Metro: Last Light
Overview -
Built off THQ's atmospheric, but somewhat imperfect FPS Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light picks up one year after the events of the original game. If you haven't played the first game , don't worry. There's definitely enough back story in the first 25 percent of the game to fill you in on what's happened in the last twelve months. Heavy on the narrative, the protagonist of the game, Artyom, is once again tossed into a quest to pursue the Dark Ones, at least the last surviving member of the Dark Ones. Fraught with danger from various factions of made up of communists and neo-nazi's, Artyom's new journey through post apocalyptic Russia is just as terrifying and desperate as the original game.
Video Review
Visually, the developers have created a very claustrophobic world, almost prison-like by design. It's really depressing seeing how these humans live and even more when you see what they would have to deal with on the surface. It was really interesting to see how the developer tied some of the games visual effects to the gameplay. For instance, you frequently have to wipe off your mask when outdoors in order to see through the blood spatter.
However, Metro: Last Light is not without its share of technical issues. Several times, the game simply locked up while I was playing it requiring a console reboot. In addition, I noticed several texture issues in the game as well as some occasional screen tearing. It's really surprising seeing a game this late in the development cycle of the PS3 to have this many issues. There are also freezing issues on occasion, typically when automatic saves kick in. Beyond technical issues, facial animations are pretty terrible, specifically the general lack of emotion.
Audio Review
Overall, the main cast does an admirable job with the voice work. There are some suspect lines within the supporting characters, but it's not terribly distracting from the main narrative. I absolutely loved the directional audio in the game. It does a fantastic job of selling the creepy atmosphere of both living underground and surviving the outdoors. Music is used sparingly with delightful subtlety, also playing into the survival horror vibe of the game.
Metro: Last Light reminded me of an extreme version of Fallout, specifically designed to freak you out with insane mutated creatures and supernatural elements. The story is fairly strong all the way through, although I can see how some players may not appreciate Artyom's direction during the last act. That being said, the strong story, improved gunplay and stealth options offer up some serious entertainment. Is it worth the full MSRP? Probably not due to the game's relatively average length, frustrating technical issues and lack of multiplayer modes. However, think about picking up Metro: Last Light when it hits the $20 to $30 range.
