I’ve recently had the opportunity to explore the latest title from Rebellion Developments, renowned for their previous work on Atomfall. While my enthusiasm waned following the underwhelming Sniper Elite: Resistance, this new release has completely revitalized my faith in the studio’s capacity for innovation. To put it succinctly, Atomfall is not just a game; it is a meticulously crafted piece of art, with each element reflecting a deep level of care and attention to detail.
Discover the Enchantment of Atomfall’s Unique Universe
At first glance, a trailer had me drawing parallels between Atomfall and the Fallout series, assuming it was a UK-centric spin on the post-apocalyptic genre. However, after immersing myself in the game for several hours, I began to realize that it more closely resembles a blend of Stalker and Far Cry. As an aficionado of survival first-person shooters, this revelation was a delightful surprise.
My initial intention was to complete this review at an earlier date, but the game’s enchanting world drew me in so thoroughly that my productivity evaporated. I found myself captivated by the alternate reality of Northern England and its intricacies. This single-player experience enticed me to foresake my day-to-day responsibilities to fully engage in a quest to unearth the story.
Engaging Storytelling in a Richly Crafted Environment
As I journeyed toward Skethermoor to retrieve the Atomic Batteries, part of the core narrative, my path led me to a quaint village where a murder had recently occurred in a local church. Amidst the urgency of my main mission, I felt compelled to investigate the crime; the allure of detective work bested my need to progress through the primary storyline.
Set in an alternate mid-90s, Atomfall depicts a world where the Windscale nuclear disaster unleashed dire consequences, giving rise to a Stalker-esque atmosphere rife with mutated creatures. The game isn’t your standard survival horror fare, as pockets of humanity persist within the quarantine zone, adhering to their own societal rules amidst the chaos.
Beginning in a bunker, my immersion into the desolate environment unfolded as I ultimately emerged into the sunlight, awestruck by the vibrancy and intricacy of this British-inspired landscape. For a fan of British period dramas, wandering through this fantasy world felt like a dream realized.
Exploration and Gameplay: A Double-Edged Sword
The atmospheric experience is further captivated by the game’s unique narrative structure. Clues are scattered throughout, requiring exploration and investigation to progress. Unlike many other titles, Atomfall encourages players to unravel the unfolding mysteries at their own pace.
One distinct feature is the absence of fast travel, which might initially seem inconvenient—especially considering the need to later return to locations like Slatten Dale. However, this lack of convenience enriches the overall journey through beautifully constructed, quintessentially British landscapes.
The characters encountered throughout the game contribute to its rich narrative tapestry, their dialogues reflecting a bygone British countryside that is now struggling to rebuild amidst the aftermath. As I delve deeper into the narrative, I anticipate gaining further insights. Currently, I have formed a solid understanding of the gameplay, recognizing areas in need of enhancement.
Combat Mechanics: Opportunities for Improvement
In terms of character mobility—running and jumping—Atomfall meets modern expectations of gaming. However, melee combat leaves room for growth. The lack of tactical dodging or defensive maneuvers limits engagement, often reducing fights to a simplistic strategy of jumping to evade attacks.
For those who favor a more bloodthirsty approach, Atomfall delivers the thrills. Initially, I embraced the chaos, indulging in violent encounters. However, as my experiences continued, the atmosphere of Northern England prompted me to adopt a more stealth-oriented playstyle, stealthily completing objectives with less bloodshed. Nevertheless, the challenge did come from the formidable radiation-induced enemies—particularly the rapid, unpredictable attacks from mutated rats, which were often more daunting than the zombies themselves, especially on the game’s “Challenging” mode.
Reviewed on: PC
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Code provided by: Rebellion Developments
Publisher(s): Rebellion Developments
Developer(s): Rebellion Developments
Release Date: March 27, 2025