Metro: Last Light Redux Reviews

Metro: Last Light remains one of my favorite entries in the series, and I’ve played through it more times than I can count. It used to be my least favorite entry in the series, but my love for it grows with every playthrough. The atmosphere is unmatched, claustrophobic tunnels lit by flickering lamps, distant echoes that keep you on edge, and moments of quiet beauty amid the ruin. The visuals, even today, still hold up impressively, and the writing keeps Artyom’s story gripping from start to finish. The gameplay is tense and deliberate, balancing stealth, resource management, and firefights perfectly. As a bridge between Metro 2033 and Exodus, it deepens the world while standing strong on its own, a brilliant chapter in Artyom’s saga.

The Metro series really are a masterpiece. You don't see often that every next game is just getting better and better.

Metro: Last Light picks up directly after the events of Metro 2033, continuing Artyom’s journey without missing a beat. Now a full-fledged member of the Spartan Order, you’re tasked with finishing the job from the first game—eliminating the mysterious Dark Ones. Naturally, things don’t go according to plan, and the story wastes no time throwing you back into the web of politics, betrayal, and survival that defines life in the Metro. The narrative is rich with tension and shifting allegiances. Early on, you rescue prisoners from a Nazi camp, only to be captured and manipulated by the Red Line—Russia’s authoritarian faction—who attempt to pull you into their ideology. As the story unfolds, you discover the Red Line is secretly developing a chemical weapon, forcing you to risk everything to warn the Spartan Order, knowing it could bring retaliation to your own people. The pacing is excellent, balancing slow-burn suspense with intense set pieces, and characters like Khan add philosophical weight to the journey. One of the most satisfying developments is the reveal that the Dark Ones are not truly the enemy. Khan’s early warnings prove correct, and the surviving Dark One becomes an ally, helping to protect D6 Station from a massive assault. It’s a payoff that reframes the first game’s ending while keeping the stakes high for the finale. Graphically, Last Light holds its ground as a beautifully grim post-apocalyptic shooter. The environments—both in the tunnels and on the surface—are richly detailed, and the visual tone fits the series perfectly. Dialogue is natural and well-delivered, keeping you immersed whether you’re in a firefight or navigating tense political negotiations. New enemy types, from mutated beasts to fresh human adversaries, help the gameplay feel varied and challenging. The addition of a karma system is a smart evolution for the series, rewarding stealth and generosity while subtly influencing the outcome. It encourages players to think before pulling the trigger, adding depth beyond simple survival. Metro: Last Light is an excellent continuation of the story that began in Metro 2033, expanding its world, refining its gameplay, and delivering a satisfying moral arc. It bridges the series beautifully, and I’m eager to see how Metro Exodus concludes Artyom’s journey. —The Ember Archives https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45601239/

One of the things that truly captivated me in Metro: Last Light Redux was how the game didn’t just show a post-apocalyptic world — it made that world feel alive. As I walked through the tunnels, I genuinely felt like I could breathe in the atmosphere. Every rustle, every flickering light created a real sense of tension that very few games have ever given me. It was like the game didn’t just want to entertain me — it wanted me to get lost in its darkness.

Great story with nice gameplay. The devs put blood, sweat and tears ( literally) in this game and it's shows.

not sure if this or Exodus is my favorite in the trilogy but this game is an all-timer imo. just one of the best.

I think they spent more time on the stripper jiggle physics than playtesting some of the levels.

-You're a Spartan (chads) -You fight Communists -You fight Nazis -You fight the Monsters of Metro (humans included) There's romance scene There's alot stealth (some optional) There's 2 ending A good sequel of the first game 8.5/10

If Metro 2033 felt like dipping your toes into the radioactive puddle, this one throws you face-first into the swamp. But let me start with the good stuff, because there’s a lot of it. The atmosphere is easily my favorite part. It nails the whole “post-apocalyptic Russia” vibe. It’s tense, creepy, and full of those quiet, unsettling moments that make you feel like you’re being watched. And the world feels more varied as there are more environments, more enemies, more everything. Even if some of those enemies are mutant shrimp that exist solely to ruin your day. Combat also got a nice glow-up from the first game. There are more weapons, the AI feels smarter, and the game just feels better to play. That said, I really wish we could carry an extra weapon. Even just one more in a backpack or something, to swap out on the fly? Would’ve made experimenting a lot easier. The level design strikes a solid balance between action and stealth. Just when you start getting tired of one, the game throws in a cool set piece or switches up the enemy type to keep you on your toes. That said, some levels are still kinda janky. I had moments where I wandered around lost, even with the compass, because the path forward just wasn’t obvious. And then there's the swamp level. Ugh. Cool idea, I guess? Sunset slowly darkening the world as you move, but mix in murky water, a one-hit death mechanic, and those damn mutant shrimp, and it became my least favorite part of the game. Story-wise, it’s solid. Not mind-blowing, but good enough to keep me invested. Characters have believable arcs, and there’s a plot twist or two that land really well. I won’t spoil anything, but there’s a particular betrayal that actually surprised me. Now, the morality system... yeah. It’s so vague. I tried to be a decent guy, but still ended up with the “normal” ending. I don’t mind as I’m already planning to replay it, but it would’ve been nice to have a little more feedback on what actually mattered. Also: first-person animations deserve a special shoutout. Reloading, wiping your mask, checking your journal - it all looks and feels so immersive. These little touches make it stand out. TL;DR: Metro: Last Light Redux is a step up from the first game with more variety, tighter combat, great pacing, and that signature eerie atmosphere. A couple of janky levels and a vague morality system hold it back just a bit, but overall, I had a blast. 8/10

A game to kill Nazis and Communists alike... What else could I ask for?!