Rebellion’s Atomfall is a difficult game to neatly categorize. It’s a story-heavy exploration-focused FPS that evokes the grim atmosphere of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Metro, while borrowing elements and perhaps even a little DNA from Fallout. The game is built in th Asura engine, same as Sniper Elite , a fact that’s both a blessing and a curse. While the sprawling outdoor environments can be undeniably beautiful, there’s a lingering feeling that you’re playing a Sniper Elite game stripped of its third-person perspective and polished visuals, a concession that feels noticeable considering the heightened demands of a first-person viewpoint.
Nails the atmosphere outdoors
Despite its visual shortcomings, Atomfall shines in its thematic execution. Rebellion has crafted a compelling post-apocalyptic rendition of the English countryside, steeped in mystery and a palpable sense of unease. I genuinely enjoyed the time spent meticulously exploring the world, uncovering hidden caches of gear and piecing together fragments of the past through scattered notes and environmental storytelling. However, this enjoyment is largely confined to the outdoors. The moment you delve into the game’s interior locations – factories, laboratories, or underground facilities – the captivating charm and atmosphere dissipate, replaced by a more generic and less engaging environment.
Gameplay built on three pillars
The core gameplay of Atomfall is built upon three pillars: combat, survival, and exploration. Each of these areas can be independently adjusted with its own difficulty setting, profoundly impacting the overall experience and tailoring it to individual playstyles. The recommended settings, which I wholeheartedly endorse, strike a compelling balance. Combat becomes a tense and strategic affair, where enemies are resilient and you are vulnerable, forcing you to consider stealth and tactical maneuvering over head-on confrontations. Resources like food, ammunition, and other essential supplies are scarce, demanding a level of resource management that adds weight to every decision.
However, Atomfall’s true strength lies in its exploration, especially when played on the recommended settings. Instead of relying on intrusive map markers and hand-holding, the game encourages you to immerse yourself in the world. You’ll need to carefully read documents, listen attentively to dialogue, and independently interpret clues to uncover your objectives and navigate the world. This approach fosters a genuine sense of discovery and accomplishment, and it’s arguably the most compelling aspect of the game, alongside its intriguing narrative. While experimenting with easier settings might make the game feel more like a standard FPS, much of the atmosphere and depth are lost in that translation. Rebellion deserves credit for offering players the freedom to tailor the experience to their preferences, but the recommended settings undeniably unlock the game’s full potential.
An intriguing mystery
The story is another area where Atomfall mostly succeeds. An intriguing mystique permeates the narrative and the characters you encounter along your journey, providing a strong incentive to push forward. While I felt that the later parts of the game falter slightly and the ending doesn’t quite stick the landing, the overall narrative experience was engaging. The same can be said for the side missions, which offer their own unique questions and mysteries, but similarly peter out towards their conclusions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Atomfall presents a compelling concept on paper. Rebellion has successfully created a post-apocalyptic world brimming with atmosphere, a captivating story, and gameplay geared toward rewarding exploration. However, the execution often falls short of its potential. While the outdoor environments can be surprisingly beautiful despite the dated visuals, the indoor spaces lack the same level of detail and atmosphere. Atomfall isn’t a home run, but it showcases enough potential to warrant hope that it will sell well enough to justify a sequel, one that refines the existing formula and addresses the game’s shortcomings. Atomfall is a flawed gem, but one that offers a unique and intriguing post-apocalyptic experience for those willing to look past its imperfections.
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