Metro 2033

[Niode]

So I picked this game up in the Steam sale, I've been looking forward to it for a while now and finally got my hands on it. I'm impressed so far. I'm up to chapter 3 so far and I like the ammo system where you can either use military grade rounds or dirty rounds. Military rounds are the currency in the game, so you are essentially firing your money away if you use the military rounds, but they do a lot more damage. I find that using the military rounds in the pistol is useful because I can take down most things in one shot in a pinch, especially if I've run out of ammo in 'The Bastard'.

I like the pacing, it's not boring but it's not non-stop action either. Plenty of opportunities to just soak in the atmosphere. I feel this game must be played in DX10/11 mode. The volumetric fog/spider webs are just fantastic to look at. The only thing I could wish for is a little less linearity. The best thing about the STALKER games is the open world nature of it. This is very 'on-rails'. It does look stunning though.

Another thing I liked is the Thief style visibility monitor, helps when sneaking around. I wonder if there is a mod that removes the hud, because I'd love to play this game without an ammo counter in the corner. It's pretty pointless.

[Pulsar_t]

I picked up a new game today, which was Alpha Protocol.. Didn't know whether to go with Metro or Singularity.

And I don't want to channel Luke

[MrPopo]

Yeah, my favorite part of Metro 2033 was the atmosphere. Travel on the surface is bleak and keeps you a little worried, as you might get your mask broken or run out of filters. And there are some parts in the underground that I won't spoil for you, but I've never seen anything like it before.

[Niode]

Is it worth picking masks up off the floor? What happens if your mask breaks, is it insta-death or do you have 30 odd seconds to try and scramble to a mask?

[MrPopo]

If your mask is intact there's no point in picking up a new one. You'd be better of noting the location in case yours gets broken. Although if it's already fairly cracked it's probably a good idea to switch to the new one. When your mask breaks it is not instant death. You have some amount of time (never figured out how long) to find a new one before you die. Because of this you'll want to be careful. There are some areas underground that require a mask, but don't really have a visual effect as to whether or not a mask is required; just your breathing sounds. You'll want to check every so often if the air is safe, since you don't want to expose the mask to unnecessary combat.

[dsheinem]

If your mask is intact there's no point in picking up a new one. You'd be better of noting the location in case yours gets broken. Although if it's already fairly cracked it's probably a good idea to switch to the new one. When your mask breaks it is not instant death. You have some amount of time (never figured out how long) to find a new one before you die. Because of this you'll want to be careful. There are some areas underground that require a mask, but don't really have a visual effect as to whether or not a mask is required; just your breathing sounds. You'll want to check every so often if the air is safe, since you don't want to expose the mask to unnecessary combat.

I found that there were enough masks around that once mine got sufficiently cracked I could pick up a new one and be fine.

Glad you are liking the game so far - it keeps getting even better as it goes in my opinion.

[Pulsar_t]

I'm now beginning to think I made a mistake getting Alpha Protocol

[dsheinem]

I'm now beginning to think I made a mistake getting Alpha Protocol

I have heard bad things about that game.

Of what I've played, Metro 2033 is my runner-up for best game of the year so far (behind God of War 3). It provides an such original, captivating atmosphere (on par with the first Bioshock, I'd say) and offers a genuine challenge. I see they just announced Metro 2034 - hopefully they can keep it fresh.

[MrPopo]

Alpha Protocol's also good; I've been waiting a long time for a game that reminds me of Deus Ex in terms of there being a decent story and having a high amount of character customization. But Metro 2033 and Stalker take the "atmosphere" prize this generation.

[Niode]

Wow, I think I know what you mean with the tunnels now. I've just gotten to the communists and it's kicking my ass and it's only on normal difficulty. Is there a way of silently taken enemies out? I've tried attacking them with the knife at close range but he just slashes at them which in turn alerts everybody else.