Metro Exodus is perhaps one of the best action games in 2019.  The third installment of 4A Game’s post-apocalyptic shooter games, it has garnered positive reactions that paved the way for the release of its DLCs. Metro Exodus - Sam's Story is the second expansion to the game, which takes place after the end of the main game. It follows Sam, the American Marine who accompanied Artyom and his companions on the cross-country train-ride Exodus. In the game, Sam departs the group and on his way back to America. 

Sam heads home

At a glance, Metro Exodus - Sam's Story is actually closer in spirit to a spinoff rather than an expansion. It does not only introduce a new storyline, but it also adds another of Exodus’ massive open maps to the game. Plus there are also other smaller areas that you can explore. The map of the new DLC is a far cry from the icy wastelands and scorching deserts of the base campaign. Instead, it is a more swampy and waterlogged environment that is reminiscent of Fallout 4’s Far Harbor. 

Since it introduces a new setting, the DLC also brings several fresh gameplay experiences to the players. Like the base game, this expansion comes with a non-linear structure, which emphasizes exploration and finding gear upgrades. However, enemies will attack stealthily using your surroundings. More, the waters can either help you or hinder you as you control Sam’s attacks. To help tackle these challenges, Sam will have two new weapons: a burst-firing rifle—dubbed the Sammy—and a semi-automatic handgun—called Stallion. There will also be a new wrist gadget that can detect numerous traps throughout the game map. 

Completing the DLCs great addition is the gorgeous visual and sound design. Both graphics and audio are stellar, which drives the immersion factor tenfold. However, that is not to say that the game is without fault. For one, like other Metro games, the voice acting in this expansion is pretty spotty. It doesn’t help that Sam's story is poorly written and has so many cheesy dialogues. Also, the campaign is noticeably less polished than the base game and the Two Colonel expansion.  There are several texture pop-ins and animation stuttering throughout the game. 

A decent game expansion

Despite the wince-inducing dialogues, spotty voice acting, and the poorly written story, Metro Exodus - Sam's Story is a decent addition to the Metro game. The rest of the DLC offers so much to enjoy, especially if you are a fan of the base game. It offers a unique setting, new locations, new challenges to face, and a new experience. While there may be hiccups here and there, this expansion is worth picking up. Just make sure you have the base game, though.