sp5der Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition Review

Abandoned cities, snow-covered wastelands, and a silence broken only by the distant hum of a train. The world after the apocalypse seems lifeless, yet Artyom never loses hope. In Metro Exodus, we embark on a dangerous journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in search of a new life—beyond the gloomy tunnels of the Moscow metro. This installment boldly steps beyond the series’ traditional setting. Instead of claustrophobic underground environments, players are now invited to explore the open and varied landscapes of Russia—from the scorching Yamantau desert to the grim, frozen streets of Novosibirsk. This shift received mixed reactions from longtime fans: not everyone welcomed such a drastic broadening of horizons. However, this change also made the game more accessible to a new audience and allowed the franchise to break out of its familiar format. The story in Exodus is more dynamic than before, with the ending now shaped by the player’s choices. At its core, though, it still follows the familiar themes of the series—emotional, dramatic, and filled with a deeply human yearning for peace. Campfire conversations, the characters’ personal struggles, and the contrast between despair and hope make the narrative feel heartfelt and relatable. On the downside, Artyom’s fragility stands out— even the slightest fall can drastically reduce his health, which feels both frustrating and unrealistic, detracting from the immersion. Another issue is the character's awkward physics when running and jumping; one leap and you turn into a bouncy puppet with no sense of weight or momentum, which becomes increasingly annoying. Perhaps the weakest aspect of the game is the facial animations. They are poorly executed, and more than once you’ll feel secondhand embarrassment from the disconnect between the excellent voice acting and the characters’ unconvincing expressions. Verdict: Metro Exodus is not just a shooter but a road-trip adventure filled with soul and atmosphere. Its departure from the tunnels may not appeal to everyone, but it breathes new life into the story. I recommend it—though personally, the game didn’t quite click with me. Score: 6/10 | Tier: B