It was a rumour we all knew was true. Now it's been confirmed as being true. Not that we needed it to be, but it's nice to get the final word all the same. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, Deep Silver and 4A are bringing us the Metro Redux. Promised as being more than a pesky HD upgrade (which is good, because they're both already in HD, making such an exercise asinine) this is a full blown remake...for Metro 2033 at least. Though Last Light is said to be receiving a facelift too...because it really need it! On the other hand, the press release does contain all the usual, cloying, childish "next=gen" drivel you can shake a stick at.

The original game has been rebuilt in the latest and greatest iteration of the 4A Engine, bringing all the graphical and gameplay improvements from Last Light to Metro 2033 Redux

Enjoy completely re-mastered visuals: advanced lighting, dynamic weather, more detailed characters with improved animation, more dynamic destruction and improved smoke, fire and particle effects

Experience radically improved gameplay: advanced enemy AI, improved combat and stealth mechanics, superior weapon handling and more responsive, intuitive controls plus signature features from Last Light such as the atmospheric 'mask wipe' mechanic, weapon customisation, and silent kills and take-downs

Metro: Last Light Redux has also received a graphical face-lift and gameplay improvements that carry across both titles, including new melee animations, and the fan requested 'Check Watch' and 'Check Inventory' features. It also includes all previously released Season Pass add-on content – a further 10 hours of single-player gameplay.
With METRO REDUX, players now have the choice to experience both Metro games the way they want with the introduction of two unique 'Play Styles.'

Those who favoured the more survival horror oriented gameplay of Metro 2033 can play both campaigns in the 'Survival' Play Style, a fraught slow-burn fight for survival with limited resources, deadlier enemy AI, and slower reload speeds. Those who enjoyed the more action oriented gameplay of Metro: Last Light can try the 'Spartan' Play Style, providing Artyom with a powerful set of combat skills and more plentiful resources.

In addition, the legendary Ranger Mode returns to both games, providing the most immersive and challenging experience as the HUD is stripped away and hardcore rules apply.

The fact we're seeing this as a separate entity, rather than a free update for existing versions of the games is...disappointing. But considering the price coming in at less than half the usual cost of a new game, and the extra features included, I'm willing to overlook it. Actually, it will be interesting to be able to compare and contrast the two whenever I chose. Though I am left with one question.

What does this all have to do with aviatic waterfowl?