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Metro Exodus

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Metro Exodus
Item: Metro Exodus
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Horror, Stealth, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 15, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Developer4A Games

Overview

Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created. Explore the Russian wilderness across vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter. Inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Exodus continues Artyom’s story in the greatest Metro adventure yet.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Metro Exodus are generally positive. Many critics praise the engaging and immersive nature of the story, with TheSixthAxis noting the unpredictable plot, thrilling cutscenes, and fiery combat sequences. The Guardian describes the story as a breathtaking and personal tale about the interplay between faith and survival. The Digital Fix also highlights the engaging and intriguing story, influenced by player choices and diverse landscapes. Game Informer mentions that while the story suffers from weak voice acting and a silent protagonist, the well-tuned pacing and interesting locations make up for it. Hooked Gamers praises the adaptation and character development in the story. However, there are some critics who have negative opinions about the story of Metro Exodus. Slant Magazine criticizes the underwhelming story, pointing out that it loses much of its drama due to an awkwardly silent protagonist and a lack of nuance and complexity in the depiction of humanity. Press Start Australia mentions that the wider narrative doesn't have the same impact as the first two Metro games, and the silent protagonist trope shatters the immersion. DarkStation criticizes the lack of definition and nuance in characters and confusing dialogue. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Metro Exodus is engaging, immersive, and offers a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic genre. The focus on the journey of the protagonist and the exploration of different regions of Russia is praised by TrueAchievements and Cheat Code Central. The story is commended for its world-building, character development, and exploration of themes such as faith, survival, and humanity's propensity for conflict. While there are some criticisms regarding weak voice acting, a silent protagonist, and lack of nuance in certain aspects of the story, the well-tuned pacing, interesting locations, and engaging narrative make up for these shortcomings. Overall, Metro Exodus is seen as a game with a compelling and immersive story that serves as the main driving force of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Metro Exodus's story, with many praising its engaging and immersive nature, unpredictable plot, and character development. Some critics criticize the underwhelming narrative, awkward silent protagonist, and lack of nuance. Overall, the game offers a unique twist on the post-apocalyptic genre, focusing on the protagonist's journey through diverse landscapes in Russia, exploring themes of faith, survival, and humanity's conflicts. Despite flaws like weak voice acting, the well-paced narrative and intriguing locations make Metro Exodus a compelling and immersive experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Metro Exodus, with many highlighting its mix of linear and open-world levels, as well as the intense and terrifying encounters throughout. Telegraph, Gamers Heroes, and The Sydney Morning Herald all mentioned the non-linear levels and tough choices that added depth to the gameplay. The game was commended for its emphasis on stealth, with options for crafting and stealth mechanics that allowed players to approach combat scenarios however they liked, as noted by Game Informer. The larger environments in Metro Exodus also enabled more methodical combat and player freedom, as mentioned by Guardian. The game's immersive and challenging gameplay, with a focus on stealth, flanking, and resource management, was also praised by Gameplanet. Overall, the positive aspects of the gameplay in Metro Exodus included the mix of linear and open-world levels, the options for stealth and crafting, and the immersive and challenging nature of the gameplay. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the gameplay of Metro Exodus. Some critics mentioned that the stealth mechanics could be hit or miss, and the enemy AI was inconsistent, as noted by Gamers Heroes. The shooting controls were described as sluggish, and melee combat was generally ineffective, as mentioned by DarkStation. The occasional difficulty spikes and clunky gunplay were also mentioned by The Digital Fix. While the game offered a mix of survival horror and shooter action, some critics felt that the shooting mechanics lacked the polish of other shooters, possibly intentionally to emphasize the preparation and methodical approach of the Metro series, as suggested by VideoGamer. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Metro Exodus remained positive. In conclusion, the majority of the critics found the gameplay of Metro Exodus to be very good. The mix of linear and open-world levels, intense encounters, and options for stealth and crafting were praised by multiple critics, including Telegraph, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Game Informer. The game's focus on stealth, flanking, and resource management added depth and challenge, as mentioned by Gameplanet. While there were some criticisms regarding the inconsistent stealth mechanics, sluggish shooting controls, and occasional difficulty spikes, these were outweighed by the positive aspects of the gameplay. Overall, the gameplay of Metro Exodus was well-received by critics, offering a satisfying and immersive experience that rewarded exploration and experimentation.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised Metro Exodus for its engaging mix of linear and open-world levels, intense encounters, and emphasis on stealth and crafting. Despite some criticisms about inconsistent stealth mechanics and sluggish shooting controls, the game received positive feedback for its immersive and challenging gameplay that encourages strategic thinking. Overall, Metro Exodus delivers a satisfying and immersive experience that rewards exploration and experimentation.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Metro Exodus are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's stunning visuals, detailed environments, and atmospheric design. The game was commended for its beautifully drawn post-nuclear wilderness and meticulous environment design, which captured a sense of place and atmosphere (Telegraph, Guardian). The graphics were described as stunning, with a generational jump in lighting effects and high-quality ambient audio (IGN). The game's visual Variety was also highlighted, with diverse post-apocalyptic landscapes and changing seasons (Game Debate, VideoGamer). The attention to detail in character and environment design was praised, with exquisite animations, richly detailed textures, and impressive lighting effects (GameCrate, Critical Hit). The graphics quality was noted to have received a substantial upgrade since the previous game, with well-designed characters and breathtaking scenery (Hardcore Gamer). However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Metro Exodus. Some critics mentioned technical issues and crashes encountered, particularly in the desert level (Washington Post). The underground tunnels and bunkers were criticized for unclear navigation and the lack of a map layout for these areas (Gamers Heroes). Some character models were also mentioned as not being up to par (The Digital Fix, Press Start Australia). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Metro Exodus are highly impressive. The majority of the critics thought that the game's visuals were stunning, with detailed and immersive post-apocalyptic environments that enhance the atmosphere and sense of place. The game's graphics were praised for their attention to detail, lighting effects, and visual Variety. Despite some minor criticisms regarding technical issues and character models, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics commending the game's graphics and visual design as a significant strength of Metro Exodus.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Metro Exodus' graphics, praising stunning visuals, detailed environments, and atmospheric design. The game's attention to detail, lighting effects, and visual variety received high acclaim. Despite some technical issues and criticism of character models, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics hailing the graphics as a standout feature.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Metro Exodus are varied. Some critics, such as Shacknews and Hardcore Gamer, praise the sound design and music, highlighting how they enhance the immersive experience of the game. They mention that players are rewarded for stopping and listening to the world and dialogue around them, and that the sound design adds to the suspense and fear of the game. Additionally, they appreciate the well-written dialogue and competent voice acting, which brings the characters to life. Gameplanet also commends the sound design, considering it best in class and creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere. However, there are also critics who have negative opinions about the sound design and voice acting in Metro Exodus. IGN, Game Informer, and Press Start Australia all mention issues with inconsistent voice acting quality. IGN and Game Informer specifically criticize the lack of back and forth between characters, which undermines the intended weight of scenes. Press Start Australia goes further, describing the dialogue as drivel and the worst script in the series. CGMagazine also expresses disappointment with the sound design, finding it forgettable and criticizing the poor spacing of voice-over work, leading to confusing and jumbled cut scenes. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive remarks about the sound design and music, with some critics considering it excellent and immersive, there are also significant criticisms of inconsistent voice acting quality and weak dialogue. The positive aspects mentioned by Shacknews, Hardcore Gamer, and Gameplanet are countered by the negative opinions expressed by IGN, Game Informer, Press Start Australia, and CGMagazine. It seems that the sound design and music of Metro Exodus have received both praise and criticism, leaving the overall impression somewhat divided.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Metro Exodus. Some praise it for enhancing immersion and suspense, while others criticize inconsistent voice acting and weak dialogue. Positive feedback highlights the immersive atmosphere, while negative reviews point out issues like poor voice-over spacing. Overall, the reception is divided, with both praise and criticism from different critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Metro Exodus receives a mix of positive and negative opinions from the critics. Some critics, such as Hooked Gamers and Hardcore Gamer, praise the voice acting, noting that it brings the dialogue to life and that the actors do a good job. The German voice acting, specifically, is highlighted as being well done and believable by GameStar. Additionally, the camaraderie and sense of togetherness among the characters, as mentioned by Telegraph, adds to the endearing aspect of the voice acting. However, there are several negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Metro Exodus. TheSixthAxis criticizes the dialogue, mentioning that it does not always mesh well together and that conversations can feel rushed. The Guardian states that the script is not sharp enough to keep the player engaged, suggesting a lack of depth in the voice acting performances. IGN, Game Informer, and CGMagazine all highlight the inconsistency in the quality of the voice acting, with IGN mentioning it multiple times. The Sydney Morning Herald specifically points out that the English voice acting loses nuance and emotion in heavy European accents, suggesting a lack of authenticity. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Metro Exodus is a mixed bag. While some praise the performances and believability of the characters, others criticize the rushed dialogue, lack of consistency, and loss of nuance in accents. The voice acting is described as competent by Hardcore Gamer, but also as weak and listless by Game Informer. The negative aspects of the voice acting, such as the lack of flow and stilted interactions, are mentioned by Xbox Tavern. Ultimately, the voice acting in Metro Exodus seems to have both its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Metro Exodus. Some praise it for bringing dialogue to life and highlighting camaraderie, while others criticize its rushed conversations, lack of depth, and inconsistency. The German voice acting stands out positively, but heavy European accents are seen as losing nuance. Overall, the voice acting is described as a mixed bag with strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in future games.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Metro Exodus, the opinions of the critics varied across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, critics playing on PC generally had a smoother experience. Telegraph and Hardcore Gamer both mentioned that they did not encounter any major technical issues during their playthroughs on PC. Gameplanet also noted that while there were some bugs and performance issues, they did not significantly impact the overall experience. This suggests that the PC version of the game had a relatively stable technical performance. Moving on to the negatives, the PS4 version of Metro Exodus seemed to have some technical hiccups. The Digital Fix mentioned occasional screen tearing issues and lengthy loading times. DarkStation also reported performance issues on the PS4 Pro, including texture pop-in, odd animations, and frame rate quirks. These technical shortcomings on the PS4 platform may have hindered the gameplay experience for some players. The Xbox One version of Metro Exodus received mixed reviews in terms of technical performance. While TrueAchievements and Xbox Achievements both mentioned occasional crashes, they did not consider them major issues. However, Press Start Australia expressed frustration with performance issues, including clipping issues, hard locks, audio issues, game freezes, and map boundary glitches. The Washington Post and The Sydney Morning Herald also encountered crashes and technical problems on the Xbox One platform. These negative experiences suggest that the Xbox One version of the game had more significant technical issues compared to other platforms. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Metro Exodus had a mixed technical performance across different gaming platforms. While the PC version generally provided a smoother experience, the PS4 and Xbox One versions suffered from various technical issues. The game had occasional crashes, performance problems, and bugs on all platforms. However, it is worth noting that some critics did not consider these issues as major detractors from the overall experience. Despite the technical quibbles mentioned by critics, the overall sentiment seems to be that the technical performance of Metro Exodus did not significantly impact the enjoyment of the game for most players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on Metro Exodus' technical performance. PC version ran smoothly with minor issues, while PS4 had screen tearing and long loading times. Xbox One faced crashes and glitches, with some major technical problems. Despite these issues on all platforms, most critics felt technical hiccups didn't ruin the overall gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Metro Exodus are varied. Several critics, such as IGN and Stevivor, highlight the game's multiple endings and ability to choose different paths as positive factors that contribute to its replay value. IGN specifically mentions that the game has multiple endings based on actions taken throughout the game, although the parameters that influence them may not always be obvious. This adds a layer of mystery and incentive for players to replay the game to explore different outcomes. Stevivor also praises the ability to tackle the world in different orders, which further enhances the game's replayability. On the other hand, Softpedia criticizes Metro Exodus for lacking incentives for exploration and rewards, which negatively impacts its replay value. The absence of meaningful rewards or incentives can make repeated playthroughs feel less rewarding and diminish the motivation to explore the game's world. This sentiment is in contrast to Hardcore Gamer's opinion, who highlights the freedom to explore the map, discover secrets, and engage in optional and side quests as elements that enhance the replay value of the game. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Metro Exodus are mixed. While some critics appreciate the multiple endings, the ability to choose different paths, and the freedom to explore, others criticize the lack of incentives and rewards for exploration. It is important to note that replay value is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences. However, the presence of multiple endings, player choice, and optional quests seem to be positive aspects that contribute to the overall replay value of Metro Exodus.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are split on Metro Exodus' replay value. Some like IGN and Stevivor praise the multiple endings and player choice, enhancing replayability. Softpedia, however, criticizes the lack of exploration incentives. Hardcore Gamer appreciates the freedom to explore and engage in optional quests. In the end, the game's replay value is subjective, but multiple endings and player choice stand out as positive aspects.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the majority of critics had a very positive opinion of Metro Exodus. The game was praised for its ability to create a sense of place and atmosphere, with stunning visuals and immersive sound design. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and Game Informer considered it to be the best Metro game so far, with The Sydney Morning Herald specifically highlighting its engrossing horror shooter gameplay and charming Russian apocalypse flavor. The game's open-world aspect and beautifully detailed environments were also commended by critics like Shacknews and ZTGD. The gameplay mechanics and exploration were seen as refreshing and enjoyable, with Game Debate stating that Metro Exodus offers a blend of exploration and a driving narrative. The overall consensus among critics was that Metro Exodus is a solid entry in the series, with The Digital Fix calling it a worthy successor and Variety stating that it feels like a big investment that pays great dividends. However, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. The voice acting and dialogue were mentioned as areas for improvement by critics like TheSixthAxis and IGN. TheSixthAxis specifically pointed out rough edges in the dialogue, while IGN mentioned that the voice acting and parameters for multiple endings could be improved. Some critics, such as Press Start Australia, expressed disappointment with the open-world aspect of the game, feeling that it hindered the otherwise well-paced, linear chapters. Performance issues and a confusing narrative were also mentioned as drawbacks by Press Start Australia and VideoGamer, respectively. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment was still positive, with critics like Cheat Code Central and GameCrate praising the game for its gripping narrative and thoughtful additions and improvements from previous Metro games. In conclusion, the overall verdict of Metro Exodus was highly positive among the critics. The game was praised for its ability to create a sense of place and atmosphere, with stunning visuals and immersive sound design. The exploration, gameplay mechanics, and open-world aspects were seen as refreshing and enjoyable. While there were some criticisms regarding voice acting, dialogue, and certain aspects of the game's narrative and performance, the majority of critics still considered Metro Exodus to be a solid entry in the series and a worthy successor to its predecessors. Overall, the game was hailed as a great addition to the post-apocalyptic survival genre, with innovative gameplay mechanics, incisive storytelling, and a visually stunning world.

TL;DR

Critics loved Metro Exodus for its immersive atmosphere, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. It was hailed as the best Metro game yet, praised for its horror shooter elements and detailed environments. While some critics noted room for improvement in voice acting and narrative, the consensus remained overwhelmingly positive. Overall, Metro Exodus was seen as a solid entry with fresh mechanics and a captivating story, making it a standout in the post-apocalyptic survival genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

220 reviews found

GameCrate

Feb 13, 2019