It appears that the rumors were true, a new Metro game is coming. But unlike what everyone was expecting, the next entry in the Metro series isn’t a sequel. Instead, Metro Awakening, as revealed at Sony’s first State of Play this year, is a prequel. More importantly, it’s taking the franchise into new territory with a focus on virtual reality.
Developed by Vertigo Games (not 4A Games), this prequel to the acclaimed series promises to deliver an immersive VR adventure, combining atmospheric exploration, stealth, and combat in a story-driven first-person experience.
Set before the events of the first game in the series, Metro 2033, Metro Awakening introduces players to a brand new protagonist, Serdar, a doctor on a mission to navigate the treacherous Moscow metro. Tasked with finding medicine for his wife in a post-apocalyptic world, players will experience Serdar’s harrowing journey through a dangerous landscape, including crippling radiation and deadly threats. The game promises to challenge players’ courage and sanity as they walk the line between life and death, exploring the spirit and material world.
Vertigo Games, known for their work on VR titles like Arizona Sunshine and The 7th Guest, have focused on creating a deeply atmospheric and story-driven adventure. The narrative, set in 2028, is penned by the franchise’s creator, Dmitry Glukhovsky, adding authenticity and depth to the experience. This origins story, as Glukhovsky describes, is an essential return to the series’ roots, now enhanced by the capabilities of VR technology.
Metro Awakening will be available across various VR platforms aside from the PlayStation VR2, including Meta Quest 2 and 3, and SteamVR, set for release later this year. The game aims to uphold the franchise’s legacy of narrative richness and immersive gameplay, with the added dimension of VR bringing a new level of engagement and intensity.
While Metro Awakening is a standalone VR project by Vertigo Games, fans of the series can also look forward to the continued development of the next mainline Metro game by 4A Games. This ensures that the series remains accessible to a broad audience, including those who may not have VR equipment.
Nevertheless, Metro Awakening stands out for its unique VR approach, potentially offering an experience comparable to critically acclaimed titles like Half-Life: Alyx.
This new chapter in the Metro series promises to blend the familiar elements of survival and stealth with the immersive capabilities of VR, creating an experience that could captivate both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.
