Upon its announcement, Atomfall was swiftly dubbed “British Fallout”by enthusiasts. However, with its official release, clear distinctions between the two games have emerged. While Atomfall might not align as closely with the known atomic series as initially expected, one aspect shines through: its unabashed Britishness. Set in the aftermath of the Windscale nuclear disaster five years prior, players will find themselves immersed in a vividly reimagined Lake District in northern England.
Representing one of the most authentically British gaming experiences since Thank Goodness You’re Here!, Atomfall’s development was dedicated to creating a world evocative of the 1960s UK. The game’s universe draws heavily from real historical events while also channeling the spirit of iconic British literature, such as that of Doctor Who and John Wyndham. Notably, a village within the game even bears Wyndham’s name, resulting in a captivating environment that harmoniously blends the familiar with the fantastical, cultivating a setting that feels both cozy and perilous.
An engaging interview with Rich May, a senior programmer for Atomfall, reveals fascinating insights about the game’s inspirations, including its ties to Doctor Who, quintessential British cultural elements, and the creation of an otherworldly atmosphere.
Doctor Who’s Influence on Atomfall
“Pushing the Boundaries of Science & Delving Too Deep”
Atomfall’s design bears the influence of numerous classic sci-fi narratives, particularly Doctor Who. While specific episodes weren’t primary references, the developers sought to weave moral dilemmas into the gameplay, questioning ethical boundaries and character alignments. Ben Fisher, head of design at Rebellion, reiterated this sentiment during our discussion at the Atomfall preview, remarking how the game moves away from traditional moral structures. Players will navigate a web of characters, each with their own motives, culminating in endings that challenge conventional notions of “good”and “evil.”
Rich May emphasized the essence of normal life disrupted by the extraordinary, stating, “Whether they were actually explicitly called out or just more unconscious references, I think it was that vibe we were looking at – that kind of sense of normality, but disrupted by supernatural science.” An intriguing Easter egg highlights this: players may glimpse a blue box in the distance, an homage to Doctor Who, only to find it vanished upon approach.
Beyond Doctor Who, Atomfall draws from the rich tapestry of classic science fiction, often leaving players contemplating complex issues, such as the implications of scientific advancement. May remarked, “there’s not really any goodies,” reinforcing the idea that players must ultimately grapple with their decisions — a disquieting yet essential experience.
Embedding British Authenticity in Atomfall
Addressing Cultural Quirks, Like “What Will Tea Do?”
The team behind Atomfall comprises both UK natives and international developers, which has sparked engaging discussions throughout the creative process. May noted that the non-UK members have shown surprise and delight at vernacular phrases like “boffins,”describing quirky, lab-dwelling scientists. The team debated how much British slang should be included, oscillating between concerns about player comprehension and a commitment to authenticity. Ultimately, they decided to keep the dialogue intact, trusting players’ ability to understand context.
While humor is subtly woven into the game’s fabric, it manifests organically in various elements, such as Cornish pasties that restore health. The inclusion of seemingly trivial details, like tea, enhances the game’s British flavor. The team also humorously made sure to include a cricket bat, even incorporating an achievement for smacking a grenade with it – a whimsical nod to British culture.
Constructing the World of Atomfall
Contrasting High-Tech with the Idyllic British Countryside
Creating a game-sized version of the expansive Lake District posed a challenge, leading the developers to craft what May calls a “Disneyland version” of Cumbria. This approach allows players to encounter a rich tapestry of contrasting environments, where stark industrial aesthetics coexist harmoniously with breathtaking natural landscapes. The rich detail within the village adds layers of history and technology, creating an otherworldly feel.
Much of the artistic direction also examines how player perceptions of the UK mesh with its actual narrative. May mentioned that “iconic representations” seen in media like Paddington or Harry Potter shape expectations, while Atomfall aims to transcend these by juxtaposing them with elements of high-tech science. The deliberate contrast, termed “cozy catastrophe,” enhances the game’s unique charm.
Atomfall cleverly integrates elements of real history while favoring an alternate history approach to storytelling. May describes the game as “an amalgamation of the real to produce this parallel world,” further emphasizing the theme of contrast that pervades both the narrative and visual design. The distinct allure of Atomfall has not gone unnoticed, earning praise for its immersive, authentically British world-building.