Metro 2033

This dropped through my letterbox yesterday and whilst I wasn't expecting that much from it, Im really pleased with Metro 2033. Based on a novel by a Russian author, it's set in a post apocalyptic world where people have had to move into Moscow's metro stations to survive. Don't be put off by the 'world's been destroyed' premise that is over used, this is the best game setting since Rapture, it really is that good. Strictly a single player experience, the graphics are decent and the story has really engrossed me. One thing I would say is that this is a very unforgiving game. Easy mode is what would be hard on other games. Regarding length, after about 7 hours I'd say I'm around half way through. So decent length. (Good replayability). The game goes with a rather unconventional route of ammo equalling currency. So to equip guns and so forth you need to dispense with bullets. It may sound strange, but it really works, making you wonder whether you really need a gun to progress or whether the extra ammo will really be the way to go. (Personally, I believe that you need to be conservative to enjoy success in this game). Another note, this is genuinely chilling, the best horror shooter game since condemned, better than FEAR. It doesn't really try to be a horror game but the monsters you fight and the fear of the unknown (the difficulty helps this) ramps the tension up. The tension and difficulty of the game makes it really rewarding and make you feel like you've been really smart when you achieve a victory. I can't really criticize this game particularly. The shooting isn't the best and if you're looking for a straight laced shoot 'em up this may not be for you. However, it's a minor gripe and it does eventually click. It very much feels like a pc game. It's a great game with a good setting and truly entertaining. That said, I haven't finished it yet, but it keeps getting better and I'm hoping there will be a sequel. Great game.

feels like this game was rushed because of god of war coming out it if they would have kept it under construction for a couple more months the enemys might not look like grey blobs, when the charcters talk there mouths might actually move in time with it. rent if you really want to play it but i would stay away.

In theory this game should have been great. BUT it isn't! The story is good but other than that there is so much negetives. How some people have mentioned this in the same breath as Fallout3 i just dont know.
The combat is wonky, its linear and repetitve, its hard to connect to the main character, it short and its all a bit dull.
One to avoid in my opinion.

This game is incredibly immersive. It doesn't really feel like Fallout to me, or S.T.A.L.K.E.R for that matter. Although this game does have similar concepts as the latter game (mostly because its Russian).

Graphics are excellent. The engine really reminds me of a higher quality version of The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay and The Darkness, but better. Although some of the outdoor textures a bit to be desired, but then again you're not usually lingering around long enough to really pay attention since you're either too busy fending off goons/looting or finding your way to the next point.

Now, the ammo system. I've no gripes with it at all to be honest. Using dirty ammo really has no downside other then it takes a few more shots to down them. I've not actually used the Military grade ammo at all through my playthrough and just used it to buy things.

Regardless there's plenty of ammo laying around for every battle, you just cant full auto everyone all the time, or use the same gun constantly. You've gotta mix it up. Which is a good way of making you choose different guns to use in battles. Saying that, there's not really a lot of guns to choose from, and i find the later guns with scopes on them are quite pointless since most of the mutants and human enemies tend to run towards you.

The atmosphere is amazing, and the music is some of the best fitting music I've heard in a game in a long time. Its suits the atmosphere of this game so well. I found it really reminded me of the desperateness and terrible living conditions portrayed in the likes of the future war sequences in The Terminator.

If you love post-apocalyptic stories and settings, this game is a must buy man.

I was very hesitant on buying a game with such little advertisment and mixed reviews across games magazines but with a sneak peak over xbox live and i was sold.

The game has an eery feel and you could cut the claustrophobic atmosphere with a knife, if it isn't the gasmask its the narrow corriders and tunnel systems.

The storyline is thick with heavy dialogue at the beginning so when i first got into combat it was a relief, the storyline is very gripping and i felt as if i was actually playing as 'Artyom' and not through the devolpers eyes, i think the fact that your gasmask actually obscures your vision is an excellent touch on this game a little like Bioshock 2s attempt at the Big Daddy.

The game also has a good crack at 'sneaking' scenes. Well pretty much every part of the game you could sneak past all the enemies if your stealthy enough apart from the organised battles in game. I generally was on the edge of my seat sneaking past the 'Librarians' with only a combat knife and one medkit.

Im still yet to complete the game but i have played for around 8 hours on the regular setting, which is quite a hard setting may i add!

The ammo is quite diffcult to come by and when you've got it you realise that 'Going for the head' has a whole new meaning, unless you fancy running around with a combat knife you need to burst fire pretty much everything unless the enemy is in your face.

I would rate this game 4/5 mainly for realism, high atmosphere and a good storyline.
If you want a FPS shooter like COD where accuracy in guns is everything this isn't the game for you, but if you like a good horror FPS with scarce ammunation, jumpy events and a good storyline its time to loosen the purse strings