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Review: Metro Awakening VR

8/10

Summary

Metro Awakening VR on the Meta Quest 3 provides a powerful, atmospheric trip that brings the Metro series into VR with amazing success. Its gritty settings, improvised homemade weapons, and high-stakes survival gameplay make for a very enjoyable experience overall. I was completely enthralled and swept up with the story in the first half of the game, but the pace problems and repetitious sequences in the later half prevented it from being a masterwork.

Fans of the Metro series should definitely check out this must-play experience since it vividly brings a beloved universe to life in whole fresh manner. It’s a great introduction for newcomers like me, even if it stumbles somewhat toward the finish. Metro Awakening is a deserving addition to the Meta Quest 3 collection overall since it presents a strong and unforgettable VR adventure.

Developer: Vertigo Games

Publisher: Vertigo Games

Platform Reviewed: Meta Quest 3

Review Copy Provided by Developer

Having never played the earlier Metro games or read the books they are based on; I entered Metro Awakening VR on the Meta Quest 3 with fresh eyes. But the atmosphere and narrative of the game drew me in quickly, giving me a strong taste of the violent, post-apocalyptic world fans have come to know. I have it on good authority that though it’s not as wide-ranging as Metro Exodus, Metro Awakening captures the core of the Metro universe in VR, providing a raw and immersive experience that seems like a natural fit for the headset. Let’s get into it!

A Tense and Effective Introduction

The way the game opens is a masterclass in establishing stakes. You meet a small, close-knit group of survivors living in the tunnels under Moscow, a peaceful moment quickly dashed by a catastrophic event. Being thrown into a struggle for survival drives this gut-punch moment that sets the tone for the rest of the game and heightens the suspense. The early moments do a great job of making you care about the people around you, which makes the ensuing chaos hit even harder.

Scrappy Combat and Satisfying Weapons

Metro Awakening excels mostly in its weapon design and shooting technique. Starting with a basic pistol and AK-47, you are exposed to more unusual weapons as the game goes on including a makeshift crossbow and a tough handgun-style shotgun. Handling these weapons in virtual reality is amazing—you can see and feel every bit of the weapon as you reload, aim, and fire. For example, the crossbow calls for you to manually load each metal bolt into a handgun-style cylinder, providing a degree of deep immersion only found in VR. Retrieving bolts from defeated foes and reloading them mid-combat is a whole lotta fun to boot!

Another excellent weapon is the shotgun, which has an exposed revolving cylinder instead of a standard pump-action model. The raw, makeshift aesthetic of the visible mechanics fits the cobbled-together Metro series vibe exactly. In the dark, claustrophobic tunnels of the game, this explosive, booming weapon seems like a natural fit. Also doesn’t hurt that is absolutely kicks ass too.

Regretfully, not every weapon lives up. The blowdart gun, while an interesting concept that has you physically blowing into the headset’s mic to fire, feels out of place and less impactful compared to the other firearms. In an otherwise outstanding array of improvised weapons, this is a rare mistake.

Scavenging and Stealth: Essential Survival Tools

The gameplay loop mostly centers on scavenging for supplies, which thanks to the rich environments feels fulfilling. Especially in times of limited resources, peeking around corners and sifting through trash for ammo and health vials adds a layer of challenge. The game promotes cautious exploration, and discovering a cache of ammo just when you run out makes you feel like it’s Christmas.

Though it’s not always fulfilling, stealth is a reasonable strategy all through the game. It seems strange to knock out enemies with a punch; often the enemy just stumbles instead of going down gently. When stealth does work, though, it’s thrilling to covertly crossbow kill enemies and recover your bolts without setting off a warning.

Atmosphere and Immersion: A Claustrophobic Nightmare

Metro Awakening shines in generating a tight, repressive vibe. Excellent sound design and ambient noise in the Moscow metro system’s dark, twisting tunnels keeps you on edge. Every squeak and distant growl make you feel as though something might be hiding around the bend.

In VR, the claustrophobic settings of the game enhance the sensation of being caught under ground with few means of escape. VR was designed for this kind of environment, which makes you feel as though you are actually negotiating a hostile, crumbling world in which danger could originate from anywhere.

Story and Pacing: A Strong Start with a Weaker Finish

Written by creator of the original series, Dmitry Glukhovsky, the story opens strong. An interesting viewpoint is offered by Serdar, a modest doctor caught in the supernatural aspects of the Metro universe. There are plenty of turns in the first half of the game that kept me engaged.

But Metro Awakening’s later half really starts to drag. It feels padded because of repetitious gameplay sequences and a lack of variety in objectives; the narrative loses some of its momentum. I was more eager to finish quickly than to savor the experience by the time I arrived at the last chapters. The ending is worth it though, so I’m glad I powered through.

VR Design and Comfort

The inventory system of the game is well designed and employs simple gestures that help you to naturally manage your gear. Smart design decisions that reduce the cognitive load during close quarters fighting include reaching over your shoulder to grab your weapon or dragging ammo from your chest slot. But the total absence of a visible player body can make it difficult to recall exactly where some inventory slots are found, which may result in some fumbling during fights. Nothing wrong with a shot of sheer panic as you scramble to survive!

Metro Awakening provides a spectrum of movement choices, comfort-wise including teleportation and smooth locomotion. Although I thought the game moved smoothly, I’m fairly experienced in VR and don’t often suffer motion sickness. Players sensitive to motion sickness may find the claustrophobic surroundings and frequent stair-climbing sections difficult. But there are plenty of comfort options to play around with in the settings so find what works for you.

Final Verdict

Metro Awakening VR on the Meta Quest 3 provides a powerful, atmospheric trip that brings the Metro series into VR with amazing success. Its gritty settings, improvised homemade weapons, and high-stakes survival gameplay make for a very enjoyable experience overall. I was completely enthralled and swept up with the story in the first half of the game, but the pace problems and repetitious sequences in the later half prevented it from being a masterwork.

Fans of the Metro series should definitely check out this must-play experience since it vividly brings a beloved universe to life in whole fresh manner. It’s a great introduction for newcomers like me, even if it stumbles somewhat toward the finish. Metro Awakening is a deserving addition to the Meta Quest 3 collection overall since it presents a strong and unforgettable VR adventure.

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