The game Atomfall, developed by Rebellion, immerses players in a thrilling survival-action experience rooted in historical occurrences. It takes place five years after the infamous Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. This catastrophe, which happened on October 10, 1957, is noted as the worst nuclear accident in the UK’s history, and it had significant global repercussions. The fallout from the nuclear fire, which raged for three days, spread radioactive materials across the UK and Europe. Atomfall imagines a scenario where the aftermath is even more devastating.
The story begins with a cordoned-off area with no outside contact, forming a mysterious quarantine zone. As players, we find ourselves awakening in a deserted bunker with no memory of our identity or how we got there. While there are some serene locations to discover, most of the quarantine zone has drastically changed the inhabitants’ way of life. Estranged from the world for half a decade, the people have formed factions, each vying for control, with lurking threats in every corner. You’ll engage with groups like the Protocol, B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division), the Outlaws, and the Druids.
Survival means scavenging for resources amidst others striving for the same. Crafting essential items and weapons from the gathered materials is key as you confront rival factions and giant mutated creatures born from radiation exposure. With ammunition being scarce, short-range weapons often become a necessity. You might grab a pistol early on but only have limited ammo to spare. Alternatively, a powerful single-shot rifle could neutralize foes efficiently but leaves you vulnerable against an outnumbered situation.
The game offers five difficulties: Sightseer, Investigator, Brawler, Survivor, and Veteran. Sightseer caters to those wanting to focus on the storyline without much combat stress. Investigator increases the challenge without overwhelming you. Brawler intensifies enemy aggression, punishing mistakes. Survivor provides a balanced mix of exploration and danger, and Veteran is for those seeking a true test, where errors could spell doom.
From a first-person view, movement is controlled using the analog sticks, while running, crouching, jumping, and melee actions are mapped to different buttons. Crouching is vital for stealth, and a well-timed kick can give you the upper hand in combat. Quick item access and strategic weapon use are crucial, and mastering the game’s mechanics, like accurate aiming by considering heart rate, can greatly enhance your chances of survival. Engaging quietly is advantageous; with throwables or stealthy takedowns, you conserve precious ammunition.
Instead of traditional quests, Atomfall features “Leads” gathered from dialogues or items, guiding your exploration. These aren’t foolproof and could mislead you, adding a layer of intrigue as you chart compass waypoints instead of relying on map markers. Trading becomes essential; barter wisely with traders for crafting necessities using the limited items you find.
Craftable items require discovering or purchasing recipes. Weapons can be upgraded through crafting, moving them from rusty to pristine quality, with tier improvements enhancing their stats. Skills, unlocked via Training Stimulants and Manuals, offer advantages like reducing melee damage or increasing barter value. Accessible features ensure a diverse audience can play, offering adjustable UI, subtitles, and other customizable settings for an adaptable experience.
Atomfall supports trophy hunters with a detailed list, including a Platinum Trophy. As Cross-Buy titles, both PS4 and PS5 versions are obtainable at no extra cost upon purchase. Apart from progressing the story, trophies require completing various challenges, offering extended gameplay for completionists.
Atomfall effectively combines historical elements with a captivating post-apocalyptic scenario, featuring gameplay mechanics that encourage resourcefulness and strategy. Launching on March 27, priced at $59.99, the game also offers a Deluxe Edition with additional content, ahead of its standard release. Can you adapt and survive in this challenging world? The narrative and interactive elements promise a compelling journey for gamers.
(Note: This review uses a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Rebellion.)
