How is this post-apocalyptic FPS holding up?
Last week I got a chance to play quite a bit of Metro 2033, an FPS set in the shattered subway of a post apocalyptic Moscow where monsters roam. So, how is it looking?
Well, it’s actually looking damn impressive. It has the basic fundamentals of an FPS, but adds new twists like ammo being used as a currency to trade with, which presents a dilemma to either use ammo or to save it to trade. It’s an interesting idea and it works well, so what’s the story?
The year is 2033. An entire generation has been born and raised underground, and their besieged Metro Station-Cities struggle for survival, with each other, and the mutant horrors that await outside. It’s an interesting tale penned by Dmitry Glukhovski who was at the event in person. He also wrote a sequel to Metro 2033 named Metro 2034, so chances are that a game sequel could be on the cards if things work out with this game.
There’s a great level of realism to be found in Metro 2033. For example, you have to wear gas masks in certain areas but need to keep replenishing air supplies, but also the mask will get damaged by melee attacks leaving you hunting for another one before you die. Weapons are also greatly imaginative due to being made from custom parts of pretty much everything. You even get a flashlight that you have to manually charge up to boost the power.
Enemies tend to be a nice mixture of beasts and human mercenaries, but both pack a serious punch to you and whoever tags along with you. I did also get a chance to see the game running on PC with NVIDIA 3D Vision and while all the features of 3D hadn’t be implemented properly, it looked simply amazing. Sure, the 3D thing is a bit of a gimmick…but it’s a damn pretty one. The game looks great and very realistic, there’s just a classic feeling to the game that’s missing from most today and I can’t wait to get my hands on it again.
I did come across a very interesting level where you had to avoid touching shadows as they would kill you. It was quite tough, but enjoyable. I did die quite a number of times during my hands-on time with the game, but mostly thanks to cheap deaths like being attacked from behind by something or falling off a ladder. I did get a bit frustrated at these moments, but it made me determined to get past it.
I had great fun with the game so far and am anticipating the final build, which should iron out any small issues that I had overlooked. All I can say is…Roll on March!
The latest screenshots for Metro 2033 are below:
