Metro 2039 lacks heroes. It prioritizes revenge over hope, and I'm fully supportive of this new direction.

      Metro Exodus dedicated much of its narrative to demonstrating that the series could thrive beyond the confines of the Moscow Metro. Artyom was always an idealist, yearning for a better existence for the inhabitants of the Metro. Despite various challenges, hope appeared to flourish if the right choices were made in Exodus.

      So, what draws me back to Metro 2039? It’s not merely the title and its setting that are compelling; it’s how it delves deeper into the grim realities of Dmitry Glukhovsky’s Metro universe. During Gamescom Opening Night Live, 4A Games released a new gameplay trailer for Renegade, showcasing the new protagonist, The Stranger, once more.

      In the trailer, we observe him navigating through the independent Sevastopolskaya station, exploring the irradiated Moscow while confronting both mutants and humans. However, the latest footage vividly illustrates brutality, reminding us that Artyom is no longer present. Considering the shared DNA between the original Metro 2033 and GSC Game World’s Stalker, this is precisely the direction I envision for Metro.

      The tunnels have evolved, incorporating lessons from Exodus.

      The new prominent location, Sevastopolskaya, reappeared in the Renegade trailer. 4A characterizes it as an independent station gradually destabilized internally by propaganda and alcohol, while Raiders backed by Novoreich apply external pressure. The Stranger visits this location while pursuing leads related to his enigmatic target.

      Beyond its visual appeal, the entire game feels significantly more interactive, enhancing the sense of immersion. Small features, such as the breaching tool utilized by The Stranger, contribute to fresh gameplay mechanics. Additionally, a new UV light can reveal concealed mutants, deter flying Insectalis, and unveil codes necessary for environmental puzzles.

      While I enjoyed exploring expansive open areas in Exodus, Metro 2039 seems to reinvigorate that sense of curiosity within more confined settings. The new Shatun pneumatic rifle also fits seamlessly within the Metro aesthetic. Its effectiveness is contingent upon maintaining the weapon's pump, adding yet another mechanical concern while something terrifying is looming.

      Something ominous still lingers in the depths.

      Everything that captured my attention in the trailer revolved around The Stranger. Clad in Spartan armor, 4A portrays him as a traumatized individual whose focus is primarily on his own mission rather than rescuing those suffering under Hunter's Novoreich regime. One line succinctly encapsulates his essence:

      The Spartans were wolves in helmets. But I’m something worse.

      Then comes the aspect that truly piques my interest. As Hunter’s propaganda emphasizes the necessity of obliterating the enemy, the voices of the Dark Ones join in. The trailer stops short of clarifying the implications of this, leaving a supernatural thread hanging over The Stranger’s violent and unsettling dreams. Unlike previous depictions, the Dark Ones appear distinctively malevolent.

      I was already impressed by the increased strangeness and eldritch nature of its post-apocalyptic setting. This trailer also makes the gameplay aspects seem equally promising. Metro 2039 is set to launch in February 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox on PC, although an exact release date has yet to be announced.