Was destroying an entire race really the way to go? This is the question that hesitant protagonist Artyom is thinking of in the beginning of 'Metro: Last Light.' Fans of the series will know what brings this idea into his man's mind from the conclusion of Metro: 2033. However, was that really the end?
The Dark Ones were the sentient humanoid race that developed from the humans who survived the nuclear war and through severe adaptation, lived on. Originally tasked with helping to kill these beings, Artyom is told by a wandering philosopher named Khan that there is a single Dark One hiding in the same garden where their final battle took place. When Artyom tries to make contact with the being, touching it sends his mind through a spiral where he is allowed a version of several Dark Ones gathered around a pillar...with Artyom standing on it. Upon waking, Artyom finds himself in Nazi captivity and soon finds out that the Dark One is as well. Artyom must escape his captors and get back to his Spartan headquarters and tell them all what took place before Nazis do something wicked and irreversible.
Along with providing a great story, THQ and 4A Games make for some great atmospheres and better combat controls. Metro: 2033 was praised for its content but was downplayed for its choppy and awkward gun play 4A Games says they have streamlined controls to resemble most contemporary shooters, but didn't take out the little details that made Metro Metro Artyom must still charge his flashlight by hand. Ammunition in this post-apocalyptic world is scarce and hence a precious commodity when found. Head shots kill appropriately and atmosphere monitors must be kept in check.
And where would a story be without its setting? Metro: Last Light gives the player frightening underground tunnels cast with weak light, the sense of foreboding keeping Artyom on edge. The landscapes are barren, gritty, and broken, scars from a harsh war fought. Explorers will find creatures of terrifying size, only capable of being hurt by being shot somewhere specific on the body. The protagonist also finds himself in several human bound locations and can even eavesdrop on conversations, allowing access into the minds and words of other characters.
Will Artyom and the other Spartans be able to stop the Nazis and settle with the score with the Dark Ones once and for all? We will just have to see.
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