I've got to say, even though it only just came out, I'm a bit peeved that no one outside of Japan seems to be playing Metro Quester.
It's probably due to the game not looking all that impressive in screenshots -- unless you really dig lofi visuals that look like they came from a bygone era -- but still.
That's too bad, though, as Metro Quester is a real delight. After a brief intro, you (at the helm of a party of five) are plopped into a post-apocalyptic dungeon and tasked with... actually, I don't remember. I've never needed a reason before, though, so don't hold my lack of clarity here against me.
Anyway, you explore said dungeon. At first, only the squares around you are mapped out. So, that's your first task -- to wander around and map out the area. You can only do this for so long, though, due to having a limited amount of some sort of fuel. When the fuel's gone, you're pulled back to your current base, where you heal up, level up (if possible), and otherwise replenish before heading out again.
Of course you encounter enemies while out in the wild. Fighting them is confusing and challenging at first, but you can run at any time and not suffer much for it. Also, your HP, ammo, etc., all refill after each battle, which makes everything else so much easier to take. There's a bit of an auto-battle thing going on in Metro Quester's tussles, but you eventually realize that changing your commands between rounds is the key to not getting your assed kicked (or to kicking the ass of the weirdo baddies that attack you).
Other than all that, there are various meters you need to keep an eye on as you explore Metro Quester's world. You have to collect a certain amount of food (found in caches sprinkled about, but also earned by defeating various monsters) over a 10-day period to not... hmmm, again, the mind falters. Regardless, the game made it seem clear early on that not gathering enough food would result in something bad, so I've avoided it at all costs. Thankfully, this becomes somewhat trivial once you start taking on tougher enemies (there are three levels: easy, medium, and hard, and they're differentiated by color).
You also need to collect "resources" as you wander around. You mainly do this by finding caches here and there, but I think you get them from felled baddies, too. (Don't quote me on the latter, I may well be wrong.) You need these resources to level up, mainly.
All of the above helps imbue Metro Quester with a satisfying feeling of tension. Admittedly, it can feel like a bit much early on, as you're trying to get your bearings and figure out exactly what the hell you're supposed to do in this retro hellhole. Stick with it, though, because eventually it'll just serve to push you along and not grate so much.
Despite being a rather contained experience (so far, at least!), Metro Quester provides a ton of depth to those who try to understand it and uncover its mysteries. A big part of the thrill for me has been to see my lightbulb moments pay dividends in one way or another.
Sound interesting? Then, please, give Metro Quester a go whenever you're able. It's out now for PC, PS4/5, Switch, and Xbox, so pretty much everyone can play it.
Oh, and go buy and play Dungeon Encounters, too, if you haven't done so already. It gives off a similar vibe to Metro Quester and also shouldn't disappoint anyone who loves slogging through monster-infested dungeons.
