This review is based on 100% completion and 27.4 hours of gameplay.

Would I recommend the game? Absolutely. This is the game that truly got me into the Metro franchise. Its dark and gritty nature has a way of pulling the player into its universe. While this is an older title and there is a remastered version, Metro 2033 Redux, which is a bit more polished, I still consider this original version to be a great classic.

The story and narrative design are exactly my kind of thing and manage to keep me entertained every time I play. The world-building is exceptional, and the characters are strong and well-written. There are even choices you can make throughout the game that lead to different outcomes. While the choices are limited, and the sequels follow only one specific path as canon, it’s still very interesting—especially when many modern RPGs don’t offer this level of depth.

The sound design and music are unique and immersive, placing you right in the metro with the characters. Even years later, it holds up and is instantly recognisable. In terms of graphics, while it’s an older game, I think it still looks good—especially considering its time—and everything feels well-crafted.

The gameplay in the Metro series is something I thoroughly enjoy. Everything works as intended, and it all plays smoothly. The gunplay is fun, and even the melee mechanics feel satisfying when needed. Playing in the game’s Hardcore Ranger Mode really amplifies the atmosphere, with no HUD elements immersing you directly into the experience. This feature is a standout not only in this game but in its sequels as well.

As this original version is no longer listed on Steam and has been replaced by the Redux version, I’d recommend going with that. However, if you manage to get your hands on this classic, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Whichever version you choose, these games are older titles and frequently go on sale, so waiting for a discount is your best option.

Two playthroughs are required for 100%, and there are a number of missable achievements.

The achievements in this game are not too difficult, but the number of missable ones makes using a guide highly recommended to help reduce the number of playthroughs needed. All of the achievements unlocked as intended for me with no issues.

The world of Metro 2033 is probably my favorite in any game, maybe any piece of media I know. The basic idea is, that after a global nuclear war, the population of Moscow (or what's left of it) is forced to flee into the shafts and tunnels of the Moscow Metro. Here, a new civilization begins to form made of different stations, all fighting hunger, dangerous mutants and each other.
The claustrophobic tunnels of the metro and the supernatural dangers that roam them make for an atmosphere that (for me) only S.T.A.L.K.E.R. ever managed to match. All this, paired with the incredible storytelling of author Dmitry Glukhovsky, very well-balanced Hardcore Difficulty and the amazing pacing form one of the most well-rounded and cohesive Post-apocalyptic games to date.

Disclaimer: If you don't have a specific reason to play this version, get the Redux version. It's technically superior to this version, with almost no drawbacks.

Way better than redux, it's the orioginal experience suka!