Links

Amazon

CRITIK

Metro Redux

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Metro Redux
Item: Metro Redux
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Horror, RPG, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 26, 2014

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Developer4A Games

Overview

Metro Redux is the ultimate double game collection, including the definitive versions of both Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light, each rebuilt in the latest and greatest iteration of the 4A Engine for next-gen consoles and PC. For the first time, console owners can expect smooth 60FPS gameplay and state of the art visuals that were once only available on high-end PC hardware. Newcomers to the series will get the chance to experience two of the finest story-driven shooters of all time in one vast package; an epic adventure combining gripping survival horror, exploration and tactical combat and stealth. Fans of the original games will find the unique world of Metro transformed with incredible new lighting, physics and dynamic weather effects, as well as a host of gameplay improvements and new features.

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Metro Redux are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its gripping and compelling narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world. Game Revolution commends Metro Redux for having one of the strongest FPS narratives in recent gaming history, with psychological horror elements and character introspection. IGN also highlights the game's compelling story that focuses on the Metro's human characters, political intrigues, and supernatural weirdness. The Escapist notes that Metro 2033 has a captivating and depressing atmosphere, while Last Light undermines the tension found in 2033. Slant Magazine praises the slow burn of the story, exploring themes of redemption and the fear of death, and mentions that the games have a literary soul beyond typical AAA shooters. While the majority of critics found the story of Metro Redux to be very good, there were some mixed opinions and criticisms. PlayStation LifeStyle states that the story in Metro 2033 is flat and fails to answer important questions, while Metro Last Light provides a more robust and fruitful adventure. COGconnected also mentions that the narrative of Metro 2033 is not particularly satisfying and has not aged well compared to other games with similar apocalyptic themes. However, they acknowledge that Metro: Last Light offers a stronger and more compelling narrative. These criticisms suggest that the storytelling may vary in quality between the two games included in Metro Redux. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Metro Redux is a major strength of the game. The narrative is praised for its depth, atmosphere, and exploration of post-apocalyptic themes. The majority of critics found the story to be gripping, compelling, and unique. Game Rant describes the story as intense, dark, mysterious, and terrifying, driving the player through every tragic, creepy, tense, and frightening turn. Nintendo Life commends the gripping story that follows protagonist Artyom as he navigates the mutant-infested Metro and uncovers the secret behind his bond with the Dark Ones. The positive sentiment expressed by the critics indicates that Metro Redux successfully delivers a satisfying and immersive narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise Metro Redux for its gripping post-apocalyptic narrative, psychological horror elements, and strong character development. While some critics find the story of Metro 2033 lacking, most agree that the game offers a compelling and immersive experience exploring themes of redemption and survival. Overall, Metro Redux is lauded for its intense, dark, and unique storytelling that keeps players engaged throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Metro Redux are generally positive. Many critics highlight the diverse play styles and modes available in the game. Game Informer, IGN, and CalmDownTom all mention the inclusion of Spartan and Survival modes, which cater to different play styles. The ability to choose between stealth and survival or a more action-oriented approach is praised by Pure Xbox and PlayStation Universe. The improved stealth mechanics and the option to dictate the pace of the game are also mentioned positively by Digital Spy. Critics such as Game Revolution and Official Xbox Magazine UK appreciate the challenging difficulty range and the encouragement of stealth and exploration. The inclusion of weapon customization, improved AI, controls, and smoother animations are also commended by NZGamer. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Slant Magazine criticizes the AI for being loopy and wayward, and shootouts can feel like a chore. COGconnected mentions slow walking speed and lack of indication of enemy attacks as drawbacks. Some critics, such as Xbox Achievements and Screen Rant, point out pacing issues and un-fixable problems that persist in the game. The AI flaws are also mentioned by PlayStation Universe. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metro Redux offers a fun and diverse gameplay experience. The inclusion of different play styles, challenging difficulty options, and improved mechanics are praised by multiple critics. The game's ability to create tension, terrifying set pieces, and immersive atmosphere is also appreciated. However, there are criticisms regarding AI behavior, pacing issues, and some technical problems. Despite these drawbacks, the positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives, making Metro Redux a recommended choice for fans of first-person shooters, survival games, and horror genres.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise Metro Redux for its diverse gameplay options, challenging difficulty, improved mechanics, and immersive atmosphere. Positive aspects include different play styles, improved stealth mechanics, and weapon customization. However, some critics mention drawbacks like AI issues, pacing problems, and technical issues. Overall, despite its flaws, Metro Redux is recommended for fans of first-person shooters, survival games, and horror genres.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Metro Redux are largely positive. Many critics praise the improvements made in the remastered collection, including enhanced textures, global illumination, and character models. Game Informer, IGN, and PlayStation Universe all highlight the improved visuals, with IGN specifically mentioning new character models, brighter lighting, and sharper visuals on PC. The graphical improvements in Metro Redux are also praised by Slant Magazine, who highlight the games' haunting and atmospheric visual design as their true strength. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded commends the cutting-edge visuals, including impressive light, shadows, and particle effects, bringing them closer to the quality seen in Metro: Last Light. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Metro Redux. Several critics mention that while the games have received significant visual upgrades, some elements still feel dated. The Escapist points out that certain visuals, such as character faces and animations, are visibly dated in Metro 2033, but Redux manages to make the game look more gorgeous than before. VideoGamer notes that while the console versions have seen improvements in graphics, the PC version is comparable to the original. COGconnected mentions that Metro 2033 suffers from being too dark to see, especially in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metro Redux delivers impressive visual improvements. The remastered collection is praised for its enhanced textures, lighting, and character models, which make the already beautiful games even more attractive. Critics like Game Revolution, Critical Hit, and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight the major visual overhauls, improved environments, and detailed characters. The atmospheric and haunting visual design is also highly regarded. While there are some criticisms regarding dated visuals and issues with darkness on certain platforms, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging that Metro Redux meets next-gen expectations and provides a beautifully detailed depiction of the post-apocalyptic world.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics laud Metro Redux for its impressive visual upgrades, including enhanced textures, lighting, and character models, making the games even more attractive. While some elements are criticized for feeling dated, overall consensus is positive, with praise for the remastered collection's atmospheric design and major visual improvements. Despite some issues with darkness on certain platforms, Metro Redux meets next-gen expectations and offers a beautifully detailed depiction of the post-apocalyptic world.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Metro Redux are generally positive. CalmDownTom praises the well-crafted audio in the game, highlighting the fitting sounds for mutants, metro announcements, and interactive instruments. Xbox Achievements also commends the sound design, describing it as fantastically atmospheric and immersive, with memorable audio experiences and rich Russian accents. PlayStation Universe adds that the sound design is well-executed, with ambient music that complements the post-apocalyptic setting, and the voice acting, especially in Russian, adds energy and emotion to the game. GameSkinny further commends the sound design, specifically mentioning the game's 5.1 surround sound. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Metro Redux. Critical Hit criticizes the voice acting for its comically bad accents and the reuse of the same actor for multiple characters. This criticism suggests that the voice acting may not meet the expectations of some players, potentially detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design in Metro Redux is well-executed and enhances the immersive nature of the game. The positive comments from CalmDownTom, Xbox Achievements, PlayStation Universe, and GameSkinny highlight the atmospheric and memorable audio experiences, fitting sounds, and the use of rich Russian accents. However, the negative opinion from Critical Hit regarding the voice acting accents and reuse of actors suggests that there may be room for improvement in this aspect. Despite this criticism, the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Metro Redux remains positive, with Game Rant even stating that the voice acting and world-building of the game surpass modern titles.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Metro Redux's sound design for its immersive atmosphere, fitting sounds, and rich Russian accents. Positive feedback highlights well-crafted audio, memorable experiences, and 5.1 surround sound. However, some criticize the voice acting for bad accents and reuse of actors. Overall, critics agree that the sound design enhances the game's immersive nature, with room for improvement in voice acting. Despite mixed opinions, Metro Redux's sound design is generally well-received for creating a captivating post-apocalyptic experience.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Metro Redux has received mixed opinions from the critics. Some critics, such as Xbox Achievements and PlayStation Universe, praise the voice acting for its convincing Russian accents, which contribute to the unique atmosphere of the game. Xbox Achievements specifically mentions the "wonderfully rich Russian accents" as a positive aspect of the voice acting. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded commends the voice actors for effectively portraying the tension and despair in the game's world. These positive opinions highlight the strengths of the voice acting in Metro Redux, particularly in terms of creating an immersive and authentic experience for players. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Metro Redux. Critical Hit criticizes the voice acting for its comically bad accents and the reuse of the same actor for multiple characters. This criticism suggests that the voice acting may not meet the standards of authenticity and diversity expected in a game of this caliber. Furthermore, PlayStation Universe mentions that the protagonist, Artyom, is a silent character throughout the game except for monologues before each chapter. While this may be a deliberate creative choice, it can be seen as a limitation in terms of fully experiencing the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat divided. While there are positive aspects of the voice acting, such as the convincing Russian accents and the portrayal of tension and despair, there are also criticisms regarding the accents and the limited use of voice acting for the protagonist. IGN and GameSkinny both mention Steve Blum's contribution to the game, with IGN specifically highlighting his gravelly voice lending to roughly half of the characters. Game Rant also praises the voice acting and world-building, suggesting that it surpasses modern titles. However, the negative opinions from Critical Hit and PlayStation Universe highlight some shortcomings in the voice acting, particularly in terms of accents and the limited use of voice acting for the protagonist. Overall, while the voice acting in Metro Redux has its strengths, there are also areas where it falls short, resulting in a mixed reception among the critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Metro Redux. Some praise the convincing Russian accents and tense atmosphere it creates while others criticize the comically bad accents and limited use of voice acting for the protagonist. Positive feedback emphasizes immersion and authenticity, but negative feedback points out shortcomings like accent quality and lack of diversity. Overall, the voice acting in Metro Redux has strengths and weaknesses, leading to a divided consensus among critics.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Metro Redux, the critics have provided mixed opinions across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, the game has received praise for its smooth frame rate and stable performance on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Critics such as Critical Hit and ZTGD have specifically mentioned the rock-solid 60 frames per second on the PS4, while Official Xbox Magazine UK and Xbox Achievements have commended the substantial visual upgrade and improvements in resolution and frame rate on the Xbox One. Additionally, Game Informer has highlighted that PC players can enjoy the game at higher resolutions, up to 4K. On the other hand, some negative aspects have been pointed out by the critics. IGN has mentioned that the Xbox One version runs at a lower resolution of 912p instead of 1080p, making it technically the weakest version. Slant Magazine has noted technical issues with AI and damage registration in Metro 2033 on the PS4, although they did not provide details on overall technical performance or stability. Nintendo Life has mentioned longer loading times in a few levels of the Nintendo Switch version, while Game Rant has noted slow load times but deemed them acceptable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metro Redux delivers a solid technical performance across multiple gaming platforms. The games run at a brisk 60 frames per second with HD resolutions on consoles, providing an immersive experience for players. PC players have the added benefit of pushing the resolution up to 4K, enhancing the visual quality even further. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as lower resolutions on the Xbox One and longer loading times on the Nintendo Switch, these issues do not significantly impact the overall experience. The majority of critics have praised the stable performance, improved visuals, and smooth frame rate, making Metro Redux a satisfying choice for fans of the series on various gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on Metro Redux's technical performance. Positives include smooth frame rates on PS4 and Xbox One, with PC offering up to 4K resolution. Negatives include lower resolution on Xbox One and technical issues on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Overall, critics agree that Metro Redux provides a solid gaming experience with stable performance and improved visuals across platforms.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Metro Redux are generally positive. Many critics, such as Game Informer and CalmDownTom, highlight the different play styles and challenges offered by the game, which provide replay value for fans of the series. Official Xbox Magazine UK also mentions the addition of two types of play styles, Spartan and Survivor, adding to the replayability. Pure Xbox praises the various modes and configurations available, which offer a great deal of replayability. Xbox Achievements emphasizes the two 10-hour campaigns, numerous difficulty and gameplay settings, as well as DLC packs that add another 10 hours of gameplay, making it a generous package with a lot of content to explore. NZGamer mentions that the game offers over 30 hours of gameplay with multiple endings and encourages different approaches and play styles, further enhancing the replay value. However, there are some critics who do not mention any negatives about the replay value of Metro Redux. PlayStation LifeStyle notes that both games offer replay value with different difficulties and multiple endings, but choices do not carry over between games. NintendoWorldReport mentions that Last Light adds more variables and segments that need to be replayed for the best ending, which may add bulk to the game. These criticisms suggest that while there are some aspects of replay value, there may be limitations or repetitive elements that could potentially impact the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metro Redux offers a good amount of replay value. The inclusion of different play styles, challenges, multiple endings, and DLC content are praised by multiple critics, such as Game Revolution, The Escapist, and VideoGamer. The length of the campaigns and the availability of bonus missions are also mentioned as positive aspects by ZTGD and Screen Rant. The positive feedback from these critics suggests that Metro Redux provides enough content and variety to keep players engaged and coming back for more. However, it is worth noting that some critics do mention limitations or repetitive elements, indicating that the replay value may not be perfect for everyone.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Metro Redux for its replay value due to different play styles, challenges, multiple endings, and DLC content. The game offers over 30 hours of gameplay with various modes and configurations, making it a generous package with a lot to explore. However, some critics note limitations like choices not carrying over between games and repetitive elements in certain segments. Overall, Metro Redux is seen as providing a good amount of replay value, keeping players engaged with its content and variety.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Metro Redux received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics, with the majority of them considering it a great package and a must-play experience. The positive aspects of Metro Redux mentioned by the critics include its immersive and atmospheric gameplay, improved visuals, and the inclusion of additional DLC content. Game Informer, IGN, and PlayStation Universe all highlight the immersive and atmospheric experience offered by Metro Redux, praising its unique take on the first-person shooter genre. The improved visuals and gameplay are also praised by CalmDownTom, who recommends the game to both fans of the series and newcomers. Furthermore, the addition of DLC content is appreciated by Digitally Downloaded and NZGamer, who mention the value for money that Metro Redux provides with its two full-story campaigns and additional content. However, there are a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. COGconnected suggests that unless players are die-hard fans of the franchise, there may not be enough standout features to warrant purchasing Metro Redux again. Game Informer also mentions that the games are beginning to approach their sell-by-date, although the impressive post-apocalyptic atmosphere still holds appeal. Additionally, Digital Spy suggests that PC gamers may opt for the cheaper original versions of the games. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metro Redux is a highly recommended package. The positive aspects of the game, such as its immersive atmosphere, improved visuals, and additional content, outweigh the minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics. The majority of the critics, including Game Revolution, Pure Xbox, and Metro GameCentral, all express their enthusiasm for Metro Redux, considering it a great compilation and a worthwhile experience. The positive reception from multiple critics indicates that Metro Redux is a successful remaster that appeals to both fans of the series and newcomers, offering a solid and immersive gameplay experience.

TL;DR

Metro Redux: A must-play experience with immersive gameplay, improved visuals, and additional DLC content praised by critics. While some mention minor drawbacks like lack of standout features for non-fans, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics recommend it as a great compilation and worthwhile experience for both series fans and newcomers.

CRITIK

Reviews

122 reviews found

Screen Rant

Nintendo Switch

Feb 28, 2020