What if the world as you knew it became part of a nuclear blast that wiped out part of the human race? The destruction of the world crumbled as a shell of its former self. Some of your friends and loved ones didn’t all make it. How would you survive what happened? Would you be able to make a home for those you found and work together and protect by any means necessary? It’s scary to think about what if and what could happen at any time. But does Vertigo Games bring the atmosphere and the vibe of the Metro Universe and the writings of Dmitry Glukhovsky? Yes, yes, they do. Let’s find out more about Metro Awakening for PlayStation VR2.
Metro Awakening is a story-driven first-person adventure built exclusively for VR that blends atmospheric exploration, stealth, and combat in the most immersive Metro experience yet. Explore terrifying tunnels, reload guns by hand, charge your equipment, and scavenge every bullet and filter you can.
Before you venture into the tunnels, there are a few essentials to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure you have ample space around you. With all the swinging, shooting, and other dynamic movements you’ll be performing, it’s important not to risk injury to yourself, pets, equipment, or others. Secondly, make sure your Sense controllers are fully charged. You wouldn’t want to become an easy target just because you forgot to charge them, right? Thirdly, no spoilers ahead! And finally, gear up for some serious fun. With that out of the way, let’s dive in.
For those acquainted with the Metro series, some elements will be familiar. For newcomers, or those needing a refresher, the previous games in chronological order are Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, and Metro Exodus. Now, we introduce Metro Awakening. Wondering where it fits in the timeline? Metro Awakening serves as a prequel to Metro 2033. If it’s been a while since you last played, or if you’re new to the series, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this post-apocalyptic world.
Set in 2028, Metro Awakening follows the survivors of a nuclear disaster clinging to life in the tunnels of the Moscow Metro – a place that is both a last refuge and a haunting tomb. You play as Serdar, a doctor navigating the dark, radiation-ridden, and perilous Metro in search of your wife and the medication she desperately needs. As you push your courage and sanity to their limits, you’ll navigate the thin line between life and death, the spiritual and the material realms, and discover the person you are destined to become.
Upon starting the game, you’ll choose whether you prefer to stand or sit – a welcome option right from the start. Next, you’ll decide your movement style: full immersion or comfort. With that settled, you’ll reach the main menu, where you can start the game, select chapters, manage game slots, adjust settings, view credits, and explore extras. The attention to detail in capturing the Metro universe is astounding, even before gameplay begins. Be sure to configure the settings to match your preferred play style, from choosing your dominant hand to setting difficulty levels and movement options. Enjoy the journey through the Metro!
Once all is set, it’s time to get into the game. Starting, take a moment to look around the room and the amount of detail that has been put into things. Check out the books on the shelf, the fan on the desk, and the other objects you can interact with. Pictures and video do not do the game justice, as it has to be seen to truly be able to take it all in. As you walk out the door and pass by other survivors, you can see how some are making the best of the situation, while others want you to lighten up some while still being on guard.
Traveling through the tunnels can stir up some unwelcome surprises. We soon find out that your wife, Yana, believes she can manage without her medication and starts behaving unlike the woman you know. She is still haunted by the loss of your son, Petya, and claims to hear him and other voices. As a doctor, you insist they are hallucinations, but she is convinced otherwise.
In your quest to find her medication, you’ll need to navigate the dark tunnels and explore various rooms. Thankfully, you have a headlight that you can turn on and off by reaching slightly above your head and pressing a button. When the light dims, you’ll need to reach over your left shoulder to access your backpack and wind up your device, which can also be used to open certain doors. Your backpack displays objectives, holds explosives you might find, and contains filters for your gas mask. For your weapon, reach over your right shoulder. Since this is Metro, ammunition is limited, so make every shot count. Look for scattered ammo in lockers, drawers, shelves, and tables. Being vigilant is key.
Additionally, you will face threats from other hostile survivors who won’t hesitate to eliminate you. They are armed, but if you can sneak up on them and land a headshot, you can claim their ammo. You’ll also encounter mutants like the Lurkers and Nosails. The Lurkers, resembling rat mutants, often attack in groups, while the larger Nosails won’t hesitate to knock you around.
Stay alert and resourceful as you navigate this perilous world.
In Metro Awakening, it’s crucial to watch your steps and know when to turn off your light. For instance, while sneaking around to avoid detection by enemies, you might accidentally knock over some bottles in the dark, forcing you to backtrack as the enemies investigate the noise. You can also use the bottles to distract enemies, drawing them towards a specific area where they might make noise. After taking down an enemy, consider hiding the body to avoid alerting others and causing a commotion.
Navigating these tunnels alone can be terrifying. Thankfully, you have a friend who occasionally communicates with you through your earpiece. Sometimes the voice comes through clearly, but at other times it turns to static, adding to the tension and urgency as you search for the next safe spot and try to understand what’s happening.
Let’s dive into the graphics and sound. As I mentioned before, the graphics are truly impressive, showcasing an incredible level of detail. From the diverse character models and their expressive animations to the realistic gunfire and atmospheric lighting, everything looks fantastic. It’s easy to get lost in the visual splendor and take your time exploring every nook and cranny.
Equally important is the sound design, which plays a pivotal role in creating the game’s eerie atmosphere. The ambient noises and voices echoing through the tunnels heighten the sense of dread and immersion. Hearing the Lurkers without knowing which direction they’re coming from adds a layer of urgency to each encounter, perfectly complementing the visuals.
There are a few additions that could enhance the experience even further. Firstly, a greater variety of enemies would add more tension and excitement to the gameplay. While the current anticipation is effective, introducing more enemies in various areas could intensify the suspense. Secondly, more surprising sounds would add to the immersion. Just as you can accidentally knock over bottles and attract enemies, it would be intriguing to see enemies do the same, creating unexpected challenges. Lastly, extending the Virtual Reality treatment to the other Metro games would be a fantastic enhancement.
Metro Awakening reminds us of the importance of awareness, the challenges we face, and the potential future we must strive to avoid. It urges us to look beyond our immediate concerns and consider the broader impact of our actions. Often, we become so engrossed in our own lives that we overlook the consequences of what we do. There are voices urging us towards better choices, but also distractions that lead us away from the truth and necessary actions.
Imagine how much better our world could be if we paused for a moment to truly listen to the wisdom within our hearts. Let’s embrace the courage to heed those inner voices, guiding us towards compassion, responsibility, and a brighter future for all. For a game that not only was built for Virtual Reality but also brings the writings of Dmitry Glukhovsky to life in ways that have to be seen and experienced, and very well be the game of the year.
Metro Awakening is out now for Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S, & Pro on the Meta Store, PlayStation VR2 on the PlayStation Store, PCVR via Steam, and Viveport. A review code was provided. A review code was provided
The Deluxe Edition includes:
- Metro Awakening
- Concept Art Gallery
- Nosalis Hide Backpack
- Nosalis Skeletal Gloves
- Nosalis Toy Charm
- The fallen Patch
To learn more about Vertigo Games, please visit their site and make sure you like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
In case you missed the trailer, please enjoy. Until next time, I have to go back into the Metro tunnels.
