Metro Exodus Review: 6 Ups & 4 Downs

Ups

6. It's A Visual Showpiece

From a visual perspective at least, the jump from the claustrophobic stations to the surface allows 4A’s graphics engine to shine. I was playing on PS4 Pro, and whether you’re boating your way through the thick fog and icy water of the game’s winter chapter or exploring lush green forests in the spring, it’s striking just how gorgeous the studio’s take on post-apocalyptia is.

The visuals would be nothing if the new sandbox areas themselves weren’t well designed, though, and Metro more than justifies its move from linear corridor shooting to a series of expansive, self-contained locations. In the narrative, Artyom has spent his entire life underground, and these areas really underline the sense of discovery and wonder these characters feel exploring the surface for the first time.

It can, however, sometimes seem like the devs relied a bit too heavily on tried-and-tested tropes when it comes to the game’s visual design. The metros of old games weren’t exactly easy on the eyes, but they were unique to the story. Now, though, this setting is sandwiched between deserts which might as well be ripped straight outta Mad Max.

Exodus’ aesthetics generally owe a debt to other giants of the sub-genre, but there is a level of detail the studio have brought to everything that retains the distinctive Metro vibe players gravitated towards in the first place.