In an exciting revelation at the recent State of Play showcase, a new addition to the Metro series was unveiled, and it’s not just another installment—it’s Metro Awakening, a captivating VR experience set to launch later this year.
Unlike its predecessors developed by 4A Games, Metro Awakening is the brainchild of Vertigo Games, renowned for their VR titles like Arizona Sunshine and The 7th Guest VR remake. This VR game promises a “story-driven first-person adventure exclusively for VR,” immersing players in the gritty depths of the Metro universe in an entirely new dimension.
The trailer showcases familiar elements such as subway tunnels, ominous lighting, decrepit firearms, and the signature mutant creatures with menacing claws and teeth. However, instead of following Artyom’s adventures, the protagonist this time is Dr. Serdar, a determined physician striving to reunite with his wife amidst the mutant-infested Metro tunnels beneath Moscow. The twist? This perilous journey leads him to transform into a “supernatural being,” as hinted on the game’s official website, metroawakening.com.
Throughout the Metro series, supernatural elements like ghosts and Dark Ones have played a significant role, particularly in Metro 2033. While these aspects took a back seat in the Last Light and Exodus sequels, Metro Awakening appears to embrace and amplify the supernatural essence of the series.
Dmitry Glukhovsky, the acclaimed author of the Metro series who contributed to the story and script for 2033 and Last Light, is actively involved in Metro Awakening as a “lore consultant.” Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Glukhovsky highlighted the significance of this origins story, stating, “It feels like returning to the foundations and roots of the series—now at the level that VR technology can bring.”
While VR offers an immersive experience, it also comes with limitations, both in terms of gameplay and potential audience size. Current statistics from the Steam Hardware and Software Survey reveal that less than 2% of users possess VR headsets. However, there’s good news for the majority of gamers without VR headsets, as Metro Awakening is positioned as a spinoff project. According to Plaion, the next mainline installment of the Metro series is still in development at 4A Games.
Set to be available on PC VR, Meta Quest 2 and 3, and PlayStation VR2, Metro Awakening is expected to hit the gaming scene later this year. Excitement is already building, with the game open for wishlisting on Steam for those eager to dive into the immersive world of Metro Awakening.
