26.6 hours played
Written 13 days ago
Metro: Last Light Redux is a masterclass in immersive storytelling, environmental design, and post-apocalyptic survival. As the enhanced and definitive version of the 2013 sequel to Metro 2033, this Redux edition refines the original game’s visuals, performance, and mechanics, while preserving the hauntingly atmospheric journey through the devastated ruins of Moscow’s underground metro system. Built on the foundations of Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, Last Light Redux is both a chilling narrative experience and a competent shooter that rarely compromises its tone in favor of action spectacle.
Set in the year 2034, just one year after the events of Metro 2033, the game places you once again in the role of Artyom, a young soldier haunted by the decisions he made during the previous game’s climax. The world remains bleak and irradiated; life clings to the subterranean corridors of the Metro, where factions vie for control and mutated horrors roam the dark. The game balances human conflict and supernatural elements with a grim elegance. As Artyom searches for redemption—and a path forward for humanity—he uncovers conspiracies, wrestles with guilt, and grapples with the moral complexities of survival.
Narrative is where Last Light Redux truly shines. It presents a linear, tightly scripted experience that feels more focused than its predecessor, yet it doesn’t shy away from quiet, introspective moments. Whether it's the desperate whispers of Metro citizens, the subtle melancholy of abandoned stations, or the philosophical musings from Artyom’s internal monologues, the world feels deeply lived-in. Unlike many post-apocalyptic shooters, the game doesn’t rely solely on spectacle—it thrives on tension, atmosphere, and slow-burn storytelling. Choices made throughout the game subtly influence its ending, adding emotional weight to the journey without pulling you out of the experience with overt branching paths.
Gameplay is a blend of stealth, exploration, and combat, all of which are improved in the Redux version. Gunplay feels tighter and more responsive, thanks to engine refinements from Metro: Last Light's original release. The Redux edition also brings the “Survival” and “Spartan” gameplay modes from Metro 2033 Redux, allowing players to customize the experience: whether they want slow, resource-starved realism or more action-oriented pacing. Stealth mechanics have been overhauled, with clearer indicators and more flexible AI, making sneaking a viable (and often preferable) option. The scarcity of ammunition and the constant need to manage filters, light sources, and weapon degradation keeps tension high, especially in the Survival mode.
Visually, Last Light Redux is striking, even years after its initial release. The improved lighting, textures, and environmental detail bring the grim beauty of the Metro to life—whether you’re trudging through waterlogged tunnels, navigating ruined cityscapes under a toxic sky, or silently listening to echoes in a haunted station. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective, creating genuine moments of fear and wonder. Sound design is equally immersive: the eerie creaks of old infrastructure, distant growls of mutants, muffled gas mask breathing, and the quiet ambient music work together to maintain a feeling of constant unease and immersion.
However, the game isn’t without flaws. While its linear design makes for a tightly controlled narrative, it does limit replayability and exploration when compared to more open-world shooters. Some enemy AI behavior can feel inconsistent, and human enemies in particular can veer between overly perceptive and comically unaware. The morality system, though more subtle than in other games, can still feel opaque—making it unclear what actions influence the game's multiple endings. Despite these minor issues, none of them detract significantly from the overall impact of the experience.
Metro: Last Light Redux is not simply a shooter—it’s an evocative journey through a broken world filled with broken people, haunted memories, and a fragile hope for redemption. It excels in crafting a believable world and then immersing you in it completely, wrapping its survival mechanics and stealth gameplay in layers of emotion, tension, and philosophical weight. For newcomers, the Redux edition is the best way to experience this chapter of the Metro saga, while returning players will find the refinements and enhancements worth revisiting. It’s a gripping, moody, and unforgettable trek through humanity’s last shadows—and a benchmark for atmospheric storytelling in games.
Rating: 9/10