Review: Metro Redux

G'day there guys and gals!

*Please note: This review will be based on my DLC format (A+ to F) as Redux is a recreation of the games, 2033 and Last Light with few extras. This review will not compromise the points of the original review and will act as a Next Gen port review.*

As many people know, I've been a massive Metro fan since I discovered the game on a friend's advice. Since then I've bought the books, I've played and purchased the games many times over and even written fanfiction (The Metro Tales) and had commission work done for my own OC. When Redux was first announced, I was overjoyed and I still am. After playing the game over and over, I an now say with confidence that Metro 2033 Redux is a true recreation of the original, while Last Light Redux is mostly a port.

Metro 2033 Redux looks, sounds and especially plays beautifully; it took what made the original game so prosperous and enhanced that with LL gameplay type and the bonus of more weaponry. One of the biggest changes noticeably is the addition of keys and safes: finding a red key creates a frantic search to find the safe it goes to. However despite the brilliance of these, they're usually in the same room or slightly out of sight which makes the search usually down to a few seconds. Another picky annoyance is the load times. From start to finish, most load times take 30+ seconds - while this doesn't sound too bad, most Next Gen games take only a few seconds. Perhaps that's me being picky but even so it's indeed slow, even by older gen standards.
Regardless, Metro 2033 Redux makes up for this for the gameplay size. 4-5 chapters are now one continuous chapter, area leveling is almost non-existent and the added gameplay is terrific. There is a teeny tiny bit of screen tearing, especially with cutscene arms but they're very quick to catch and with the addition of new cutscenes and dialogue, it an be forgiven (I do want to mention that they removed Artyom's only spoken word out of narration from the game - ;^;). As for gameplay itself, even on Spartan or Survival mode, the game is extremely too easy. Finding a safe is a goldmine, but each level has a few in it, making military bullets and ammunition much too easy to find. I definitely recommend Ranger Mode or higher for veterans while Normal will do just fine for newbies. I definitely recommend sticking with a Revolver throughout your gameplay experience as oddly it does mass amount of damage, while pneumatic weapons are weaker. Lastly, I experienced eight KTD moments surrounding the War chapter. I have no idea what caused them but they were particularly annoying. If you experience any of your own, restart the entire mission; loading to checkpoint will only make the issue worse.

Achievements are now at 2000, which is great for Hunters; while some have been removed, more have been added. This brings me to Metro Last Light Redux. While having a polish up, not much has been done to the more recent game; extra weapons have been added as well as the extra modes no longer being a DLC. Character models from the game have been touched up greatly (and also feature the same in 2033) and the game looks clean and crisp. Safes are much more rarer in this game but the same principle goes: find a key, turn around and there's the safe it goes to. The extra DLC is also included with a few of its own: The Tower, Developer's Level and The Spider Lair.
The Tower sees you sit in a simulation chair and battle waves of enemies. Yes, you read that right - Horde, Metro style. The mode is fun and offers players to build traps with in game bullets you get with kills (more bullets rewarded the fancier your kill) and traps. Dying reverts you to the last checkpoint (usually when you're outside or in the training area of the simulation) but otherwise is interrupt-able.
Developer's Level is a throwback to all the work done in the game: plays travel to this clean cut metro hall with an elderly woman janitor (She's creepy, trust me), featuring museum halls, a fight simulator where you or the AI battle and a weapons testing room. Looking over models allows you to see the fine work of each one while also seeing them in motion at your leisure. The arena allows you to pit creatures against each other or yourself in challenges if you see fit. The weapons testing room is self explanitory, which each weapon and customisation option at your fingertips. You can choose dummies or undying enemies and pick challenges if you please.
The Spider's Lair is the true extra DLC; Three men searching for D6 are lost in giant catacombs filled with the mutant spiders. Armed only with your lighter, you must fight to find your friends, weapons and by any means get out of the area alive. I felt true, honest fear in this DLC as supplies and weapons run out with barely any others in sight. Players will be overwhelmed at one point or another I assure you.

There is nothing I can say about this game that hasn't already been said. Metro 2033 is a true horror game, now with more realistic mutants such as Librarians and Demons, there are definitely moments of fear. While Last Light still remains with lesser fear moments, the gameplay is still as brilliant as ever. With the DLC free of charge, the extra cutscenes and most definitely the first game with 2000 gamerscore, there is something to appeal to every gamer in Metro Redux. For its asking price, and its lesser so one on PC if you've already purchased the originals, Redux deserves a place in your collection.

Metro Redux: B+

Metro Redux is out now for $50 or $25 on PC for previously owning the games.