In the ravaged, radiation-scarred ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, Metro Awakening from Vertigo Video games plunges players into a treacherous, every-step-could-be-your-last odyssey – but is this perilous passage a journey worth undertaking? Take a look at our comprehensive evaluation.
At the heart of Metro Awakening lies a gripping first-person shooter that is propelled by a rich narrative tackling challenging subjects like grief and mental wellness. Established in 2028, the innovative sport revolves around the remarkable journey of Dr. As Sedar ventures into the labyrinthine depths of the Moscow Metro, beset by the eerie darkness and malevolent forces lurking within its shadows, his desperate search for his missing spouse becomes an all-consuming quest. As players embark on their perilous journey through the eerie confines of the Metro universe, they’re immersed in an emotionally resonant narrative and augmented by outstanding voice acting, which forges a profound bond between the protagonists and the gamer.
Embark on a mystical, story-focused virtual reality adventure immersed in the eerie world of Metro.
Steam, PS VR2, Quest, Viveport (reviewed on Oculus Quest 3)
: 11/7/2024
: Vertigo Video games
$39.99
The metropolitan area pulses with vibrant energy, a symphony of sights and sounds that never cease to mesmerize. Amidst the throngs of people rushing to and fro, the hum of the subway system provides a constant heartbeat.
As dawn breaks on the desolate metropolis, Metro Awakening’s vivid palette bursts forth in a mesmerizing display of warmth and darkness, generating an unrelenting tension that hooks players instantly. As I venture through the metro’s dimly lit tunnels, I’m often struck with fear as the distant flash of a slaver’s headlamp or the unnerving glow of a Nosalis’ eyes freezes me in worry.
Navigating the intricate network of vents and tunnels in this demanding sport can be a daunting experience, particularly for those who are uncomfortable with confined spaces. As you scan the surroundings, every fleeting shadow seems to heighten a nagging concern about being taken by surprise. Participating in Metro made me appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, like the gentle act of wiping dust from a gas mask, which added a touch of realism to the gaming experience. Notwithstanding some noticeable imperfections in object and character designs, for instance, the absence of precise details such as whiskers hovering above an enemy creature’s face or the awkward, lifeless twitching of a defeated enemy’s corpse.
These minor imperfections are readily overlooked in the wake of the game’s meticulous attention to spatial audio detail. The audio design in Metro Awakening is indeed noteworthy, with sound and voice performances that significantly enhance the game’s immersive experience. Immersive 3D audio effects eerily conjured the presence of enemies and environmental dangers, seamlessly integrating psychological terror to craft an unparalleled atmosphere that elevated my experience in a VR game like never before. The vocalist brings a convincing authenticity to their performance, evoking profound emotional resonance that effortlessly draws the listener in; this is particularly evident when capturing the anguish of the protagonist as they mourn the loss of fallen comrades, or the seething fury directed at the slavers who’ve taken his wife. As the scene unfolded with a pivotal character at risk of harm, my emotional investment reached a fever pitch, prompting me to shout at the top of my lungs for the narrative to spare their fate.
Gameplay Expertise
The immersive atmosphere and gripping narrative that Metro so masterfully weaves together prove utterly captivating. As I embarked on a 12-hour and 28-minute odyssey through the labyrinthine tunnels, I faced an array of obstacles that tested my mettle, ranging from the imperative need for stealthy navigation to intense face-offs that demanded shrewd management of resources and strategic decision-making. Occasionally, after I’ve wanted to conserve ammunition, I’ve been more frugal with my shots – especially when encountering those eight-legged creatures that infest the tunnels beyond.
If you prioritize maintaining your mental well-being, prepare extra resources and manage your energy levels accordingly since you’ll be moving quickly? For those who harbour a profound fear of spiders, the thought of participating in arachnid-inspired sports might seem like a daunting task. While playing Vertigo, users are cautioned upfront about the potential trigger for vertigo-phobes: certain levels may prove extremely challenging to complete, prompting gamers with this phobia to exercise caution from the outset.
The battle against formidable foes provides a deeply satisfying experience, as the intelligent enemy AI consistently presents a formidable challenge. Stealthy tactics are often the most sought-after approach in various scenarios, yet the sport still accommodates a more aggressive strategy for those who prefer it. If you’re drawn to the fast-paced, action-packed style of play reminiscent of Leroy Jenkins’ approach, remember to conserve your firepower, as an excessive emphasis on running and gunning can leave you vulnerable to supply shortages. During stealth missions, it’s crucial to avoid triggering enemy alerts through subtle mistakes, such as heavy footsteps or neglecting to toggle your headlamp, which can quickly give away your position?
As players progress through the game, the diverse array of weapon choices evolves, culminating in strikingly realistic designs towards the end, with later weapons featuring authentic, makeshift appearances as if scavenged from post-apocalyptic wreckage or assembled from salvaged parts. Reloading can become an utterly frustrating experience, especially when you’re stuck in an endless loop of failed attempts. During intense combat situations, I’ve frequently found myself scrambling to replenish my ammunition supply, only to inadvertently retrieve my backpack or medical kit instead of the crucial additional clips.
As you delve deeper into the game, the initially varied sports environments become increasingly repetitive in their design. Players frequently encounter identical rooms and reused practice vehicles throughout their journey, leading to a sense of repetition as they backtrack repeatedly to previously visited Metro stations. Occasional issues arose when interacting with in-game objects akin to drawers, where a few were inaccessible or stuck, momentarily disrupting immersion as my character’s hand sometimes seemed to pass through other objects. As the camera moves, I’d like to see Vertigo add more depth and tangibility to its world and objects, making the transition to a new scene particularly jolting when my head brushes against a wall, causing the entire scene to blur into a uniform, featureless color. Ensuring that all partitions are robust would render this distinction redundant, significantly amplifying the sense of immersion.
While innovative gameplay mechanics like the hand-crank charger brought depth to the experience, they quickly became cumbersome to utilize as the game unfolded.
Metro Awakening – Ultimate Verdict
With Metro Awakening, Vertigo Games has once again crafted a captivating and immersive virtual reality gaming experience. This cinematic masterpiece stands as a testament to the studio’s well-established reputation for crafting immersive adventures that transport viewers into richly detailed worlds, where narrative depth is paramount. While it may exhibit occasional redundancy and minor visual imperfections, Vertigo excels at crafting an intensely engaging virtual reality experience that thoughtfully explores sensitive subjects, ultimately offering a lingering impact on players long after the credits roll.
In Metro Awakening, players are immersed in a foreboding and sinister digital realm, expertly crafted into a narrative-driven VR adventure game. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this title to anyone seeking a gripping dystopian narrative, despite some minor flaws and occasional redundancy. Those harmless species of arachnids you fled from in terror?