The Best Subway in Games – From GTA 4 to The Last of Us Part 2

Contents:

• Grand Theft Auto series
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Metro series
• Max Payne
• Alan Wake 2
• Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven
• Half-Life series
• Deus Ex series
• The series Last of Us

The subway has become an integral part of life for residents of large cities. Its popularity is due to its high speed of travel, a comfortable climate in the cars at any time of year, and affordable fares. In video games, the subway is quite rare and most often serves only as a decoration. At best, it is memorable thanks to a unique atmosphere, interesting design, or original lighting. However, using the subway in games can add an additional level of realism and immersion, which attracts players and enriches the gameplay.

In this article, we looked at several story-driven games in which the subway plays a significant role and deserves special attention. Our list does not include classic simulators whose developers focused solely on recreating the subway, without attempting to integrate it into the open world or use it as a unique backdrop for gameplay. We focused on projects where the metro becomes not just a transport system, but an important element of the plot and atmosphere.

Grand Theft Auto Series

Rockstar Games demonstrated attention to detail from the very beginning of its development, implementing a public transportation system in the first GTA game. In the game released in 1997, players and NPCs could use the subway, and trams ran in San Andreas. This was not just a fast travel system, but a true ride simulation that added realism to the gameplay. For example, the hero instantly died upon contact with the contact rail, which emphasized the importance of interaction with the surrounding world and made the gameplay more intense.

The developers continued to refine their concept, paying special attention to GTA 4. Liberty City is one of the most realistic game interpretations of New York City, recreating not only the architecture but also the transport infrastructure of a real metropolis. The game features four metro lines and 26 stations, including both elevated and underground. The city's districts are connected by numerous bridges, two of which are dedicated exclusively to the metro. Interestingly, despite the presence of public transport, the metro is not used in the main story missions, which emphasizes the emphasis on stolen cars and freedom of movement.

The developers paid significant attention to creating the subway, where transport movement is based on a complex logistical system, and many stations have a unique design. For example, Hove Beach station is the only two-tier station, which gives it an unusual look. At Francis International Airport station, the platform is located between the tracks, which makes it special among the others. Rockstar Games often uses real station exteriors, transferred to the game virtually unchanged, which adds authenticity to the game world.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 didn't immediately become a benchmark for quality in the world of video games. At the time of release, the game disappointed players with its technical state, which forced CD Projekt RED to release numerous patches to fix bugs. In addition, the developers added new elements to the game that were absent at the launch. One of these additions was the metro, which was shown in the first trailer of the game, and since then, many fans have been waiting for the opportunity to ride the fastest transport in Night City.

The metro was added to the game with update 2.1, released at the end of 2023. The developers created an underground system with a high level of detail. The futuristic city features five lines and 19 stations, covering almost the entire metropolis. Players can skip the cutscene where the character travels on the subway, which is especially convenient for those looking to speed through the game. However, they can also enjoy this moment in real time. V sits on a bench, observes other residents, and admires the views from the window. This experience significantly deepens the immersion, allowing players to feel that Night City is not just a well-designed set, but a living metropolis with many pros and cons.

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a unique A subway ride simulation that significantly surpasses similar elements in other games. The developers paid attention to every detail, creating the atmosphere of a living city. During your ride, you might encounter various characters, such as beggars asking for help, adding an element of realism to the gameplay. This makes each ride more than just a journey, but a real experience, immersing the player in the world of Night City. If you're bored with simply strolling through the world of Cyberpunk 2077, spice up your ride with music. Now you can listen to the radio anywhere in the game. With your favorite tracks, any activity becomes more engaging and atmospheric. Immerse yourself in the unique sound of the world to make every minute of the game memorable.

Metro Series

The Metro series immerses players in a post-nuclear Moscow, where the only survivors are those who managed to take refuge in the subway. In this series, the metro takes center stage, serving not only as a key location but also as a unique ecosystem with a variety of atmospheric corners. Danger always lurks in the underground tunnels: some stations are destroyed, contaminated by radiation, or controlled by unknown forces. However, at other stations, life goes on: people grow crops, have fun, and go about their daily lives. This contrasting environment creates tension and engaging gameplay, making Metro a unique experience in the world of video games.

As you slowly stroll through the populated stations, you can see the meticulous work of 4A Games. Level designers used real Moscow metro stations, giving them new forms, as if survivors of a global catastrophe had done. Each station has several levels: the lower level houses private rooms for drying clothes, the middle level is dedicated to public services, and the upper level, with better visibility, is monitored by security. This attention to detail creates a unique atmosphere and immerses the player in a world where every environmental element tells its own story.

Movement between stations is primarily by handcar, and sometimes people walk. The opportunity to ride in metro cars only arises rarely, as they are more often used as shelters, places to live, or simply idle along the lines. The theme of the film "Metro" deeply explores how, after the disaster, the underground system was transformed from a means of transportation into a refuge for tens of thousands of people. This work draws attention to the problems of survival and adaptation in the face of a disaster.

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The Metro shooter series has deservedly gained popularity thanks to its unique approach to the post-apocalyptic genre. Based on the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky, the game combines elements of survival horror and FPS, creating an atmosphere full of tension and realism. It invites players to explore the dark underground worlds of the Moscow metro, where every step can be fatal.

The series' main contribution to the post-apocalyptic genre is the deep development of the plot and world. Players face not only physical threats but also moral choices, adding emotional weight. The graphics and sound design create an immersive atmosphere, allowing you to experience the horrors of survival in a devastated world.

Furthermore, Metro explores important themes such as human nature, hope, and sacrifice, making the gaming experience not only engaging but also profound. The series has had a significant influence on other projects in the genre, inspiring developers to create more complex and multi-layered game worlds.

Thus, the Metro series is not only popular but also a milestone in the development of shooters and post-apocalyptic games, setting new standards and approaches to storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

Max Payne

Since releasing its first major project, the action game Max Payne, Finnish studio Remedy has shown a particular interest in New York City. This dark city, with its sinister alleys and unfavorable neighborhoods, perfectly reflects the inner experiences of the protagonist, Max Payne, whose world is destroyed after the brutal murder of his family. The atmosphere of New York becomes an integral part of the narrative, emphasizing the psychological depth and drama of the game.

One of the game's initial levels immerses us in the atmosphere of the subway. The protagonist, Max, goes on the subway and finds a murdered colleague at the station. This event becomes the impetus for his vendetta against the Lupino mafia clan. Players explore the narrow corridors of Roscoe Street Station, encountering numerous gangsters who seem to appear out of nowhere. During the story, Max temporarily assumes the role of a train driver, destroying obstacles and infiltrating the subway tunnels to continue his thirst for revenge. This level is not only action-packed but also creates a tense atmosphere, making the gameplay exciting and engaging.

This was Remedy's first foray into urban underground communications. The experiment was a success, although the game lacked the detail and atmospheric depth to more fully recreate the subway.

Alan Wake 2

In their latest project, the Finnish developers once again turned to the theme of the subway, but the locations are now worked out on a new level. The use of light and ultra-realistic graphics creates a frightening atmosphere of the subway in the game Alan Wake 2. This is a truly uncomfortable space in which the main character, writer Alan Wake, is forced to move. The feeling of anxiety and tension is enhanced by the detail of the environment and thoughtful lighting, which makes the gaming experience even more exciting and immersive.

The hero found himself locked in the Dark Abode, unable to escape for many years. His search for a way out led to a gloomy alternative version of New York, where Wake is investigating the crimes of cultists. One such crime took place in the subway dungeons, and the prospect of going down there fills him with dread.

The walls are covered in ominous graffiti, and bloody footprints are visible on the tracks, creating an atmosphere of horror. The lights flicker, heightening the tension and anxiety of the situation. The mystical elements of the underground level add unpredictability and intrigue, making it more exciting for explorers and thrill-seekers.

Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven

The residents of Lost Heaven actively use both the tram and the elevated subway. The city, where the events of the 1930s games take place, has eight subway stations, which is a good figure for that time. The subway covers five boroughs, providing transportation for about half the city's population. Interestingly, the trains have only two cars: under conditions of low passenger traffic, lengthening the trains in those years did not make sense.

Thomas Angelo cannot take the controls from the driver, but he can travel as a passenger. Unlike other residents of the city, who can comfortably sit in the car, Tommy is forced to stand for the entire trip - this seems unfair. Meanwhile, using the subway in Mafia proves to be a smart solution for hiding from pursuers. However, it's important to seize the moment and board the train in time, as enemies can also appear on the platform.

Illusion Softworks seems to have taken inspiration from Rockstar Games, following their example. In Lost Heaven, public transportation plays a significant role, serving not only as an element of the city simulation but also as a convenient tool for players. This allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the city, adding realism and improving the gameplay.

Half-Life Series

The Metro plays a prominent role in the Half-Life series. The first game begins with physicist Gordon Freeman riding a monorail train, which whisks him through the massive Black Mesa research facility. In the second game, Gordon arrives at the City 17 train station, where he encounters the G-Man's cryptic words and is greeted by Mayor Wallace Breen. These moments highlight the atmosphere and tension of the Half-Life world, creating a unique and memorable gaming experience. The Metro not only serves as a means of transportation but also becomes a symbol of the protagonist's journey and the changes that it undergoes.

Half-Life: Alyx explores the subway theme most fully. Gordon's future partner, Alyx Vance, takes place over several chapters in the partially abandoned City 17 subway. In this underground world, she encounters hordes of zombies and barnacles and uses the Combine Fabricator for the first time. This game not only captures the atmosphere of the subway but also deepens interaction with game mechanics, making the player's experience more engaging and memorable.

Valve demonstrated effective level design methods in linear locations, emphasizing the correct placement of enemies and environmental objects. This approach encourages players to seek creative solutions rather than simply eliminating opponents. Effective level design fosters deep engagement and encourages creative strategies, making gameplay more engaging and memorable.

The Deus Ex Series

In the first Deus Ex game, special agent JC Denton descends into the New York City subway in 2052 to recover stolen canisters of the vital Ambrosia vaccine. In the underground tunnels, he encounters not only hostile terrorists, but also locals known as "moles" who have chosen to live underground, away from the outside world and its problems. This encounter highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of the Deus Ex world, where heroes interact with various groups and face moral dilemmas.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided returns the subway to the series, now in a format reminiscent of GTA, allowing players to descend underground at any time and travel to the desired location. The game masterfully demonstrates social segregation, especially on the metro: augmented passengers attract more attention at the entrance and are forced to occupy a separate car. This, however, significantly speeds up travel through futuristic Prague, despite the limited number of stations.

The Last of Us Series

The subway in The Last of Us games has received recognition thanks to the skill of the developers at Naughty Dog. In the first part of the game, the underground station in Boston is infected with spores of the cordyceps fungus, which destroyed much of humanity. The atmosphere of the station creates an eerie impression, and in addition to human enemies, players expect to be attacked by much more terrible creatures born of the fungus and time. However, these creatures are not encountered, and the heroes successfully make it to the surface. This tense atmosphere emphasizes the uniqueness of the world of The Last of Us and enhances the element of fear that permeates the entire game.

In the sequel, we are once again immersed in a world where Ellie descends into the underground tunnels with her friend Dina. The level is memorable for its unique atmosphere, created by unusual red lighting—the light sources are flares left by enemies. The station is inhabited by clickers and other terrifying creatures that can be used against enemies. The girls explore underground corridors and rooms filled with mutants, striving to reach the neighboring station. A thrilling chase awaits the player, in which the heroines narrowly avoid a multitude of infected. This level not only ratchets up the tension, but also showcases the developers' skill at creating an engaging gaming experience.

The subway in Naughty Dog's game is not only a memorable but also a dynamic level that immerses the player in a dense and disturbing atmosphere. The creators masterfully used lighting to emphasize the tension and emotional load of the gameplay.