Witchfire: a review of the new RPG-shooter from the creators of Painkiller

Who said that the post-apocalypse can only be seen on the screen? The game Metro 2033 invites us not only to watch the unfolding events but also to become part of a dark and exciting world. Feel for yourself what it means to survive in the depths of the Moscow metro, where every step is fraught with danger, and the atmosphere is saturated with hopelessness and hopelessness.

Scenario and setting: immersion in the world after a catastrophe

The dark universe grew out of the book by Dmitry Glukhovsky, who described the human confrontation with hopelessness, limited to the labyrinth of Moscow subways. The developers from the 4A Games studio did not just take the book as a basis – they created a detailed visualization of its pages. The concept reveals all the elements of the apocalypse: rusty pipes, graffiti on the walls, and shadows of mutants. The storyline is intertwined with a constant sense of danger, due to which the user does not just watch, but literally gets into the role of a person locked in this hell on earth.

Travel through ominous tunnels: the atmosphere of the game Metro 2033

The creators have made great efforts to embody the oppressive picture: every sound matters. The creaking of rails, distant voices, the light of a flashlight beating in the darkness – everything works like the instruments of a great composer who creates a symphony of fear. Every detail – be it a sharp scream or an inexplicable rustle – plunges the participant even deeper into a state of anxiety. Here you do not open fire at random but make every decision with trembling hands because a mistake is expensive.

Gameplay and survival mechanics

The post-apocalyptic first-person shooter does not make shooting a goal for the sake of a goal. Unlike ordinary projects, there is no such thing as “a lot of ammunition”. On the contrary, each hit must be precise: you should only pull the trigger when it is really necessary. Improvised weapons and the need to calculate each attack turn combat scenes into a real tactical challenge, and the fastest, but the most calculating ones, win.

Weapon types:

1. The Tikhar air rifle requires manual pumping to maintain pressure. It is ideal for covert operations, as it shoots almost silently.
2. Shotgun Double-barreled: a classic choice with a powerful spread for close combat. Indispensable in tight tunnels, when enemies attack in crowds.
3. The Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK-74) is familiar to everyone. Provides a reliable hit at medium distances, despite the constant shortage of shells.
4. The revolver can be upgraded to increase accuracy and range. Slow reloading is compensated by high killing power.
5. Throwing knives: an excellent solution for silently eliminating enemies. Allows you to save ammunition and eliminate targets without unnecessary noise.
6. The flamethrower is useful for fights with large groups of monsters and is especially effective against spiders. The weapon has a huge fuel consumption, but if used correctly, it can save lives.

Survival among mutants in the game Metro 2033: lack of resources and danger

A natural feeling of overcoming chaos. Here, the winner is not the one who shoots the most, but the one who thinks. Ammo is not only a means of protection, but also a currency. Each time, the player chooses between salvation or the opportunity to replenish supplies. Enemies become even more frightening when you realize that the combat arsenal is running out. The fight for life underground requires the ability to navigate, save resources, and select each element in order to use it as efficiently as possible.

Storylines and images: more than just a shooter

The concept breaks the standard templates of the shooter genre. The plot is not just a decoration for battles. It forces the user to make moral choices and shows the dark side of humanity. Here, each character has their own motives and past – they are not just a target or an NPC. Plot forks and moments when the player must decide who to save and who to leave create a feeling of real responsibility for the fates of others. Such elements add depth and realism to everything that happens.

Characters in the game Metro 2033: more than just allies

Each hero has their own fears, dreams, and stories that they tell around the fire when night falls on the tunnels. The concept reveals not only the characters of virtual personalities but also their contribution to the atmosphere of the plot. Interaction with subjects is not limited to orders and completing tasks – this is full-fledged human communication.

Characters:

Artem: the main character, through whose eyes the user sees the oppressive reality of the subway. He does not lose hope and strives to help his people survive in difficult conditions.

Bourbon: an experienced stalker, ready to do a lot for the sake of salvation.

1. Anna: a sniper and a combat unit that has high professionalism and discipline. Her image reveals what it is like to be part of the resistance.
2. Ulman: a charismatic and sometimes ironic person with jokes that help defuse a tense situation. Loyalty to his comrades makes him an indispensable ally.
3. Melnik: a leader and commander, always ready to take responsibility for the fate of his squad. A symbol of hope and fortitude inspires others to fight to the end.
4. Immersion in a dark reality

The scenario does not have a map, which obliges the player to carefully study every detail of the environment. You become not just a shooter, but an explorer trying to understand and adapt to reality. The setting of a cramped, damp, and deadly space creates a unique experience that makes your heart beat faster. The scenario presents not only physical challenges, but also psychological ones, when you literally have to live in a confined space, and every sound can foreshadow trouble.

Conclusion

The Metro 2033 project is not just another game. It is a story about survival in an environment where there is almost no hope left. It captivates you with dark tunnels, makes you think about the fates of the characters, and accept this world as it is – cruel, and cold, but still alive. Anyone who has once plunged into this environment will never be able to forget it. This is an experience that every fan of post-apocalyptic shooters should have.

The gamer world is changing rapidly, and today the shooter genre has become one of the most popular among many others. Studios rely on quality multiplayer, seasonal updates and balance, attracting millions of players. The Top 10 free shooters on Steam allow you to find the best projects without having to invest money. The article contains games that offer dynamic shootouts, team play and a variety of mechanics, which means that they will suit both fans of classic FPS and fans of Battle Royale.

How to choose the best F2P shooters

Free shooters are a huge number, but not all of them deserve attention. The top 10 free shooters on Steam are formed by several important criteria that help to distinguish quality projects among many mediocre ones:

1. Honest balance -the absence of Pay-to-Win mechanics. Skills must win the game, not your wallet. A good F2P-shooter does not force you to invest money to gain advantages, and emphasises a fair selection of opponents and even distribution of weapons.
2. Support developers – active work on the project. Regular updates, fixing critical bugs and quick response to user problems determine the quality level of the game. Successful projects promptly introduce balance changes and update content to keep the audience’s attention.
3. Community is a live gaming environment. If the online presence is low, there is a high probability of long waits for matches and a general decline in interest. It is important that an active community is formed around the shooter, tournaments, and in-game events are held to keep players enthusiastic.
4. A variety of content – an abundance of modes, maps and weapons. Games that don’t evolve quickly lose their audience. The best F2P shooters offer players constant innovations: new modes, heroes, weapons, maps and mechanics, which makes gameplay fresh even after years.
5. Stable servers – minimal latency, protection from cheaters and no crashes. The technical part affects the comfort of the game: frequent lags, high ping and poor protection from dishonest players can ruin even the most elaborate shooter.

What shooters to download on Steam

The choice of shooter depends on genre preferences and gaming style. Steam offers projects suitable for different types of gamers:

1. Fans of classic FPS suitable Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Quake Champions, are dynamic games where shooting accuracy and reaction speed are important.
2. Those who prefer team tactics should pay attention to Calibre and Team Fortress 2, where interaction with allies decides the outcome of the battle.
3. Fans of Battle Royale will appreciate Apex Legends, which offers heroes with unique abilities and a constantly changing meta.
4. Fans of PvE and co-op will enjoy Destiny 2 and Will To Live Online, which combines RPG and survival elements.
5. Those looking for unconventional projects should try BRAIN / OUT, which offers a unique style and tactical depth.

It is important to consider gameplay mechanics, audience interaction and technical support to get the most out of the process.

The best free-to-play shooters on Steam – ten cool games

The shooter genre remains one of the most popular among gamers, and thanks to the free-to-play model, you can enjoy dynamic shootouts without financial costs.

Top 10 free shooters on Steam

This list contains the best free shooters on Steam, which have rightfully earned the attention of players. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Halo Infinite. The iconic franchise that has transcended consoles and made its way to the PC. The project offers dynamic battles, a rich arsenal and huge maps designed for elaborate tactical battles. It combines classic elements and modern mechanics.
2. Apex Legends. Battle Royale with characters that have unique abilities. Each season brings changes to the meta, adding new characters and modes. Developers actively fight with cheaters, thanks to which the game remains honest and interesting. This game is one of the most stable and thoughtful representatives of the genre.
3. Will To Live Online. An unusual mix of shooter and MMORPG with survival elements. Gameplay is based on the exploration of a dangerous world, battles with mutants and other players. The top of free shooters in Steam is replenished by this game due to its atmosphere, combination of PvE and PvP and well thought-out role-playing system.
4. Quake Champions.  A modern reimagining of the legendary arena shooter, where reaction speed and shooting accuracy decide everything. There’s no Pay-to-Win here, and gameplay is focused on skill-based gameplay that takes players back to the roots of the genre.
5. BRAIN / OUT. Two-dimensional pixel shooter with a tactical bias, where teamwork and the right choice of weapons are important. The maps are small, but rich in detail, and the style of play requires a meaningful approach to each battle. Unusual mechanics and balanced gameplay.
6. Calibre. A tactical shooter with an emphasis on team-based combat where every role counts. Specialists are divided into classes, which makes gameplay more strategic. Calibre is among the top shooters because of the elaborate interaction system and variety of tactics.
7. Destiny 2. A fantastic online shooter with RPG elements. Players have access to raids, PvE-missions, arenas for PvP-battles and a large-scale story campaign. The top free shooters on Steam can’t do without Destiny 2, because it is one of the brightest examples of long-term support of the game by developers.
8. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. A classic among competitive shooters. Simple but deeply developed mechanics, dynamic matches and an advanced ranked game system make it the choice of millions. The most popular FPS game on the platform.
9. Team Fortress 2. The iconic game from Valve, where each character has unique abilities. It is characterised by a bright design, dynamic battles and many years of support. It is among the top free games for its unique style and variety of game modes.
10. Warframe. A unique third-person action shooter that combines dynamic firefights, melee combat and role-playing elements. Players control futuristic Tenno warriors using a variety of weapons and abilities. A huge amount of content, regular updates and a deep character development system.

Conclusion

The world of free-to-play shooters has become incredibly saturated, offering players dozens of quality projects. Our TOP-10 free-to-play shooters on Steam include the most elaborate and exciting games that can give hundreds of hours of cool emotions. The list includes projects of different genres, from tactical shooters to arena battles, which allows everyone to find a game to their liking.