One of the first games to sign a timed exclusivity deal with the Epic Store on PC, Metro Exodus experienced something of a backlash when it launched earlier this year.
Unhappy that a game advertised on Steam suddenly jumped ship to the Epic Store, fans initially responded by leaving a string of negative reviews over on Steam.
But the negative reviews have since made way to overwhelming praise, with fans agreeing that Metro Exodus is a highly accomplished game with more highlights than an episode of Match of the Day.
Most striking of all is just how unbelievably gorgeous the game looks.
With thick layers of dirt, rust and grime, Metro’s claustrophobic corridors and tightly-packed tunnels were never what you would call pretty, but they were detailed enough to make them believable.
Metro Exodus is even more impressive, because not only must you scamper through these slimy, putrid underground areas, but you’ll also make your way to the surface as part of a year-long quest spanning all four seasons.
From the icy wastelands of Volga to the scorching deserts of the Caspian, these expansive overworld areas are a visual treat.
With equally impressive character models, frighteningly realistic weather effects and some truly monstrous enemies, Metro Exodus is a consistent delight in the graphical stakes.
Beneath the shiny visuals, Metro Exodus is a damn fine shooter to boot.
It’s not as bombastic or as cinematic as a Call of Duty or Battlefield, adopting a slower, more measured pace.
There’s almost a survival horror element to Metro Exodus, which encourages you to think carefully about firing bullets and scavenge every single bit of scrap metal you can find.
This is a game best played on a higher difficulty, where expeditions can be deadly without a little forward planning.
This is partly why I really enjoy the physical map, which you have to manually pull out and check every time you want some guidance.
It’s much more immersive than your typical HUD, which would feel out of place and intrusive in a game as good looking as Metro Exodus.
Unfortunately, however, there are times when the slow pace works against Metro Exodus and this cross-country journey runs out of steam.
Character movement is almost too slow, to the point that it feels artificial and unnatural. This is possibly a throwback to the previous games, when your surroundings weren’t so open.
The game’s loading times are also painfully slow, although at least each new level is worth the wait.
Characters, meanwhile, are generally well written, I just wish they wouldn’t talk over each other all the time.
Fortunately, these flaws aren’t enough to derail what is an otherwise excellent game.
Metro Exodus may represent a departure for the series, but for fans and newcomers alike, this is one cross-country journey that’s well worth taking.
