E3 2018: Metro Exodus takes the fight to the road, and the rail

Get ready to see a version of Metro’s post-apocalyptic Russia that you never have before. Metro Exodus takes the fight above ground.

Exodus

The year is 2036.

A quarter-century after nuclear war devastated the earth, a few thousand survivors still cling to existence beneath the ruins of Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro.

They have struggled against the poisoned elements, fought mutated beasts and paranormal horrors, and suffered the flames of civil war.
But now, as Artyom, you must flee the Metro and lead a band of Spartan Rangers on an incredible, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in search of a new life in the East.

Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created.

Explore the Russian wilderness across vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter.

Inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro Exodus continues Artyom’s story in the greatest Metro adventure yet.

As you can see, there’s a lot of “new” there

Metro fans are used to confinement, closed in spaces filled with tense fighting and horrors around every corner. And while I’m sure there’s still some of that, there’s so much that’s different that Exodus feels like a whole new game. And I guess it is, so that’s a good thing.

In Exodus, gamers will travel via the Aurora, an above-ground train that’s heading due east. It’s there that the passengers and crew hope to find a new life and a fresh start. Along the way though, you’ll be running into plenty of challenges. And there’ll be lots of new elements, never before seen in a Metro title too.

Exodus will feature a day/night cycle for the first time, since almost the whole game will be above ground. On top of that, you’ll have the ability to heavily customize your arsenal, be it for assault or stealth. You’ll need all of that too, since these levels promise to be massive sandboxes. Yes, there are “stages” that you’ll be playing through, but they’re all pretty monstrous, and seemingly all of them will offer no linear path to victory.

Also pretty awesome is that there’s a choice system in play. Choices that you make in the game will directly affect the lives of your friends and squad mates. Apparently “not all your companions will survive the journey”. The world of Metro is a harsh mistress.

Watch for Metro Exodus to arrive on consoles and the PC this coming February 22nd. Man, is that getting to be a packed month, or what?