Xbox 360 review: Metro 2033

I have played seven levels so far and I have to say it is the most atmospheric, miserable and downright grim piece of brilliance I have perhaps ever played.

The similarities with Fallout 3 are very obvious from the start, as you are underground trying to get out, for starters.

The mood of the game is very similar, a society trapped underground with a dream of seeing the world above the surface on something other than a postcard.

The society underground is remarkably portrayed in the game.

It is seedy, grimy and full of despair at every turn.

Think Bioshock/Half Life 2/Fallout 3 hybrid and you are close.

Sound in this section of the game is immense. Wherever you move there is a new character whose haunting voice fills the air, conversations floating in as the last one fades out.

It adds to the uneasiness you feel and ironically it adds to your desperation to get above ground into a world which clearly isn't going to be a walk in a sunny park.

I have had a quick glimpse of the outside world where I was set upon by giant mutant dogs and bats/birds. I was then whisked back underground to tell me how I got there - nice touch.

With the underground society under attack from mutants, you are given a mission by the mysterious hunter that means you have to go above ground.

You have to work your way through the Russian Metro labyrinth first, though, which has not only become your home but is also home to a whole manner of mutations and groups of warriors.

I can only base my judgement of the game on this handful of first levels but so far the game is enthralling, gripping and brilliant fun to play.

I have high hopes for the rest of the game and I will be doing an update or two in this column as I progress.

I don't see the game straying too far from the linear approach it has so far taken. It is a solid first person shooter, even if it is missing that depth of strategy that Fallout 3 had.

The Fallout 3 comparison is inevitable with the theme of the games being so similar.

The ability to interact fully with people isn't the same in this game, though maybe this will change.

It's no hardship if it doesn't. As a straightforward horror/shooter you are more than getting your money's worth!

The gameplay is epic; as I write this I have just had a ten-minute almost Wild West-style shootout with guys with hockey masks and very heavy artillery - and I had to get past a few tripwires and booby traps first.

The weapons in the game are very responsive and nice to use, and the graphics are incredible.

This is easily the most fun I have had at the start of a game for some time. That's not to say the game is something revolutionary, it's not.

The gameplay is solid and classic shooter fodder. The atmosphere takes it up a level, though.

Spooky doesn't cover it and even early on there are some really heart-stopping moments.

This is a survival shooter with top-end production and a fantastic storyline. I look forward to playing it online!

Depressingly brilliant - will keep you posted!