PS5 Metro Awakening Review

Metro Awakening marks a significant milestone as the first virtual reality entry in the acclaimed Metro series. This Metro VR game transforms the haunting post-apocalyptic Moscow underground into an immersive virtual experience. Players step directly into the boots of a survivor, facing the challenges and horrors of this underground world with unprecedented realism.

The game delivers a comprehensive virtual reality experience through several key elements. Players will discover detailed weapon handling mechanics, atmospheric environmental design, and engaging survival elements throughout their journey. This review examines the technical performance, story development, and authentic recreation of the Metro universe that defines this virtual reality adaptation.



Stepping into the tunnels of Metro Awakening delivers an intensely physical VR experience that transforms traditional Metro gameplay mechanics into tangible, hands-on interactions. The game's commitment to immersion is evident in every aspect of its design, from intricate weapon handling to survival-focused gameplay elements.

Realistic Weapon Handling

The weapon handling system stands as a testament to VR's potential for realistic combat simulation. Each firearm requires manual manipulation – from ejecting spent magazines to chambering rounds. The arsenal includes:

• Standard pistol for close encounters
• Tactical machine gun for intense firefights
• Precision crossbow for silent takedowns
• Scavenged weapons from fallen enemies

While the reloading process can be challenging during heated battles, it adds a layer of tension that perfectly matches the game's survival horror atmosphere. The ability to inspect ammunition by physically checking magazines or pulling back the chamber creates a level of involvement previously unseen in the Metro series.

Environmental Interactions

The game excels in creating a tactile connection with its post-apocalyptic environment. The hand-crank generator becomes your lifeline, powering everything from your headlamp to sealed doors throughout the Moscow metro system. Perhaps the most immersive feature is the gas mask system, where physical actions like wiping condensation from your visor or changing filters create genuine moments of tension.

Environmental hazards require quick thinking and precise movements. When toxic areas appear, you'll need to physically reach for your backpack, grab your mask, and secure it properly – all while potentially under threat. The haptic feedback through the controllers adds another dimension to these interactions, especially during spine-chilling moments like spiders crawling across your virtual body.

Survival Mechanics

Survival in Metro Awakening demands careful resource management and tactical decision-making. Here are the essential survival strategies:

1. Conserve ammunition through strategic stealth approaches
2. Monitor gas mask filter duration in contaminated zones
3. Utilize darkness and sound distraction for enemy avoidance
4. Scavenge fallen enemies for crucial supplies

The game's AI system presents a formidable challenge, with enemies that coordinate attacks and respond intelligently to your presence. They'll notice your flashlight if left on and maintain awareness once they've spotted you, forcing you to either engage in combat or face certain death. This intelligent enemy behavior, combined with limited resources, creates a constant tension that defines the Metro experience in VR.

The stealth mechanics prove particularly effective, allowing for satisfying takedowns when approaching unsuspecting enemies from behind. However, the absence of dedicated melee weapons means ammunition management becomes crucial, as running out of ammo during confrontations can leave you particularly vulnerable.



The dark tunnels of post-apocalyptic Moscow spring to life with unprecedented realism in Metro Awakening, creating an atmosphere that's both haunting and mesmerizing. The game's ability to transport players into this bleak world showcases the true potential of virtual reality storytelling.

Visual Design

The visual presentation excels through its masterful use of light and shadow, creating visceral tension that grips players from the first moment. The attention to detail is particularly evident in:

• Realistic light casting from slavers' headlamps
• Dynamic shadows that create genuine psychological tension
• Detailed environmental degradation and decay
• Authentic post-apocalyptic architectural design
• Atmospheric particle effects in contaminated zones

While some minor visual inconsistencies exist, such as floating whiskers on mutant creatures or occasional ragdoll physics quirks, these hardly detract from the overall visual impact. The PSVR 2 version offers enhanced features including detailed textures, global lighting with real-time shadows, and superior atmospheric effects, while the Quest 3 version impresses with its clarity and sharp image quality.

Sound Design

The audio landscape in Metro Awakening stands as one of its most compelling features. The eerily realistic 3D audio system creates a heightened awareness of threats, transforming every creak and distant footstep into a potential danger. The sound design team has crafted an intricate audio experience where the whirring of ancient machinery and the echoes of creature movements become vital survival tools.

Voice acting deserves special mention, delivering performances that resonate with genuine emotion. The protagonist's anguished reactions to discovering deceased friends and the raw fury directed at slavers add layers of authenticity to the narrative. These vocal performances, combined with the environmental audio, create one of the most atmospheric experiences available in VR gaming.

Metro Series Authenticity

Working closely with 4A Games, the developers have maintained impressive fidelity to the Metro universe. The game successfully recreates the oppressively dark and dank underground network that fans of the series will instantly recognize. Authentic Metro assets have been carefully integrated, either directly used or serving as reference points for newly created elements, ensuring visual consistency with the mainline series.

The confined tunnel system creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the Metro series. While you never leave the underground network, each area tells its own story of survival and desperation. The supernatural elements introduce an additional layer of psychological horror, though some may find the repeated encounters in certain areas somewhat limiting to the overall experience.

The dedication to authenticity extends to the environmental storytelling, where every abandoned station and collapsed tunnel speaks to the devastating history of this post-apocalyptic world. This attention to detail makes Metro Awakening feel like a natural extension of the franchise rather than a mere VR adaptation.



Deep beneath Moscow's irradiated ruins, Metro Awakening weaves a compelling narrative that serves as the origin story for one of the series' most enigmatic characters. Set in 2028, this VR journey crafts an intimate tale of loss, transformation, and supernatural awakening.

Narrative Overview

The story follows Dr. Serdar, a physician residing in Akademecheskaya station with his wife Yana. When Yana begins hearing mysterious voices calling to her from the depths of the Metro's dark tunnels, she disappears in search of their source. This personal tragedy sets the stage for a journey that transcends mere survival, touching on themes of:

• Psychological trauma and grief
• The thin line between reality and supernatural
• The Metro's mystical nature as a living entity
• Human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds

Character Progression

The heart of Metro Awakening lies in Serdar's transformation into the mystic known as Khan. Written by Metro creator Dmitry Glukhovsky, the narrative expertly chronicles this evolution through masterful voice acting that captures every nuance of emotional turmoil. As Serdar ventures deeper into the Metro's darkness, his understanding of reality begins to shift, forcing him to confront truths beyond conventional comprehension.

The character development is particularly enhanced by the VR format, as players physically experience Serdar's journey firsthand. His desperate search for his wife becomes increasingly intertwined with supernatural elements, challenging both his scientific background and rational worldview. The phenomenal voice acting brings authentic emotion to every scene, from moments of quiet desperation to explosive outbursts of protective fury.

Plot Twists and Revelations

Metro Awakening's narrative excels in its careful balance of personal drama and supernatural mystery. The game introduces the enigmatic Children of the Great Worm sect, adding layers of complexity to the Metro's already rich lore. As Serdar delves deeper into the tunnels, the line between physical and spiritual realms begins to blur, leading to revelations that fundamentally alter his perception of the Metro itself.

The story's pacing creates a perfect rhythm of tension and release, with each plot development serving to deepen the mystery rather than simply shock. Players witness Serdar's gradual acceptance of the Metro as more than just a network of tunnels – it becomes a living, breathing entity with its own consciousness and will. This spiritual awakening forms the core of his transformation into Khan, the mystical figure that Metro fans have known and respected throughout the series.

The narrative particularly shines in its exploration of mental health and trauma, treating these themes with remarkable sensitivity while maintaining the series' signature atmospheric tension. Each revelation feels earned, contributing to a story that's both personally intimate and cosmically significant within the broader Metro universe.



Technical excellence meets practical challenges in Metro Awakening's virtual reality implementation, showcasing both the potential and current limitations of VR gaming technology. The game's performance varies significantly across platforms, presenting unique advantages and compromises for each system.

Graphics and Visuals

The visual presentation demonstrates notable differences between platforms, particularly between PSVR2 and Quest 3 versions. The PlayStation VR2 version leverages its superior hardware to deliver enhanced lighting effects, with materials realistically reflecting light rather than simply being illuminated. Environmental lighting appears richer, particularly evident when weapon fire dynamically illuminates nearby objects.

The Quest 3 version, powered by its 15-watt XR2 Gen 2 mobile chipset, performs admirably against its more powerful console counterpart. While geometry and textures remain largely consistent across platforms, the primary distinctions lie in:

VR Comfort and Accessibility

Metro Awakening offers comprehensive comfort options to accommodate various player preferences and VR sensitivities. The game provides two primary preset configurations:

1. Comfort Mode
   • Teleportation movement
   • Snap turning
   • Reduced motion effects
   • Optional vignetting
2. Immersion Mode
   • Continuous stick movement
   • Customizable rotation options
   • Full motion effects
   • Enhanced physical interactions

The game supports both seated and standing play styles, with customizable options for motion sensitivity. While the immersion preset pushes VR boundaries with features like physical knockdowns and rail car ejections, these elements can be adjusted to prevent motion discomfort.

Bugs and Glitches

Despite its ambitious design, Metro Awakening faces several technical challenges that impact the gaming experience. Motion control inconsistencies particularly affect crucial gameplay elements like weapon handling and inventory management. The most significant issues include:

• Gesture detection problems during combat scenarios
• Inventory interaction difficulties under pressure
• Occasional crashes to console home screen
• Checkpoint loading complications after system pauses
• Persistent UI elements blocking gameplay progression

The physical interaction system, while innovative, can become problematic during intense encounters. The backpack-based inventory management, though immersive, occasionally struggles with precision when quick access is crucial. These issues become particularly apparent during combat situations where rapid weapon switching or medical item usage is necessary.

The game's technical foundation shows promise, especially in its implementation of practical physicality and environmental interaction. However, the combination of gesture control inconsistencies and various bugs can significantly impact critical gameplay moments. The development team's attempt to balance immersive physical interactions with reliable functionality presents an ongoing challenge, particularly evident in high-stress scenarios where precise control is essential.

The performance issues vary in severity, from minor visual glitches to potentially game-breaking bugs affecting core progression. While some players might encounter minimal disruption, others may face more significant obstacles, particularly in scenarios requiring specific item interactions or precise timing. The technical aspects of Metro Awakening reflect both the current state of VR gaming technology and the ambitious scope of translating the Metro series' complex mechanics into virtual reality.



Metro Awakening stands as a remarkable achievement in virtual reality gaming, successfully capturing the essence of the Metro series while pushing VR storytelling boundaries. Physical interactions with weapons and survival gear create genuine tension, while masterful sound design and atmospheric visuals transport players deep into Moscow's haunting underground. Dr. Serdar's transformation into Khan unfolds through powerful storytelling that makes full use of VR's unique capabilities to deliver emotional impact.

Technical challenges and platform differences aside, Metro Awakening proves that beloved gaming franchises can find new life in virtual reality without sacrificing their core identity. Players will discover fresh perspectives on familiar gameplay mechanics through direct physical involvement, though occasional control issues remind us that VR gaming technology continues to evolve. This bold step into virtual reality enriches the Metro universe, offering both series veterans and newcomers an unforgettable journey through post-apocalyptic Moscow's darkest tunnels.