Atomfall by Rebellion takes us into a gripping survival-action experience, rooted in the aftermath of a real-world event—the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. Taking place five years after this catastrophe, Atomfall offers a glimpse into a world transformed by one of the worst nuclear incidents, which occurred on October 10, 1957. The fire raged for three long days, releasing radioactive particles that spread across both the UK and Europe. In Atomfall, these consequences are imagined to be even more devastating.
The affected area has been sealed off, communication with the outside world cut off entirely. You step into this quarantined zone to uncover its mysteries, starting in an abandoned bunker with no memory of how you got there. This isolation over five years has wrought significant changes in the people within the zone. Their eccentric lifestyles have led to the rise of factions, each vying for control. As you delve deeper, you’ll encounter groups like the Protocol, B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division), Outlaws, and Druids—all adding layers of intrigue and danger.
Survival requires scavenging for resources and crafting essential tools and weapons. Ammo is scarce, making short-range weapons your go-to for most encounters. Early in the game, you might stumble upon a pistol but find yourself short on bullets. A single-shot rifle might pack a punch, but its limited use could leave you vulnerable to Outlaws’ attacks.
One of Atomfall’s intriguing aspects is its difficulty settings—five to choose from: Sightseer, Investigator, Brawler, Survivor, and Veteran. Sightseer allows players to focus on the story with minimal combat challenges, while Investigator ups the ante without overwhelming you. The Brawler mode is unforgiving on mistakes, Survivor offers balanced gameplay, and Veteran cranks the difficulty up to test seasoned players’ skills.
Navigating through Atomfall happens from a first-person perspective. You control movement with the left analog stick, using the right to look around. Running involves pressing in the left stick, and you can crouch with the Circle button to move stealthily, hiding in the tall grass to catch a break from the chaos. Jump using the X button, and kick with L1 to unbalance enemies. You can have four quick-access items on the D-Pad, excluding consumables. Engage enemies using R2 for melee or ranged attacks, while R1 delivers a heavier strike. Utilizing L2 improves aim, essential since your heart rate affects shooting accuracy, influencing shot spread and recoil.
Exploration is key as you gather Leads instead of typical quests. These can come from conversations or found items, and it’s your job to unravel these clues. Beware, though; not all Leads are trustworthy. Without waypoints, you must rely on compass markers to find your way.
Bartering plays a crucial role in Atomfall. Trading gathered items with various traders might secure you the materials for stronger weapons or valuable healing supplies. Each trader’s unique inventory and preferences make shopping around essential.
Crafting demands recipes, found through exploration or purchased. Every weapon can be upgraded across three quality tiers: rusty, stock, and pristine. Combine matching weapons with gun oil to enhance them, boosting their stats significantly.
Skills in Atomfall, unlockable through Training Stimulants, enhance gameplay further. For instance, obtaining Thick Skin reduces melee damage, and Charisma boosts your bartering power. Creating a personalized skillset makes the journey your own.
The game’s accessibility options ensure a more inclusive experience. UI and subtitle customizations, NPC highlights, camera controls, and motion settings offer various play styles and needs. Even features like automatic firing or forward movement cater to different preferences, enriching the player experience.
Atomfall comes packed with a full trophy list including a coveted Platinum, and with Cross-Buy functionality, securing both PS4 and PS5 copies for a single price. The game features numerous achievements, urging players to uncover hidden elements and hone their skills across different in-game challenges.
For those eager for an early start, a Deluxe Edition offers prior access and additional content when Atomfall hits the shelves on March 27. The question remains: can you survive this treacherous new world born from the ashes of disaster?
Note: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Rebellion.
