Metro 2033

I started a new game called Metro 2033 for xbox360 and so far so good.  With a big rash in post-apocalyptic games coming out lately, I wasnt sure how it would turn out but the time I have put in so far has been entertaining.  It takes place mostly in the Metro tunnels of Moscow but also heads out into the open as well.  Some interesting features to note that make the game different from some others:

There is no on screen hud.  So no health bar, no ammo bar, no on screen map, etc etc.  The supplement this with little things like being able to pull out a compass to see where you need to go(but cant shoot with the compass out), the screen getting red when hurt/injured, ammo only showing briefly when switching weapons/reloading.  It makes the screen less cluttered and makes you pay attention to everything in order to survive.

There are sections where you must put on a gas mask because of toxic air.  You have a watch that shows your masks filter levels and have to change the filters if in the toxic air for too long.  Also, enemies can crack/break your gas mask.  If this happen you need to hope you can find one laying on the ground to replace yours or you are dead very quickly.

You have a flashlight, but the more you use it, the weaker it gets.  So you have a hand pump that you can use to charge but the flashlight, but much like the compass you better not be getting attacked at the time. 

You can trade ammo for other types of ammo/weapons.  There is also gold "military grade" ammo that can be used in some weapons but is much more useful as expensive currency to buy things.  I personally only find myself spending ammo at shops if I need a big weapon upgrade or a specific type of ammo.

Some CONS include the fact that even on easy some of the mutant enemies seem to "sponge" ammo and take forever to kill.  Sometimes 2 shots and they are dead and others you waste clips before they die.  Makes it frustrating.  Also the breaking of your gasmask is cool but also can be annoying.  If there isnt a gas mask around and something breaks yours, you can pretty much pause and hit "reload previous checkpoint" because you will most likely die.

I'm probably only 3 hours in or so but all in all its a very interesting game experience.  Not perfect but entertaining and has some cool features.  It's worth checkig out if you are a 360 user and looking for a flawed yet entertaining FPS in a desolate environment.  I'd kind of liken it to F.E.A.R. meets Fallout (without the RPG stuff).   I look forward to putting more time in and hopefully reviewing the full game. 

Trailer below:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7xLJAXEKGY[/youtube]