Hello everyone, this is Samar Louwe, game director at Vertigo Games. Last week at State of Play, we were ecstatic to finally announce it Subway awakening will be released on PS VR2 on November 7. Today we’re excited to share another look at the game in a fresh PS VR2 extended gameplay video.
We’ve created a journey that interweaves a gripping story with deeply immersive gameplay. In Metro Awakening, you will face the mysteries and dangers of a post-apocalyptic world where survival and exploration are more vital than ever. As you explore familiar and fresh locations, each rife with supernatural threats, you’ll discover the origin story of Khan, one of the most enigmatic characters in the Metro series.
Become what you fear…
At the heart of Metro Awakening lies the tense story of Serdar – a doctor searching for his missing wife. During his journey, Serdar undergoes a profound transformation that leads him to awaken as Khan, a mystical figure who plays a recurring role throughout the Metro series. Known for his deep connection to the supernatural, Khan appears at critical moments, offering guidance to Metro hero Artyom and those who dare to overcome the dangers that lurk in the tunnels.
Created by series creator Dmitry Glukhovsky, this standalone narrative explores the events that made Khan who he is, immersing players for the first time in the philosophical struggles that chart his path. As a prequel to Metro 2033, it also serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the series, while giving longtime fans a story that complements the luxurious lore they’ve come to love.
Classic subway mechanics
In Metro Awakening, we translated iconic elements of the series into VR. You’ll apply classic mechanics including a wristwatch, gas mask, flashlight, universal charger and lighter – each playing a key role in stealth and survival.
The watch not only shows whether you are in the featherlight or in the shadowy, but also counts down the time until you need to replace your gas mask filter. The mask in particular requires constant attention; fogged lenses require physical wiping during arduous times, and the watch’s clock beeps and warns before the filter becomes clogged with radioactive dust, increasing mounting pressure.
Charging your flashlight is also vital to survival. As darkness engulfs you, you’ll have to wind it up by hand using the universal charger, increasing the stakes as it draws you deeper into each action.
A lighter is extremely useful for burning away cobwebs and illuminating tight spaces when a flashlight is no longer enough to keep the darkness at bay.
These mechanics create a wonderful, immersive experience on PS VR2, making every interaction feel immediate and lively, and drawing you even deeper into the atmosphere of the Metro universe.
Improved subway awakening with PS VR2
Immersion is the essence of both the VR and Metro series, and PS VR2 elevates the experience.
As the story progresses, you’ll delve deeper into the mysterious, supernatural aspects of Metro. VR allows us to enhance these moments by surrounding players with an incredible atmosphere and using surround sound to draw you into the unknown.
Every shot fired is intentional. With adaptive triggers you will add weight and precision to your actions. Combat isn’t just about pulling the trigger; it’s about survival. Subtle trigger resistance increases tension, making every shot count when resources are circumscribed.
Headset feedback brings a fresh level of physicality to gameplay, immersing you in your surroundings. You will feel the impact of debris from an explosion or being hit by an enemy attack, which will enhance your experience.
Metro Awakening is based on contrasts – featherlight and darkness, hope and despair. The PS VR2’s 4K HDR display brings it to life, especially in haunted locations. Dynamic lighting improves the atmosphere. Using a headlamp to navigate shadowy tunnels or strategically shooting your lights to sneak past mutants adds a tactical layer to the gameplay. While visibility is key, mastering shadows can give you a strategic advantage in combat.
We designed every interaction in Metro Awakening to feel natural and grounded. From wiping a gas mask to managing a backpack, every action in VR is a manual one. Since you can’t rely on the on-screen interface, you have to adapt and survive just like in real life.
We can’t wait for you to enter Metro Awakening on PS VR2 on November 7, or pre-order the Deluxe Edition to start your journey on November 5.
