Metro 2033: Book before the game?

[TheLefty]

Even since before Metro 2033, the game, game out I've wanted to play it, but not only has it been fairly resistant to price drops but I always like to take in the source material before seeing/reading/playing anything based on it. Unfortunately 2033 is a Russian book, and I live in America, making it hard to track down, as well as apparently not even coming out (according to Amazon) until April 1st, (I'm also pretty sure last time I looked it had a similar date but with 2010 at the end).

So my question to anyone who has both played and read Metro 2033, how close and faithful to the source material is the game? Is one heads and shoulders over the other? Should I wait and read the book or should I give in and buy the game first, or would I be able to play the game and still enjoy the book? On the other hand should I just play the game or just read the book?
Thanks for any help.

EDIT: Also, if it helps any I enjoy taking in stories interactively (in a game) a lot more than reading on paper what was happening, so I'm kind of swayed toward the game already, but I'm not sure just yet.

 

[Juan Regular]

The game is basically like a quick summary of the book. Personally I´d recommend reading the book first. The story will be more understandable and you´ll notice a lot of little things throughout the game. And reading the book, imagining the places and then playing the game, actually running through the books chapters makes it even better.

 

[Anah'ya]

Good Question.

Fairly easy answer: The Game first.

Let the mystery and the lack of having everything explained to you sink in first. Allow yourself to grow an opinion of Artyom and see his character through the games perspective and your own experience first.

Then read the book, which will *beep* with your mind quite a bit more, but explain things that you might have missed and shed light where you first stumbled in the dark.

.. the other way around sort of ruins the experience, as an interactive experience is best enjoyed with a bit of surprise wherever possible.

 

[Rylot]

I'd usually say read the book first, but good luck finding it. I've been looking off and on for something like six months now and the only one I've been able to find was a copy on Amazon that was in German, which I don't speak. So best of luck.

 

[Dectomax]

I'd usually say read the book first, but good luck finding it. I've been looking off and on for something like six months now and the only one I've been able to find was a copy on Amazon that was in German, which I don't speak. So best of luck.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/METRO-2033-Dmitry-Glukhovsky/dp/0575086246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297246868&sr=8-1

 

[TheLefty]

I'd usually say read the book first, but good luck finding it. I've been looking off and on for something like six months now and the only one I've been able to find was a copy on Amazon that was in German, which I don't speak. So best of luck.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/METRO-2033-Dmitry-Glukhovsky/dp/0575086246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297246868&sr=8-1

I have no idea how international online shopping works, but if I live in America would I be able to buy that from the UK amazon and still have it shipped to me in the US?

 

[Dectomax]

I'd usually say read the book first, but good luck finding it. I've been looking off and on for something like six months now and the only one I've been able to find was a copy on Amazon that was in German, which I don't speak. So best of luck.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/METRO-2033-Dmitry-Glukhovsky/dp/0575086246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297246868&sr=8-1

I have no idea how international online shopping works, but if I live in America would I be able to buy that from the UK amazon and still have it shipped to me in the US?

I would have thought so, it would just be a case of entering your address and then maybe paying an extra $4/$5 for international shipping?