Initial release date: March 27, 2025
Developer: Rebellion Developments
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One · See more
Engine: Asura
Genres: Survival game, Shooter game, Adventure game, Adventure
Publisher: Rebellion Developments
KEY TAKAWAYS
- “Leads” mission system encourages exploration
- Atomfall is like STALKER 2, We Happy Few, Fallout 4, Bioshock
- Many dialogue tree options across dozens of NPCs
- Janky movement and gunplay
- Redirector tool very important late game
- Writing better than I thought it be
- Smallish map hubs with exploration and Leads
- Visually appealing alternate reality 1950’s UK
- Sound bugs prior to first patch
- Exploration is rewarding
- Can craft weapons and items
- Interchange is a Bioshock-esque maze
- Melee more impactful than guns in-combat
- Multiple endings depending on Leads resolved
- Story was intriguing
- Survival adventure
- Heartbeat mechanic
Introduction
Who would have thought the developers behind the Sniper Elite series (hold up) by the way I beat Sniper Elite 3, 4 and 5. Anyhoo, who would have thunk these people would make a really good rough around the edges survival adventure game? Not I.
Presentation
Atomfall was rough for me in the beginning hours. I experienced sound mixing bugs, clunky stealth and janky melee combat. As the hours went on I found myself enamored by NPC dialogue choices and getting “Leads” provided to the amnesiac bunker protagonist.
Story
You play an amnesiac who wakes up in a scientific BARD bunker trapped inside a anomalous quarantine zone. Your mission is to escape the quarantine zone by helping people who’re also trapped.
The story behind Atomfall takes inspiration from reality. It’s inspired by Northern England’s 1957 Windscale nuclear disaster. I actually picked up a few documents detailing Windscale’s incident.
The story was good. It was interesting enough especially early on as you’re gathering various leads and exploring the Interchange which holds may of the game’s secrets as to what happened.
Gameplay
Atomfall’s gameplay is similar to STALKER 2. First person stealth or combat choices. You have melee and guns. You can craft weapons and useful items. You have a heartbeat mechanic that you have to keep in mind when sprinting among other gameplay mechanics.
As you acquire new leads from NPCs that drive exploration you acquire important items and tools to progress the story such as the Redirector Tool and Atomic Batteries for lifting quarantine zones inside the Interchange.
Gameplay is clumbersome, janky and slow. The survival aspects really didn’t stand out at all since I played on the easiest difficulty. Exploration was great as it was always rewarding and interesting as to what you might encounter.
Visuals
Although static I enjoyed Atomfall’s visual art moreso than it’s technical prowess. I’d say Atomfall looked much better than Sniper Elite 5 which I beaten recently. Wyndham Village is probably the standout visual-wise.
Sound
Voice acting as well Atomfall’s music was good. Talking to NPCs always held my attention when discussing lead terms and whatnot. The music was subtle yet fit the science fiction weirdness in Atomfall.
Atomfall: Intriguing 'Leads" based mission structure ensures proper exploration. Atomfall is rough around the edges early on but transmogrifies into a solid survival adventure game that shines with it's dialogue tree depth regarding NPC choices and player agency. Janky combat. I wouldn't say no to a sequel game that improves upon this first game. – Jason
