The Metro series has long been celebrated for its atmospheric storytelling and intense survival mechanics. With Metro Awakening VR, the franchise ventures into the realm of virtual reality, promising an even more immersive experience. Developed by Vertigo Games, known for titles like Arizona Sunshine, this installment aims to plunge players deep into the post-apocalyptic tunnels of Moscow. But does it succeed in delivering a compelling VR experience, or does it get lost in the dark corridors? Let’s crawl in!
Setting the scene
From the moment you put on the VR headset, Metro Awakening VR envelops you in its haunting world. The game’s environments are gorgeously crafted, capturing the claustrophobic essence of Moscow’s underground. Dimly lit tunnels, abandoned stations, and the ever-present threat of danger create tension from the very first couple of seconds. The use of lighting and shadows enhances the eerie atmosphere that fans of the series have come to expect and it translates beautifully to a VR experience. You can play the game standing or sitting down and the game also allows you to pick your favorite way of moving around. You can use the analog stick for better immersion but at a higher risk of motion sickness or pick the well-known teleportation system to minimize motion sickness. It’s also worth pointing out that you can switch off encounters with spiders if that’s not your cup of tea. Enough of that, however, back to the game itself!
In this prequel to the original Metro 2033, players step into the shoes of Serdar, a doctor navigating the treacherous metro system in search of his missing wife. The narrative delves into themes of loss, hope, and the human spirit’s resilience during chaos. Collaborating with Dmitry Glukhovsky, the original author of the Metro novels, the story maintains the depth and complexity that fans cherish. Serdar’s journey is both personal and expansive, shedding light on the origins of familiar characters and events within the Metro universe.
Stellar gameplay with some hiccups
Transitioning the Metro experience to VR introduces a new layer of immersion. The game emphasizes survival, with players needing to scavenge for resources, manage ammunition, and navigate encounters with both human enemies and mutated creatures. The manual reloading of weapons, the necessity to charge your flashlight, and the tactile interactions with the environment enhance the sense of presence. However, some players might find these mechanics hard to master, especially during high-pressure situations.
Combat in Metro Awakening VR is intense and unforgiving. Ammunition is scarce, encouraging players to approach situations with caution. Stealth becomes a viable and often necessary tactic, allowing for silent takedowns and evasion. The AI, while competent, occasionally exhibits predictable patterns, which can detract from the challenge. Nevertheless, the thrill of sneaking past a group of enemies or surviving a sudden mutant ambush keeps the adrenaline pumping. It really is on par with the mainline games and doesn’t innovate the core idea of what a Metro game should be, which is a big plus of course. While the original games were tense and could achieve a level of tension that players all over the world appreciated, the VR version pushed things to the next level.
While Metro Awakening VR excels in many areas, it isn’t without its shortcomings. There are a couple of technical issues, including occasional frame rate drops and minor glitches. The game’s pacing can also feel uneven, with certain segments dragging on longer than necessary. Additionally, the limited variety of enemy types and environments may cause some boredom after a couple of hours and some additional variation might have been a better idea. Nevertheless, it’s still a fun and immersive Metro experience and for sure one of the better VR games too.
Conclusion:
Metro Awakening VR successfully brings the beloved franchise into the virtual reality space, offering an immersive and atmospheric experience. Its strengths lie in its storytelling, environmental design, and the tension that’s in every tunnel and station. While it faces challenges in pacing and technical performance, the overall experience remains fun to play. For fans of the series and VR enthusiasts alike, this title offers a unique journey through the shadows of Moscow’s underground and is certainly worth playing.
