SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

I approached this title with some delay caused – as usual – by technical requirements. Metro EXODUS, released on February 15, 2019, is a continuation of Metro 2033 (released in 2010) and Metro Last Light (released in 2013). The game was published by Deep Silver, and that also has its meaning. Deep Silver is the publisher of such titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R or Pathfinder: Kingmaker (reviewed HERE). I’m a huge fan of both of these games because both have a very strong focus on the story and the atmosphere. Behind the production is the Ukrainian computer studio 4A Games, which was born from a team responsible for the development of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R game.

However, most importantly, the screenwriter of the game and at the same time the father of the whole universe is Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of the Metro trilogy, which has taken a prominent place in contemporary literature and inspired the game. And it should be emphasized how rare and important, even from a historical point of view, is the fact that the author of the book is involved in the products that were created on its basis. In the years 2017-2020, Metro EXODUS was nominated for many awards, but unfortunately it won only one – Pégases Awards 2020 – Best International Game. The fact that Metro EXODUS only won one award seemed downright absurd to me after completing the game that seems to be perfect in many ways.

The graphics of the game are made “on point” – and I use that term on purpose. I can imagine the work of a graphic designer on this type of production. The need to reflect the realism of a post-apocalyptic vision, full of dirt, rust and misery. At the same time, the effort to show the beauty of the world, which must interest, delight and, if necessary, terrify the player. So I raise the glass and drink your health – the great artists responsible for designing the world of Metro EXOODUS. No detail of this world seemed out of place to me. The views in various locations were breathtaking (especially oil fields or cities), and the lighting effects made me stop and watch the play of lights during the exploration. And as I pushed my way through tunnels filled with corpses, it was not without flinches!

The story is absolutely fascinating. You can get emotionally invested in the story by playing this first-person shooter quite easily. For example, by becoming attached to fantastic NPCs or carrying out a mission to save human life. The heroes of this story, whether those from closer surroundings or are met in random locations, are extremely interesting and there is something to talk about with them. Certainly, Metro EXODUS is the first game in which I happened to meet a madman in a swamp, drink with him, smoke a cigarette and play a guitar for him.

The story is undoubtedly based on the books, but in Metro EXODUS develops the theme of the main character – Artiom, and it can be said, without embarrassment, that it perfectly harmonizes with both the first two games and the books stories. For which the mentioned author of both media is probably responsible.

There are two endings, depending on the choices made – in some way it limits the game – but most of all it gives the game consistency. Especially that, as a player, we have one goal in front of us. In this sense, the game and the story use the ‘Holy Grail search’ archetype.

Unfortunately, due to potential spoilers, I am not able to include the content of the game in more detail. However, with a pure heart, I recommend it to all those who, like me, have not had the opportunity to play it yet. It is a real treat for those seeking adventure, tension and a great story in a beautiful setting.

The atmosphere of the game cannot be recreated and is maintained in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R convention. The background music and ambient music is perfect and suspenseful. And the short scenes build the story perfectly and it is impossible to get bored watching them. And the ending, well … I’m definitely not a person full of sublime empathy, but in this case even I felt some emotion, empathizing with the main character’s experiences.

Overall – I highly recommend it!