We liked Metro Exodus. The third entry in the Metro series changed up the game in more ways than one.
The biggest way, it would seem, is the game's adaptation of the open world gameplay mechanic. Whereas the two previous games in the series used the traditional, individual level-based design, this game uses a semi-open world, similar to 2018's God of War, in which the player character Artyom uses a train to traverse different zones of post-apocalyptic Russia.
Game Maker's Toolkit, a YouTube channel focusing on gameplay and design, makes a point of analyzing this to a tee in their latest dissection. Looking at the game's immersion from a physical perspective, taking into account what the player has to do to upkeep their weapons, gear, and even travel. Contrast that to something like Red Dead Redemption II, where the video essayist states that the immersion, such as brushing horses, could amount to tedium.
It's a great watch, see below.
