Atomfall, crafted by Rebellion, plunges players into a gripping survival-action experience, drawing inspiration from historical events, and set in Northern England half a decade after the Windscale nuclear catastrophe. This incident, occurring on October 10, 1957, stands as the most catastrophic nuclear accident in UK history and ranks amongst the gravest worldwide. Over three intense days, a nuclear blaze released perilous radioactive particles, which subsequently swept across the UK and Europe. In Atomfall, this scenario escalates, presenting consequences far more harrowing than historical accounts.
Envisioned within a quarantined zone, severed from external communications, the game shrouds you in mystery and intrigue. Awakening inside a desolate bunker, your memory is a blank slate, devoid of recollections about your identity or your journey to this place. As you navigate this world, you’ll occasionally stumble upon serene spots, but those are exceptions rather than the norm. Five years of isolation have warped the inhabitants of the quarantined area, leading to unusual behaviors. Fragmented into factions such as the Protocol, the British Atomic Research Division (B.A.R.D.), Outlaws, and Druids, these groups vie for control in a hazardous environment.
Surviving amidst these factions means scavenging for whatever resources you can find. Competition is fierce; you’re not the only one hunting for supplies. The materials you gather are vital for crafting the necessary tools and weapons to stand against rival factions and enormous creatures twisted by radiation. Close-range weapons will often be your best bet due to limited ammo. While it’s easy to come across a pistol or two, enough rounds to keep them fully loaded are much harder to come by. Similarly, though a single-shot rifle might deliver a powerful punch, it leaves you vulnerable in battles against groups of Outlaws due to its slow firing rate.
Atomfall offers five levels of difficulty: Sightseer, Investigator, Brawler, Survivor, and Veteran. For those more interested in story than combat, Sightseer provides a more relaxed pace. If you’re looking for a challenge without being completely overwhelmed, Investigator is the setting for you. Brawler mode punishes mistakes harshly, while Survivor serves as Rebellion’s envisioned balance of exploration, combat, and hardship. Seeking the ultimate test? Veteran ratchets the difficulty up, where any misstep can be your last.
From a first-person perspective, you’ll guide your character using the left stick while the right stick focuses your view. A click of the left stick lets you sprint, and Circle crouching is crucial for stealthy movement and hiding from enemies. You jump with X and can kick enemies off balance with L1, offering you precious moments to regroup. Mapping four items to the D-Pad gives you instant access to them, keeping in mind that consumable items aren’t included.
Combat is dynamic, with R2 executing melee or shooting attacks, and R1 delivering powerful melee blows. Aiming is key, so use L2 to ensure every shot counts. Reloading involves the Square button, while focusing your aim is handled by pressing in on the left stick. Keep an eye on your heart rate, as high levels increase shot spread and recoil. You can also utilize throwable weapons, choosing from the weapon wheel with L1, like hurling a Molotov cocktail to burn multiple foes. For silent takedowns, approach enemies from behind, conserving ammo and, hopefully, making minimal noise.
Rather than linear quests, Atomfall introduces Leads, which emerge from conversations or uncovering items or documents. These hints guide you, but beware of potential red herrings planted to lead you astray. Waypoints won’t appear, leaving you to use compass markers for guidance.
Trading becomes an essential survival skill. Exchange your amassed items with traders to acquire components for crafting stronger weapons or necessary healing supplies. Each trader varies in inventory and barter preferences, so shop around to maximize your limited resources.
To craft anything successfully, you must first locate the recipe. Whether bought from traders or found during exploration, once you’ve learned a recipe, you’ll know the components needed for crafting or repairs. Weapons come in three tiers: rusty, stock, and pristine. Most found in the wild will be rusty, with stock being rarer, and pristine items exclusively crafted by combining duplicates and gun oil.
Accumulate skills through Training Stimulants, using the skill menu to see what’s required for unlocking. Some abilities might also require Training Manuals, obtainable from traders or locales. Examples include Thick Skin for reduced melee damage, Weapon Throw Training for improved throwable effectiveness, Charisma for better barter value, and Fortitude for increased health.
For increased accessibility, the game offers various options: UI text size adjustments, color customization, subtitle and traversal indicator toggles, and motion settings. Automatic actions and audio cues further assist in gameplay and targeting.
The game supports PS5 and provides a detailed trophy system with a prestigious Platinum for completionists, enhancing replayability with diverse objectives. As you progress through Atomfall’s narrative, you’ll pursue tasks like finding collectibles or mastering combat skills.
Atomfall is set to release next week as a Cross-Buy title, retailing at $59.99, covering both PS4 and PS5 versions. A Deluxe Edition, priced at $79.99, promises additional content through early access and expansion packs.
In summary, Atomfall crafts a compelling narrative anchored in historical events, inviting players to navigate a post-apocalyptic world shaped by severe nuclear fallout. Will you endure the trials that await?
