Metro: Last Light gameplay mode paid-DLC Koch-block

Business

May 15, 2013

Want to change the difficulty on Metro: Last Light? Well, you’re going to have to pay up, because the extra-difficult setting, known as Ranger mode, is paid DLC.

The game’s Ranger difficulty setting, which was unlocked in Metro 2033 by finishing the game, is $5 to download, or can be accessed as an incentive by pre-ordering the game.

Koch Media, the publisher of Last Light, explained why the difficulty setting was downloadable content as opposed to being included in the retail version.

“Game makers and publishers now live in a world where offering game content as a pre-order exclusive is a requirement by retail, and Ranger Mode seemed like the best choice since it was a mode for hardcore fans who would most likely pre-order the game, or purchase it at launch in any case,” said Koch Media’s Huw Beynon. “We rejected requests to make story content or additional missions exclusive. We also rejected requests to make this a timed exclusive.”

Koch Media also added that Ranger mode is for hardcore enthusiasts, but did say that it offers a better experience, which makes gamers continue to wonder why it wasn’t just included in the standard game.

“We do not recommend Ranger Mode for a first playthrough, and this is made very clear in-game,” added Beynon. “We expect Metro fans will want to try Ranger Mode for a subsequent playthrough, and we think that for this hardcore player, Ranger Mode offers a richer experience – but only once you’ve clocked the game at least once.”

While Metro: Last Light has been getting some shining reviews, it is still a concern that something like a difficulty setting would have to be paid for. What do you think of the whole scenario?