Gameplay

Soon after you start playing, you’ll realize that Metro 2033 is a lot more linear than STALKER. Naturally, the tunnels of a subway system lend themselves to a straightforward path, but there are some sections that are more open, particularly the outdoors. You are always funneled into a certain direction, though, which make way for many scripted events and sequences. Most cinematics are viewed in first-person and miniature ones will suddenly take control of you completely, sometimes requiring you tap the use key quickly in order to overcome an obstacle.

You have 5 weapon slots which allow you to carry the following: knife and throwing knives, a revolver, SMG or assault rifle, a shotgun or pneumatic sniper rifle, regular and sticky grenades. Pristine, military-grade 5.45mm cartridges are used mainly as currency, but can also be fired from a weapon that uses that size of ammunition for an extra punch.

It would be wise to reserve that for extreme situations because they are much scarcer than “dirty” ammo. Inside station hubs, merchants offer guns and equipment for sale, as well as the chance to exchange ammunition types. However, most of what you’ll need can be found throughout your travels, as corpses that can be looted are scattered about the landscape. I especially like that there is no inventory menu; you simply grab what is visible on the ground or attached to a body.

A gas mask and usable filters are required for traversing the surface and some other areas that are contaminated with radiation or poisonous gases. You’ll know to put it on when you start choking, and a timer is set on your watch to tell you when the filter should be replaced. This will happen automatically, but there are advantages to sometimes changing them manually, much like you would reload before going into a firefight. The mask itself can be damaged, as evidenced by cracks gradually appearing in front of your eyes, and may have to be replaced if it becomes unusable. This goes for enemies, too!


The trusty flashlight – and later, nightvision goggles – aid you in illuminating your path wherever you go. A manually-cranked battery charger is used to increase the brightness and range of the lamp, as well as keep nightvision running; this is a seriously awesome feature that introduces a whole new aspect of realism, though the flashlight never goes completely out. In the same vein, the pneumatic (air-powered) rifles can be manually pumped to increase the power and accuracy of shots for a short time, as indicated by the pressure gauge and hissing sound. Damage you have taken is represented by an audible, quickened pulse and flashes of red on the screen. Your health regenerates slowly but you can use a shot of adrenaline to restore it in a pinch.



Stealth is actually a viable option in many levels of the game. Thankfully, you are allowed to toggle crouch, which is useful for sneaking. Your watch displays how well you are hidden (a la Splinter Cell) and light sources can almost always be disabled by deactivating generators, shooting light bulbs, or blowing out lamps. Enemies will also be alerted by sounds you might make, such as by setting off trip-wire traps and tin can alarms or stepping on piles of glass or bones. Throwing knives or silenced weapons can kill without noise if you strike in the right spot; some shots to the head will give you away if they glance off a helmet or gas mask. It’s also possible to cause the victim to die painfully, at which point his screaming or gurgling can alert others.


Often cited as incorporating elements of survival horror, Metro 2033 does indeed have several parts that will at least startle you and/or creep you out. The garden variety mutants aren’t particularly scary since they generally run straight at you, but giant, bloodthirsty rat-types will pop out of holes and ambush you when you least expect it. Not to mention a particular level that features some enemies that are the most frightening I’ve seen since the old days of Resident Evil. I don’t want to spoil it, but I will say that the worst feeling of dread comes when it is simply not practical to defeat them in the traditional way…