I got to thinking about that world that I left and how I thought I knew as it seemed so familiar, but a place where being quiet meant being able to get to the road ahead of survival. As much as I wanted to continue, it seems the tunnel appears just when I need it most. Stepping into the tunnel at the right moment is crucial, but it’s when I step out that the real surprises begin. Not knowing where or when I’ll end up, who or what I’ll become, or the challenges that lie ahead, I know I must fulfill my role as The Time Tunnel Gamer. This time is no different.
As I stepped out, my eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. I heard knocking and someone calling me Serdar. Russian? Am I in Russia? Taking in my surroundings, I noticed a light, a chessboard, and a fan on a desk. The bookshelves were worn, and one book, “The Report,” looked especially battered. Opening the door, I was told someone was waiting. The deep Russian accent of the speaker caught my attention. Walking through, I saw people using train cars as sleeping quarters. What happened to this place and these people?
As we continued, people greeted me, calling me “doctor.” Unsure of the situation and hoping no one needed surgery, I smiled and moved on. I eventually arrived at a place with a fire burning, and someone with a gun asked me to grab a bottle. Thirsty, I complied. The first bottle was empty, but the glistening lights inside created a beautiful effect. Grabbing another bottle, I heard, “Let’s have a drink,” and eagerly drank my fill, though I quickly realized this wasn’t water and should slow down.
Becoming someone else is a strange experience, especially when a stranger who has had a few drinks tells me, “I’m not a bad guy, but I keep to myself.” From what I’ve gathered, Serdar likes to read. As a doctor, I hope he reads everything he can about this dampened place. And don’t tell me to lighten up—have you seen this place and what it’s become?
Then the noises started, making us more alert. Suddenly, they showed up. The alarm had to be sounded, and we had to defend our ground. Gripping my gun, I had no issues shooting at the oncoming threats. It felt like a never-ending ambush, but we did what we could. That’s when I was told to set off the explosives on the south side. Without hesitation, I did as instructed.
After that blast, I felt an unexpected connection with Serdar, a sense of déjà vu. I knew I had to get home to my wife, Yana. Taking the cart back gave me time to reflect. Being more connected to Serdar, I realized we were in Moscow and that it had been five years since the nuclear war devastated the capital in 2018. Only a few thousand found refuge in the Moscow Metro, now an atomic bomb shelter.
We had to stay in the tunnels because the radiation above was lethal. We built a new civilization from the ashes, plagued by infighting and mutants. Hopes and dreams seemed scarce for those who remained.
By 2028, over a decade later, we were still striving to survive. As my stop came, I got off to find Yana, only to be told by Tasia that our leader wanted to see me at the mushroom farm. I couldn’t help but marvel at how resourceful we had become. Our community was strong, each person playing their part. We had built defenses against the mutants and found ways to sustain ourselves.
Even underground, we managed to have light, artificial as it was. It allowed us to see and stay alert. The survivors’ conversations reminded me of their enduring will to live. We had repurposed train cars into living quarters and seats, a remarkable feat.
When I reached Max, he told me Yana had destroyed the mushroom farm, driven by hearing our dead son’s voice. Finally finding Yana, she confessed to stopping her medication because she heard Petya. I needed to get her medication before things spiraled further out of control.
As I embarked on my journey, I was armed with essential tools. My trusty headlight, which I could wind up with my device when it dimmed, not only illuminated my path but also unlocked certain doors. My backpack was my lifeline, holding gas mask filters, explosives, weapons, and my lighter. To deal with injuries, I had a vial that I could use, guided by the health meter on my left wrist.
Navigating the Metro tunnels was no easy feat. Besides the hostile humans aiming to gun me down, conserving ammo was a constant concern. My guns were my defense, but ammunition was scarce, making every shot count. If my main gun ran out, my handgun was a backup, but even that had its limits. Stealth was crucial; sneaking up on enemies and taking them out silently to steal their ammo was often necessary. However, I had to be cautious; leaving bodies behind could lead to unwanted attention.
Finding ammo is one thing, but keeping track of it when chaos erupts is a different challenge altogether. Navigating through these tunnels, littered with mutants and the remains of the fallen, is not for the faint of heart. The uncertainty of who or what could be next weighed heavily on my mind. The questions were simple: How do I get out of this, and what or who caused all this chaos?
In my search for supplies, I scoured every corner, hoping for something useful. The distant cries echoed—whether pleas for help or a predator’s dinner bell. I stumbled upon a tin box in one of the cars, only to find four bullets inside. Had someone been here before me? Not sticking around to find out, I took the bullets, realizing my gun’s magazines were depleted. I had to remind myself to put on my gas mask when near the green-glowing mushrooms—their radiation was lethal. My watch kept track of the filter’s lifespan, so I had to be mindful of their use.
As I frantically brushed the spider off me, there it was—the escape I had been desperately hoping for. The tunnel appeared, and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I ran towards it, glancing back as the tunnel began to close, bidding a hasty goodbye to Moscow.
Reflecting on my experience, I realized the profound pain of losing someone you love, especially family. My heart ached for Yana and Serdar, and I sincerely hoped they could find the closure they so deserve. Though I have no control over where I might end up next, a part of me feels that my journey with this world isn’t over yet. Our paths may cross again in the future.
I’ve learned that war is a perilous journey. Each side believes they’re fighting for a greater good, often overlooking the countless lives lost in the process. The true cost of war isn’t measured in victories or defeats, but in the lives forever changed and the futures lost.
In the aftermath, I’ve come to realize that real progress isn’t born from conflict, but from the moments of peace, understanding, and compassion that follow. We must remember that the most enduring victories come from our ability to empathize, to seek common ground, and to honor the sanctity of every life.
In striving for a better world, let’s champion dialogue over division and healing over harm. Let’s listen to the wisdom within our hearts, guiding us towards a future where we value each other and work together for the greater good.
- Metro Awakening is out now in the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition for Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S, & Pro on the Meta Store, PlayStation VR2 on the PlayStation Store, PCVR via Steam, and Viveport. A review code was provided.
- The Deluxe Edition contains the following:
- Metro Awakening
- Concept Art Gallery
- Nosalis Hide Backpack
- Nosalis Skeletal Gloves
- Nosalis Toy Charm
- The fallen Patch
- To learn more about Vertigo Games, please visit their site, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Until our next journey through the time tunnel, remember that you are appreciated, happy gaming, and remember to game through time.
