Embark on a thrilling journey through the post-apocalyptic English countryside with Atomfall, the latest survival-action game from Rebellion, the creators of Sniper Elite. Recently, I had the chance to dive into this intriguing world during a hands-on demo at a North London pub. My experience with Atomfall was filled with open-ended missions and an eerie atmosphere that left me both fascinated and, admittedly, a bit unhinged as I found myself attacking every NPC in sight, including an innocent old lady, with a cricket bat. Here's why.
In Atomfall, every NPC is fair game, from the lowliest grunt to crucial quest-givers. My demo began with a mission to test this design. Mere minutes into exploring the digital Cumbria, I triggered a tripwire alarm, forcing me to dispatch three guards with the blunt end of a cricket bat, now baptized in bloodshed.
Later, I acquired a bow and arrow, which I eagerly equipped, marking a shift from melee to ranged combat. Spotting a towering wicker man, a nod to the game's folk horror theme, I decided to steer clear, mindful of the ominous implications. Atomfall's world is segmented into multiple "open zones," each contributing to an unsettling atmosphere that enhances the overarching mystery: what catastrophe befell this once-idyllic corner of England?
My musings were soon interrupted by a group of druids, perfect targets for testing my new bow. With each successful shot, I humorously declared myself "Robin Bloody Hood," though I was quickly reminded of my surroundings in the London pub. Despite the fun of archery, Atomfall's innovative stamina system, which uses a heart rate monitor instead of a traditional bar, caught my attention. Sprinting increases your heart rate, affecting your aim and combat effectiveness. A later discovery of a Bow Mastery skill manual offered a perk to mitigate this effect, hinting at a skill tree that, while not overly complex, allows for tailored gameplay styles.
Atomfall Screenshots
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My initial goal seemed unclear as I roamed the Casterfall Woods. Following a note, I sought out a herbalist named Mother Jago near an old mine. The journey was filled with eerie environmental storytelling, from a power plant shrouded in ominous colors to a ringing phone box with a cryptic warning. The game's atmosphere evoked comparisons to Stalker more than Fallout, with its blend of exploration and tension.
After another druid skirmish and a visit to Mother Jago's allotment, where she offered vague answers and a new quest for her herbalism book, I found myself navigating Atomfall's freeform design. I chose to approach the druids' castle from the side, engaging in a chaotic battle at an abandoned petrol station. While the enemy AI was not the most sophisticated, the combat was still enjoyable, though not the game's main focus. The real thrill lay in uncovering the world's secrets.
Inside the castle, I faced more challenges but found no trace of the book. Atomfall's mission design is deliberately obtuse, encouraging thorough exploration without hand-holding. After a frustrating search, I followed a lead to retrieve keys from a poison plant monster, only to return to the castle empty-handed once more. My quest led me to the castle's underbelly, where I defeated the High Priestess and discovered new items and quests, yet still no book.
Xbox Games Series Tier List
Xbox Games Series Tier List
Post-demo, I learned the book was in the castle all along, on a table I had overlooked. In my confusion and frustration, I returned to Mother Jago and, embodying my character's violent descent, killed her. Searching her body, I found a recipe that could have helped against the poison swamp monster—a clue to the information she was supposed to exchange for her book.
Atomfall promises a lengthy gameplay experience, with stories that can take 25 hours to complete, offering varied paths and outcomes. My fellow demo attendees had entirely different experiences, encountering unique regions and challenges. The game's design, which blurs the lines between main and side objectives, encourages players to forge their own narratives and unravel the mysteries of the irradiated English countryside.
While the lack of clear direction might deter some, Atomfall rewards those who embrace its challenging quest design. My journey, marked by violence and confusion, may differ from others, but it underscores the game's appeal: a world where every action shapes your unique story.
With bloodied hands and a cricket bat in tow, I ended my session by embracing full-British mode: heading to the pub to let the chaos of Atomfall simmer down. This game promises a wild, unpredictable ride through a hauntingly beautiful world, and I can't wait to see where it takes me next.
