Metro: Last Light Redux Review (SpaceCouncil)
Metro: Last Light Redux is another remaster of sorts — graphical and balance updates. It's stands as the sequel to Metro 2033.
There's going to be vague spoilers throughout this review due to the connected nature of the series.
Enlightened
While Metro: Last Light can be played isolated from the series, you will lose a considerable amount of context if you do. And perhaps to the game's own detriment, the linear, highly narratively-driven structure of the game makes it semi-unapproachable. Mild spoiler: The interesting about these first two games is that they have multiple endings but there is no mechanic to import any of these decisions into the next one. Making them feel slightly disjointed, if not ethereal or dreamlike — depending on your perspective, this may be seen as a positive thing. However, there are canon endings. The elusive but hidden morality system is still present.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2791414675
What's more is that after the events of Metro 2033, Artyom is made a Ranger in the Spartan Order. In addition to the specific reason as to why that occurred, Artyom's awareness and understanding of the world around him seems to grow with the player. How the Metro works and the government therein, the monsters and ways to dispatch them. The feeling that Metro: Last Light gives off over its predecessor is not only a feeling that seems slightly more polished, but one that feels innately familiar. And not just because it's a horror-themed FPS.
The world building is slightly better than in Metro 2033, if only because it's built upon rather than an introduction.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2791414684
Up your Arsenal
Being a Ranger in the Spartan Order has its perks. For one, there's an increased set of weapons to use. More ammo types and more types of explosives. Interestingly, this makes the game much more action-focused even when playing in the default survival mode. You still need to manage your gas mask, filters and use military grade bullets (used as currency) for extra damage but there are very long, extended sequences where Artyom needs to trudge across the surface of Moscow or sneak through tunnels avoiding the Reich.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2791414694
Related diatribe: This is the same thing that Dead Space is criticized for — straying away from its survival horror roots for a more action-heavy game. At no point in this game was I concerned about rationing my ammo, medkits or filters on the default settings. I don't see this as innately negative as there are many of difficulty options. There are even a few encounters that are quite traditional boss battles, which in the context of a tense horror sequence only serve to remind me that I'm playing a video game. Like I had to figure out what to do to win this battle rather than simply survive. I just find it odd this game is not more criticized for the change in direction while Dead Space is. Condemned 2, the FEAR games — even the Crysis games take this path.
The Gist
I don't think Last Light stands out as much as an isolated product compared to the original. But it has an okay campaign and serves as a narrative bridge into Exodus. So if you're concerned with story, it's a necessary antecedent. It's about the same length as Metro 2033 but it feels shorter — I believe this is largely due to the game seeming less tense overall.
If you've found this review helpful, consider following my curation — Station Argus
Metro 2033 Redux review here.