THQ has signed the rights to a new Russian-made FPS – as it bids to grow its core gamer audience in the next 12 months.

Metro 2033, by Russia's 4A Games, rounds out a trio of titles in key genres due for release at the start of next year.

The shooter, based on a best-selling book by novelist Dmitry Glukhovsky, will hit 360 and PC in early 2010. The PC release will be complemented via a partnership with Nvidia and its physics technology PhysX.

Metro 2033 joins action-adventure Darksiders and off-road racer MX vs ATV Reflex – all of which are due for release post-Christmas.

Earlier this year the publisher saw great success with UFC and Red Faction II, which were both released during quieter retail periods, but shifted big numbers.

“The announcement of Metro 2033 is another fantastic addition to our portfolio," VP of global brand management at THQ Richard Williams told MCV.

“With Darksiders, MX vs ATV Reflex and Metro 2033 all offering high quality gameplay targeted at the core audience, we’re excited about our line-up for early 2010.”

He added: “Metro 2033 will plunge gamers into a terrifying vision of the future. 4A Games have worked closely with Dmitry Glukhovsky to deliver a unique game world, a compelling, cinematic story and an incredible, atmospheric experience to rival anything in the category."

Metro 2033, set in Moscow, sees gamers battle horrific underground encounters.