One creepy shooter comming up!
The story is based on a book by Dmitry Glukhovsky, which I have not read. I can't compare the story from the game with the book so I'll have to go by what the game offers me. The story is ok, not boring, but to me it lacked in depth. Sometimes, I really wanted to know more about certain characters or decisions. Maybe these gaps are filled when you've actually read the novel. However, it is entertaining enough to make you curious for the outcome.
The graphics are awesome, top notch! It really shows what PC is capable of. The world of Metro lives, breathes. The stations are safe havens (not all of them) and the tunnels are depressing, wet, narrow and dark. Not to mention the sorrowful surface of Moscow that strikes you with its post apocalyptic atmosphere.
The sound also really contributes to the immersion of the story. Especially when walking in the tight corridors being haunted by the howls of your enemies, you can feel really lonely and threatened.
The game is great as long as you go with the flow, meaning that you have to cross an invisible line to trigger actions or to continue. This keeps you from the feeling of being in a huge surrounding. There only is one way to go and there is not much room for free exploration. This kinda cuts back on the replay value but certainly does not break the game in anyway.
Metro 2033 is highly atmospheric and deeply immersive. If you want to play out a fun story and like to feel what it would be like after the nukes have fallen, you certainly must play this shooter! And who knows, after a couple of months you´ll pick the game up for a second go!