There’s good news for those who are into apocalyptically-themed shooters, Metro: Last Light is under development, and it looks like it might be a real winner. Picking up where its forerunner (Metro 2033) left off, Last Light is poised to be even darker and perhaps, creepier.
If you’re just discovering the “Metro” series, don’t be alarmed, although 2033 got pretty decent reviews it just didn’t set the gaming world ablaze like some of the other top-tier titles released at the time did. However, this doesn’t mean that this isn’t a dynamite series; in fact, the Metro franchise has certainly carved out its own place amongst a slew of other similar titles which focus on the aftereffects of nuclear war. Perhaps it’s the dreary atmosphere or sudden scares that turn people off? At any rate, if you can appreciate games which seek to integrate survival horror with FPS action, Last Light will certainly delight.
The game itself finds the hero from the first game returning (Artyom), this time alongside a comrade, Pavel. However, unlike the first game, it would seem that there might be increased focus on traveling outside of the lurid tunnels underneath a destroyed Moscow. Needless to say, this isn’t “happy-fun-time land”, you’ll be surrounded by decaying buildings and absolutely shattered landscapes from start to finish. Likewise, you never know if trouble is just around the corner and you’ll be quite surprised at just how quickly things can spiral out-of-control, ultimately leading to your demise.
But don’t think that you’re safe when underground or inside of buildings (nothing could be further from the truth). “Tension” is the word of the day when it comes to describing Metro: Last Light. You’re going to be confronted with a great deal of disaster as well as low-levels of light while playing through this game, and that’s going to greatly intensify the more “violent” events and enemies you will encounter. Of course there will be plenty of mutants to battle (as well as an unknown race of enemies which shall go “unnamed” here).
The combat itself is touted to be even more fulfilling than it was in the previous entry and a number of other tweaks have also come under consideration apparently. Nevertheless, the gameplay for Last Light has been drastically improved; most gamers will certainly appreciate the new detail-oriented features which developer 4A games have added this time around. Stealth seems to be the focus in Last Light, and those gamers who are able to conduct themselves in a “ninja-like” fashion will undoubtedly fare much better than flamboyant “Rambo-types”.
Aside from the bleakness of the environments and storyline, your buddy Pavel will attempt to lighten the situation at every turn with some humorous anecdotes. Will you roll around laughing at his observations? …probably not, but this mechanic does help to resolve built-up tension nicely.
Currently, Metro: Last Light is set for a May 2013 release and should hit the US before Europe. In the meantime, be sure to check out Metro 2033, it’s definitely one of the most underappreciated titles out there.