For me, Metro has always held a special place in the gaming universe Metro 2033 was the benchmark game when I built my first PC all those years ago. The atmosphere, the gripping storylines, and the immersive, post apocalyptic setting of the Moscow metro always felt like a unique blend of survival horror and thought provoking storytelling. So, when Metro Awakening VR was announced, it felt like a natural step forward, something the franchise was almost destined for. It was one of the reasons I picked up a Meta Quest 3. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to walk the decrepit tunnels and eerie wastelands in a fully immersive VR experience.
SO as you can tell, I had some lofty expectations going in and well, my first impressions were a mix of awe and a bit of hesitation. While Metro Awakening VR delivers an exceptional experience in many ways, it also brought some imperfections that pulled me out of the immersion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and what ultimately makes Metro Awakening VR worth exploring, even if it does stumble a little on the way to greatness.
To me, the visuals of a Metro game are a large part of what makes it "Metro". They are what make the franchise feel so tangible, so alive or in this case, so bleakly lifeless, (in a good way). Metro Awakening VR does a fantastic job of recreating that dark, decayed aesthetic that has become synonymous with the series. The Meta Quest 3’s processing power translates this world into a VR format that’s incredibly atmospheric, with detailed textures, layered environments, and lighting that, for the most part, enhances the mood. Seeing familiar metro tunnels and abandoned ruins with a new sense of depth and scale was like stepping into a new version of an old, beloved world.
However, a few issues kept me from fully losing myself in the game. While the lighting often adds to the experience, it can be glitchy at times, with flickering effects that pop up unexpectedly, Reflective surfaces in particular flicker and almost sparkle in certain lighting conditions, NPS's are illuminated by campfire in an almost glowing outline surrounding them. The kind that most games utilise to keep players on track, like they are part of the mission and I need to interact with them. Yet they're not, and I don't.. especially in the darker areas. While not a dealbreaker, these visual abnormalities are immersion breaking and somewhat frustrating in a game that relies so heavily on atmospheric tension.
The most glaring issue, though, was the blur effect around the edges of my field of view. It’s like there’s a constant, hazy vignette that serves no purpose other than to distract. In moments where I wanted to scan my surroundings carefully, the blur felt especially jarring, as though I were looking through foggy glasses. It’s frustrating because in a game that does so many other things right visually, this small detail was enough to remind me I was in a VR game rather than in the tunnels of Moscow. I tried to capture this happening, but in my saved footage it didn't appear.
Story: Classic Metro Depth with VR Surprises
Metro Awakening VR doesn’t shy away from the narrative depth that the series is known for, and as a fan, I really appreciated that. You can feel that the developers went in wanting to craft a full fledged story, rather than just a VR shooter with a flimsy backdrop. The game touches on the same themes of survival, resilience, and moral ambiguity that the series is known for, In VR, the story somehow feels even more intense standing inches away from a scarred, battle weary survivor pleading for your help, or listening to a comrade talk about his lost family, hits differently when you’re physically present.
While the story is enjoyable, it’s familiar territory for anyone who’s played previous Metro games. There weren’t many surprises in terms of plot twists or character motivations, but in a strange way, I found that comforting. For a VR game, Metro Awakening manages to inject more narrative elements than I expected. Conversations feel impactful, and every dialogue exchange seems to add a layer of tension to your journey. And for a franchise like Metro, which thrives on emotional storytelling, it felt good to have these quieter, introspective moments in VR.
Gameplay: The Metro Experience in VR
Gameplay wise, Metro Awakening VR nails the Metro formula survival, exploration, and tension-filled combat all wrapped up in a VR package that adds interactivity in ways I didn’t anticipate. The game starts in a small, interactive room, and this first area set the tone beautifully. Almost everything can be touched or manipulated. I could pick up books, play on musical instruments, and even smash bottles. It reminded me of my first time playing in a VR sandbox, where curiosity compelled me to test the game’s limits.
In the larger game world, the interactivity remains strong, albeit slightly dialed down. You can still interact with the environment, scavenge for supplies, craft items, and tinker with weapons, which is key to capturing the survival elements Metro is known for. One of the most enjoyable parts was the feeling of physicality; gripping a rusty rifle or reloading a shotgun by manually inserting shells made the combat feel intense. There’s a level of satisfaction in doing these actions yourself that a regular controller just can’t match.
The combat itself has a raw, unforgiving edge, fitting for the Metro universe. You’ll face mutants and hostile humans alike, and every encounter feels genuinely dangerous, as it should. The stealth mechanics are also surprisingly well integrated however a little iffy, with VR controls allowing for crouching and peeking around corners, adding an element of physical strategy. It’s essentially “Metro in a nutshell” intense, gritty, and rewarding.
Comparing Metro Awakening VR to Half-Life: Alyx
I’d be remiss if I didn’t compare Metro Awakening VR to Half-Life: Alyx, a VR staple and a landmark for what VR shooters can achieve. In many ways, Metro Awakening VR feels like the first title since Alyx to come close to challenging its supremacy. The immersive environment, the high level of interactivity, and the intensity of the gameplay make it clear that this is a serious attempt to break into the top tier of VR shooters.
Yet, Alyx still edges out Metro Awakening VR in a few ways, particularly in terms of polish. Alyx had a seamless visual and gameplay experience that Metro Awakening doesn’t quite achieve. The lighting glitches and edge blur may seem minor, but these issues cumulatively hold it back from the same level of immersion. With a few more updates, I believe Metro Awakening could truly compete with Alyx, and I hope the developers continue to refine the experience.
I think Metro Awakening VR has set a high bar for VR shooters, but there’s no question that some improvements could take it to the next level. While the visuals are impressive, the technical issues with lighting and blur around the periphery can’t be ignored. Fixing these would go a long way in creating a more cohesive and immersive visual experience.
Reflecting on my experience with Metro Awakening VR, I come away impressed and hopeful for the future of VR gaming. The game has a lot of what I love about the Metro series: the intense atmosphere, the engaging gameplay, and the gritty storytelling that makes every journey through a collapsed metro station feel significant. Playing this game in VR only amplifies these experiences, making the world feel both haunting and thrilling.
In a way, Metro Awakening VR is exactly what I had hoped for, but with just enough limitations to leave me wishing for a bit more. Still, it’s an achievement for the Metro series and VR shooters overall, pushing the boundaries of immersion and gameplay in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This game brings us a step closer to realizing the full potential of VR, and for a fan like me, that’s exciting to witness.
I’d rate Metro Awakening VR a strong 8/10. It’s an experience worth diving into, with enough substance to keep you engaged and a world that, even with its imperfections, is hauntingly impressive. If you’re a Metro fan, it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.
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