One. the feeling of isolation is palpable beneath the oppressive clouds. Discovering the Dark One and receiving its vision hinted at the brilliant story that was to unfold.

Cutscenes have also been remastered, offering the player another glimpse into the world of Metro. With character models and facial details being improved, conversations have never seemed more real in the series.

Metro Redux is a beautiful upgrade to a game series often overlooked. With better handling for the player and atmosphere for the game, Metro Redux looks like it will deliver everything it promises. If you want to replay the adventures or find a new game to play, you should be keeping an eye on Metro Redux, its a diamond no longer in the rough.