Metro: The Underrated Franchise

Hey Guys, with the announcement of Metro: Exodus I feel like it's time to have a talk about the series as a whole. Personally, I wasn't expecting to see another game in the franchise due to the events of the previous games, but anyways let me get back on topic. I'm going to speak broadly because both Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light have the same gameplay.

Image Provided by Polygon

Metro has to be one of the most immersive post-apocalyptic, first person shooters of all time. When was the last time you played a game where you played a survival horror game where your character can fight back, yet feel so hopeless at the same time? This game isn't full of jump scares, but it gets your adrenaline pumping when you have to deal with overpowering foes with limited ammo.

There are horror elements in the game. You spend most of your time alone either navigating the underground Metro or out in the open with dangerous creatures. Yes, you have to deal with both human and mutant enemies. Stealth is an option and is strongly recommended to use stealth if you are playing on higher difficulties.

This is one of few games where you should be playing at the highest level. You're not going to have the same experience of this game by playing it on easy compared to playing it on hard mode. In hard mode, you don't even have an HUD that tells you where to go. Additionally, you have to think about every move and action you make because it's incredibly easy to be killed on the higher difficulties.

On levels when you're on the surface, you have to worry about both your health and air filter. That's right, you should always be keeping your eyes out for air filters; otherwise, you're going to suffocate to death due to the radiated air outside. While it can lead to some frustrating moments when you are caught outside without any more air filters, it provides an incentive to explore the area around you.

If you aren't familiar with the plot of Metro, all you really need to know is that there was a nuclear war that devastated the world leading the survivors taking shelter in the underground Metro system in Russia. That's right, Russia. Imagine nuclear winter. It's amazing how any of them are even alive. I guess this also created the main enemies of the game "the Dark Ones". The name may be generic, but the dark ones don't play around. Those guys will tear you to shreds if you don't play your cards right especially on those higher difficulties.

The plot itself isn't half bad. I'm not going to spoil anything, but if you haven't played the game or the novels you're in for a treat as this game has a surprise behind the main enemies. You're just going to have to play the games to know what I'm talking about.

If you missed these gems from the previous generation, you can get them both on Xbox One and PS4 with Metro: Redux. I highly recommend you play them to really understand what I'm talking about. It's dirt cheap and is usually put on sale digitally, so there is no excuse as to why you shouldn't play this game unless you're not into this kind of genre.
Till Next Time!!