In many instances, I noticed Atomfall being likened to a mix of the engrossing atmosphere in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and the abundant questlines in Fallout 76. This comparison seemed fitting after my Atomfall preview. But upon completing a full playthrough, it appears more akin to Arkane’s 2017 game Prey rather than the Fallout series.
In a manner reminiscent of Prey, Atomfall frequently mirrors the realms of imaginative sci-fi and player autonomy, making them strikingly similar in many ways.
Initially underrated, Atomfall is poised to earn acclaim among gamers, much like how other games have become revered masterpieces in the gaming world.
This creation might not be flawless, but it certainly evokes the essence of gaming by encouraging players’ creativity. In an era where we’re often guided on where to move or what actions to take, Atomfall stands out by fostering player independence.
In Atomfall, you can decide whether to move to location A for conversation with individual B, or tackle task C – typically picking your next game text to work on is a matter of choice. However, Atomfall offers the flexibility to bypass such decisions altogether, or approach them in various unique ways.
Experiencing the world as you wish is a freedom seldom given in games, yet Atomfall doesn’t just permit it, it’s the very essence of why I recommend playing this Rebellion RPG to all.
What I liked: Freedom to explore
The world of Atomfall is broken down into separate zones rather than one continuous experience.
At Slatten Dale, a place known for its outlaws, you’ll embark on your journey. But remember, after this starting point, you’re free to head off in any direction that suits you best.
Five main areas are available for players to discover, such as the chatty residents of Wyndham Village and the enchanting druids found in Casterfell Woods.
Each zone has its own vibe that players will need to respect when walking the zone.
Navigate through Skettermore, as your location permissions may vary from one moment to the next.
The region you’re venturing into might either allow for your visibility or necessitate that you stay hidden, depending on the bonds you’ve forged or broken in the past.
Each significant region encompasses several smaller ones as well. In Skettermore, you’ll find hidden bunkers, while Casterfell conceals a castle, and the Interchange houses entire departments.
These areas are connected to each other by numerous underground passages, road networks, and hidden paths that are not always obvious.
No matter where your journeys lead, Atomfall always rewards your thirst for knowledge. Each decision – be it selecting equipment, choosing ammunition, enhancing skills, or exploring new routes – guarantees that your endeavors yield value, regardless of the path you select.
Leads serve as the cornerstone of Atomfall’s quest system. Uncovering a hint, such as a map fragment or information about an important character, guides the player towards embarking on a multi-stage adventure to uncover a hoard of prized items or boost a player’s standing within a specific faction.
In Atomfall, the main system presents a welcome shift in gameplay rhythm. Unlike Elden Ring and its expansions, it deviates slightly from conventional map indicators. Instead, it provides a broad area as a guide, allowing you to anticipate what you might encounter when you get there.
As a tech-savvy gamer, I must say that this setup seamlessly syncs with Atomfall, particularly when diving into the heart of the game – The Interchange.
Right from the start, a scientist will provide all necessary information for you to embark on this adventure. Navigate towards the Interchange and break free from the restricted zone – it’s just that easy!
From that point, you’re free to decide on your approach. You can unravel the mystery of the Interchange by delving into the enigmatic hints scrawled on frayed papers secreted within deserted shelters.
Instead of relying solely on your own understanding, consider immersing yourself in local wisdom, which is often deep and insightful, or opt for a more assertive path where you might suppress others’ perspectives and guidance. The journey that unfolds depends on the choices you make, each one carving a unique path for you.
In simpler terms, Atomfall provides an unprecedented level of player freedom in its storytelling. Unlike many other games that claim such freedom, it truly delivers. This standard should be the aim for all similar games.
Just like many stories serve as the driving force in various scenarios, the narrative in Atomfall is the means by which the game progresses. The unique freedom offered within this game allows players to disregard any storyline if they wish. Essentially, you have the flexibility to act according to your whims, provided you eventually manage to power up the Interchange; the method you choose for achieving this goal is entirely up to you.
The core game mechanic involves charging the Interchange with atomic power cells, which is essential for progression. However, an abundance of these cells is accessible to the player beyond what’s required, offering greater flexibility in selecting which batteries to pursue.
Should you choose to invest in it, you’ll uncover a captivating, intricate storyline that owes its foundation to mid-20th century British science fiction. It’s magnificent! Subtle references to works like Day of the Triffids, Doctor Who, and others are skillfully woven into the very fabric of the world’s construction.
The mystical artistry of druids presents a striking contrast to the futuristic technologies that drive the otherworldly robots and machinery utilized by Protocol troops and the British Atomic Research Division (B.A.R.D.).
Choosing which group to aid, be it outlaws or villagers, will present quite a challenge due to their contrasting natures. Navigating this delicate balance could potentially lead to both success and danger as you tread the line between them. There’s also a chance that such a position may put your life at risk.
No matter which route your life’s adventure unfolds, I can assure you that it will never mirror another person’s journey. You’ll discover unique challenges to overcome as you traverse through this world. Whether you become a soldier, a druid, a secret agent, or an enigmatic voice on the phone, your story is distinctively yours.
As a tech-loving gamer, let me emphasize again the essence of this captivating There’s a hidden trophy in this game (a small spoiler alert) that challenges you to finish the entire game without ever answering a call on your in-game phone. In the course of the game, you’ll encounter numerous vintage red telephone booths from old Blighty, and when you approach them, they usually start ringing.
On the other side, there’s a voice with a foreboding tone, trying to influence your views either positively or negatively. Yet, Rebellion encourages you to disregard them entirely. In most cases, this could be an essential aspect, but in this scenario, you have the option to bypass it.
You don’t see many, if any, games doing that.
What’s fine: Combat
In the game of Atomfall, battles are straightforward and engaging. Whether you opt for long-range or close-quarter attacks, each strike feels rewarding as it lands on your adversary. A gentle swipe elicits a satisfying smack against an enemy’s visage, while a heavier hit appears forceful and impactful.
Instead of having a block, you can eject an unwanted intruder, leaving them stunned. This gives you a chance for a swift two-part attack before needing to repeat the action or pause, keeping opponents in a continuous stun loop. It may be basic, but it effectively completes the task.
In other words, weapons don’t deteriorate over time, so once you choose one, you can use it throughout the entire game without needing to replace it. This is exactly what I did myself.
Throughout my quest, I experimented with various weapons and displayed an aptitude for combat with knives. However, since first grasping a medieval mace, it became my weapon of choice until the final credits. Enhanced by a melee damage boosting skill, I was able to take down most opponents with just one or two strikes in this game.
In ranged battles, it’s often just a matter of numbers since a solitary headshot is usually enough to take down a human opponent quickly. A shotgun blast at close range might cause an immediate collapse, but for anything further away, you may need additional shots with any kind of ammunition.
Instead of encountering the BFG from DOOM or futuristic Fallout-inspired weaponry, you’ll come across traditional firearms such as single or double-barrel shotguns, .22 caliber rifles, bows, pistols, and advanced bullpup-style automatic weapons if you successfully defeat Protocol Soldiers who carry them.
In this game, you’ll find that the scope of conflict is limited. Your choices are few and mainly essential items, which emphasizes the simplicity of your character. You’re an ordinary person navigating a chaotic world, far from any elite soldier wielding advanced technology or exotic weapons.
Although the abilities you acquire may appear simple compared to more complex upgrades, they still offer significant enhancements such as increased melee/ranged damage, improved kicking techniques, and advanced heart rate control. They don’t strive for groundbreaking innovations but rather focus on refining existing skills effectively.
From my perspective as a tech enthusiast, the combats are functional, yet they fail to evoke the same thrill as hitting a 600-meter shot with bullet cam in games like Sniper Elite. Every now and then, a grenade placed at an amusingly inconvenient spot taking out several enemies or a swift head-knife to a rogue will provide a sense of satisfaction, but the day-to-day combat is merely average.
Instead of battle making the game, discovering the world and its mysteries provides a much more fulfilling experience.
What I didn’t like: Enemy AI
My main criticism centers on the AI’s refinement, as there are instances when you can deal an overwhelmingly large amount of damage to opponents that seems almost comical.
(The original: “My only real negative revolves around AI polish. You can really shatter enemy brains in this game by hilarious amounts at times.”)
By locating a ladder, you can effortlessly funnel enemies towards you in quick succession. They won’t relent, that’s for sure. On numerous occasions, I’ve eliminated entire enemy camps because these adversaries had no choice but to climb up or down the ladder to get to me, where I would be poised and ready with a powerful swing of my mace, targeting their heads.
On other occasions, exiting a room would prompt the enemy to swiftly retreat to their initial spot. Consequently, I was able to apply bandages during battle without any concern about an enemy advancing since I could observe them fleeing.
Should you buy it?
You should play this if…
As a fan, I absolutely adore the sense of freedom that Atomfall offers, allowing me to explore and play in my own unique way.
☑️ Engaging in exploration offers the player exciting missions, treasures, and a tale worth sharing with others.
You should not play this if…
☑ You’re not going to discover the top-notch combat experience here. However, it offers a functional gameplay with occasional AI quirks that can be amusing rather than disappointing.
I thoroughly enjoyed playing Atomfall from start to finish, with my experience improving as I progressed. This game truly excels the deeper you delve into it, and I believe it could easily compete for top spots among the best Xbox games available.
Enthusiasts of games such as Prey, Fallout, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will feel right at home with Atomfall. It’s absolutely worth every penny spent on it, and I find myself eagerly anticipating the release of its DLC like an excited fan. I can hardly wait for it!
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2025-03-21 17:12