Experience Glukhovsky’s Metro universe like never before.

Grab your gas mask & guns, and get set for an incredible and terrifying adventure.

Metro Awakening, created by Vertigo Games (The 7th Guest, Arizona Sunshine Remake), is set to release Nov. 7 for the PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2), Quest, and PCVR headsets. However, those who purchased the deluxe edition can access the game now to play early.

Awakening is the latest entry in the survival horror series based on the works of Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, which examines the fight for survival after nuclear war forces the remaining population to take refuge in the only safe place – the metro system (subway tunnels).

For those who have played the original flat screen games (Metro 2033, Metro Last Light and Metro Exodus), this virtual reality (VR) game does not continue Artyom’s story, nor does it change anything you already know. Instead, Awakening is set as a prequel in the series with a brand new story written by Glukhovsky himself.

When the team at Vertigo Games started work on this VR masterpiece, they reached out to Glukhovsky who jumped on board to develop this original story, while consulting with the script and series lore.

Players jumping into the headset are taken to 2028 and dropped into the boots of Serdar, a doctor trying to find his wife and the medication she needs to survive.

Just like the original Metro games, you are tasked with surviving the unforgiving surroundings which include bandits, mutants and more. Supplies are scarce here, so planning ahead or taking the stealth approach is ideal for conserving your ammo for when it’s needed – and when you’re facing disgusting mutants, you’ll realize how needed it is.

Taking the stealth approach in a VR game like this is wildly satisfying. Want to crack someone over the head with a bottle, or pistol whip them into submission? Go for it. In fact, these portions of gameplay where you really got a chance to explore your options for taking down enemies, were probably some of the best in a game that is full of heart-pounding moments.

If you do decide you want to go full on Rambo and mow down everyone in front of you, you’re treated to an arsenal of weapons like shotguns, SMGs and more.

Handling guns feels great and the adaptive triggers makes it even more immersive. Your first experience shooting in the game comes very early as you’ll use a mounted turret to take down giant mutant rat things. Using this like all guns in the game is fun, but you really get a sense of how immersive the game can be when the first weapon you use is one of this caliber.

The rest of the gameplay is really intuitive and shows how well of a job the team did thinking of how to best keep the game immersive while avoiding button presses for action items. For instance, you can grab a backpack over your left shoulder by using your left hand, but using your right hand over that same shoulder will get you a grenade. Right hand will get your gun over your right shoulder, but using the opposite hand over your right shoulder will get your weapons backpack.

Ammo clips are available by grabbing them from your chest and you can turn on the flashlight by clicking a button while your hand is over your head.

Immersion aside, let’s talk about how good Glukhovsky’s Metro universe looks.

If you ever got scared while playing the original flat games, then playing this in VR is bound to test your mettle. Everything looks beautiful in headset, with Vertigo Games doing a remarkable job of bringing this world to life. While some textures like walls do appear rather flat at some points, the majority of the world around you is crisp and as realistic as they could make it. Walking around a train car, for example, shines with detail as you try and sneak your way through a particularly tricky area of enemies.

You can almost forget that the world around you isn’t real as you make your way through ominously lit areas at one moment, before coming upon a space which is filled with people, creatures, or items that look beautifully detailed and at some times, very realistic.

Overall, Metro Awakening is not only a great entry in the series, which works to expand the overall lore, but it is a truly captivating VR game that is a strong contender for game of the year.

This is not just a game which takes you on a brief journey through the world you already know, this is a full fledged story with a robust campaign that gives you options to play and come back for more.

Playing Metro Awakening may not be for everyone, but for those who do choose to journey into the unknown, you’ll have a blast in this very welcome VR experience.

Metro Awakening, was reviewed on the PSVR2 after receiving a pre-release key.