Metro Exodus Review

The Metro series, developed by 4A Games, is a well-known survival franchise based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels. The story revolves around a post-nuclear war world, with a focus on Moscow, where survivors take shelter in the metro stations to escape the radiation and mutated creatures, known as “Mutants.” The series has three games, with the first two focusing on the metro tunnels in a linear format. However, Metro Exodus, as the name suggests (“Exodus” meaning mass migration), takes a different approach, and I’ll explain in detail below.

Story:

This installment focuses on leaving the dark, gloomy metro to search for a habitable place. The protagonist, Artyom, convinces his wife, her father (a Soviet army commander), and a group of soldiers to take a train and embark on a year-long journey. This journey takes them through different seasons and locations, such as swamps, deserts, and more.

Gameplay and World Design:

Metro Exodus is a first-person survival shooter. The developers have implemented realism convincingly without making it tedious for players. For example, there’s no HUD – no indicators on the screen, only your weapon and wrist tools, which show information like remaining filter time, radiation levels, or your next destination. There’s no on-screen map; you must open the physical map to navigate, as there are no markers to guide you. Resources like ammo are scarce, so you need to manage them carefully.

Weapons get dirty over time and need cleaning. Each weapon operates differently; some may jam due to heat, while others rely on air pressure, which you must pump. Masks can crack during fights, requiring temporary fixes with tape until you find a proper repair station. Health doesn’t regenerate on its own; you need crafted syringes to heal. These details may seem overwhelming but are implemented in a way that keeps players engaged throughout the game.

The semi-open world design offers larger maps for exploration and optional activities before moving to the next area. Each environment is unique, reflecting Russia’s vast geography. You’ll face different enemies, whether humans or mutants. Additionally, your choices throughout the game affect its ending, as well as mission outcomes, so play carefully. How you handle situations, especially with humans, matters – whether you opt for stealth or go in guns blazing.

Graphics and Technical Performance:

The game excels in its visuals, showcasing incredible attention to detail. From snow density that varies between day and night to realistic light reflections on surfaces, everything is stunning. I played the enhanced version on next-gen consoles, and the game is visually impressive even without enhancements. The addition of ray tracing further elevates the lighting realism, creating a more immersive survival experience. Running at 4K Dynamic resolution with 60 FPS and an FOV slider, every scene in the game feels captivating.

Audio:

The soundtrack is minimal, emphasizing realism and survival. However, the voice acting and audio mixing are disappointing. The voice performances feel cheap and disconnected from the world, likely due to poor mixing. Facial animations are also basic, making characters appear lifeless. This is one of the game’s most notable flaws.

Summary:

Metro Exodus is an excellent survival game, perfect for fans of the genre who appreciate a realistic, no-nonsense approach.

8/10