While at E3 in LA this year, I had the opportunity to get a private demo of THQ’s Metro: Last Light. Why was it private? Well, I was the last appointment of the day and the only one in the demo room at the time. So needless to say, the experience felt a bit odd but certainly more relaxed as I had a chance to ‘shot from the hip’ and gain some terrific insight into the game from Huw Beynon, head of studio communication at 4A Games.
Before the gameplay demo started, Huw explained that while Metro 2033 gained quite a following and by all accounts was considered a hit, he did admit there were a few areas the development team wanted to address this time around. He explained Last Light is a direct narrative sequel to 2033 and indicated we can expect a sprawling mix of shooter, combat, stealth, survival horror and exploration. Much like we did in the first game; however, Huw explains it will be much more polished and “superior” this time around. Well after my brief demo, I am unquestionably convinced THQ have a winner on their hands but will this translate into strong sales? I guess only time will tell.
Last Light takes the story of Artyom from the first Metro game and expands upon it. The first Metro game was based on a popular book; however, the sequel is not based on any of the books. Last Light rather is stand-alone story where Artyom will clearly be the focus. It will be all about how Artyom comes to terms with the decisions he has made. Huw would not explain the story any further as he indicated more details will be released closer to its 2013 retail date.
The 15-minute demo included an outdoor level and set in a gloomy, dark and grim post-apocalyptic world. This being said, I did notice a few slashes of colour her and there. After a brief clip where you see a child in a subway with his mother, the demo gets going with Artyom and another individual making their way to the surface scrounging for any ammunition they can find. You see them pass through some metro tunnels and eventually make their way to the surface. Soon after, a storm comes rolling in and our hero must put on his gas mask. The power is flicking and things start to get a little creepy in this world. The beam on his torch is starting to die and you can hear spine chilling howls in the distance. Perhaps it was due to the fantastic sound in the demo room but, good grief, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing.
One thing was clear, there were a lot of strange and almost supernatural occurrences going on in Last Light. At every corner I was waiting for something to jump out and those instances did occur. Most notably when a pack a demonic dogs run amok. It is an extremely hostile environment and that was clearly projected in the demo. You feel vulnerable in this world and that Metro 2033 feeling of claustrophobia is back again. Much like first Metro game you will have plenty of homemade weapons at your disposal so you can take care of these threats. Unlike the first Metro game however, these weapons will feel a lot better to the player. Huw explained that one of the issues with the first Metro game was indeed the weapons and this time around they wanted to tighten up that area up by making the weapons a little easier to handle and smoother. Huw also suggested there will be a little more variety in terms of the weaponry this time around as well.
Visually, I was incredibly impressed with Last Lights visuals. The level of detail was stunning. The demo was indeed a visual spectacle. For instance the airplane wreck featured realistic looking detailed cracked windows, dried up blood stains underneath the windows, mangled overhead compartments, skeleton’s and ripped apart seats. On the surface this may not seem like much but you really have to see it for yourself as this was undeniably a fantastic looking game. There are also some pretty slick dynamic weather effects in the game as well.
Metro Last Light was easily one of my biggest surprises from the show. I went in expecting little and came out eagerly anticipating Last Light’s arrival in 2013. I enjoyed Metro 2033 in 2010 and at this point I have complete confidence that the sequel will not only meet but exceed my expectations.
