Gamers who have experienced one or both of the Metro games, based on Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, know how simultaneously great and depressing they are. For those not familiar with the franchise, Metro 2033 and its sequel, Metro: Last Light, are narrative-driven, survival horror influenced first-person shooters set in nuclear warhead-ravaged, post-apocalyptic Moscow. You can find more information here if you so desire.
Metro: Redux is an upcoming game collection that includes fully remastered and mechanically improved versions of Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light. Both 2033 Redux and Last Light Redux can also be purchased separately. It is releasing on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on August 26th. The original Metro 2033 released on PC (and later Xbox 360) back in 2010, while Metro: Last Light just released last year. So the question that remains at the forefront of many prospective buyer’s minds is, “Is Metro Redux worth it?”
First, let’s approach the situation from a purely aesthetic perspective. Is the graphical upgrade enough to justify a purchase? Bear in mind that both games in the Metro Redux collection are going to run on an updated version of Metro: Last Light‘s 4A engine, which makes a significant visual difference in 2033 that’s not as pronounced in Last Light.
Let’s take a look (thanks to Digital Foundry for the videos):
Original Metro Games Vs. Metro Redux Comparison
As the video describes, the upgrade in graphical fidelity from Metro 2033 to the Reduxed version is vast. From higher resolutions, global illumination, updated weather systems and texture work, to a consistent 60 frames per second, the difference is obvious.
Now, let’s take a look at the visual changes to Metro: Last Light.
While the differences are not as apparent, the upgrade is still fairly noticeable. The most obvious improvements being the higher resolution, improved aliasing, upgraded textures and global lighting, as well as 60 FPS. From a purely superficial point of view, the graphical upgrade is nice, but it is ultimately up to the buyer to decide if shiner, prettier graphics are worth shelling out another $40 – $50.
On to the more interesting aspects of the Metro Redux collection, the improved gameplay, which, in all honesty, is probably what will convince the majority of gamers to go through with the purchase.
Metro 2033 Redux has been upgraded with the same 4A engine framework used in Metro: Last Light, so all the new gameplay features included in Last Light have now been built into 2033. These include improved gun handling, dynamic AI, the mask wipe, stealth kills, non-lethal takedowns, and weapon customization.
Both games in Metro Redux will benefit from improved character modeling/animation, dynamic AI patterns, and responsive hit box reactions. A largely touted feature is the inclusion of two different play styles to both games, Spartan and Survival. Spartan is more akin to Last Light’s original style of play, while Survival is for the hardcore purists that prefer stealth and resource management. The infamous Ranger mode is also included in both games, which makes the gameplay even more difficult alongside omitting the heads-up display (thankfully, you don’t have to pay an extra $5 this time around).
Watch an in-depth comparison of the changes below:
Metro Redux Uncovered
With all this being said, allow me to reiterate, “Is it worth exploring post-apocalyptic Moscow again?” Well, while I can’t answer the question for everybody, I can tell you this: 4A Games has put in a ridiculous amount of effort into giving gamers the best version of the Metro games possible. With all the graphical and gameplay upgrades, this isn’t just a simple cash grab.
For those that already own the original Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light, this question is much harder to answer. But as previously mentioned, it is up to the player to decide whether or not the improvements are worth a totally new purchase. One incentive, specific to PC, is that if you have either one of the Metro games in your Steam game library, the corresponding Redux version’s price is 50% off. So if you have both, the complete Metro Redux collection will be half off the retail price. This fact may sway a number of PC gamers.
If you are a dedicated fan of the Metro franchise, chances are you have already preordered Metro Redux. However, if you have never played a Metro game before, and have even the slightest interest in the series, I highly recommend giving the games a try. And what better way to do so than by getting the prettiest, most mechanically sound versions of them in Metro Redux?
What are your thoughts on Metro Redux or definitive/HD remastered version of games in general? Let us know in the comments below! As always, stay tuned to GamerHeadlines.com for the latest in gaming and technology news.
[show_avatar email=2355 align=center show_name=true show_biography=true]