Atomfall, developed by Rebellion, takes you on a gripping journey into a survival-action game influenced by true events. Set five years after the chilling Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England, this game showcases a world deeply scarred by catastrophe. Back on October 10, 1957, the United Kingdom faced its darkest nuclear incident, with a fire that raged for three relentless days, spewing radioactive fallout that blanketed the UK and Europe. The game’s scenario takes this already grim history and amplifies it, painting a landscape where the fallout’s consequences are even more dire.
In this bleak reality, the affected region is sealed off, its communication with the outside world severed. The quarantine zone is an enigma, and you’re about to dive headfirst into its mysteries. Imagine waking up in a deserted bunker with no memory of your past or how you got there. That’s exactly where Atomfall starts. While some areas might offer a touch of nostalgia, for the most part, you’re left navigating a world where isolation has driven people to the brink. Their eccentric lifestyles have given rise to new factions, each vying for control, and danger seems to lurk around every corner. You’ll encounter groups like the Protocol, B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division), the Outlaws, and the mystical Druids on your quest.
Survival demands resourcefulness. Scavenging becomes your lifeline, and you’re certainly not the only one on this hunt. Crafting turns into a necessity, allowing you to create vital items and weapons. Ammo is a precious commodity, often leading you to rely on short-range weapons. While you might stumble upon a pistol early on, finding enough ammo to reload it fully is a different story. If you manage to grab a single-shot rifle, brace yourself—using it against a group could leave you dangerously exposed.
Types of difficulties in Atomfall offer diverse challenges—from the more leisurely Sightseer mode that prioritizes narrative over combat, to the brutal Veteran mode, where even the smallest mistake in battle can spell your end. The choice is yours, but choose wisely!
Taking control from a first-person view, you’ll navigate using the analog sticks—moving with the left and looking around with the right. Sprint by pressing down the left stick, crouch with Circle to minimize noise, and utilize cover like tall grass to catch a breather. Jumping and kicking are mapped to X and L1, respectively, allowing you to destabilize foes for a tactical edge. Assign quick-access items to the D-Pad, but keep in mind that consumables aren’t included.
Combat is visceral and strategic. Whether swinging a melee weapon with R2 or aiming for precision shots, you have to consider factors like heart rate—affecting your aim and recoil. The weapon wheel, activated with L1, lets you swap from rifles to fiery Molotovs. Stealth kills save ammo, though may draw unwanted attention.
Instead of linear quests, Atomfall introduces Leads—clues from conversations or found items steering you to new locations. Yet, not all information is trustworthy, leading you potentially on misleading paths without any helpful waypoints to assist.
Trading forms an essential backbone of gameplay. The items you collect become barter currency with various traders who offer needed supplies for crafting more potent weapons or lifesaving remedies. It’s a barter system that keeps you engaged and strategic, knowing each trader values different items.
Crafting requires more than just items—you’ll need to discover recipes throughout your journey. Learn these through purchase or exploration to know what’s necessary to craft or repair your gear. Weaponry comes in rusty, stock, and pristine variants, often requiring specific components for upgrades.
As you progress, unlocking skills with Training Stimulants and Manuals enhances your combat and survival capabilities, from increasing resilience to maximizing trade deals. Explore skill menus to track your stimuli needs and spot crucial skills like Thick Skin or Weapon Throw Training.
Atomfall’s accessibility features ensure a comfortable experience for all players. Text size adjustments, UI customization, and other assistive options ensure readability and smooth navigation while providing valuable gameplay cues through sound and visual indicators.
For trophy hunters, Atomfall doesn’t disappoint with a robust list of achievements. Whether through storyline progression or chasing specific goals like finding hidden caches, the game keeps trophy collectors invested.
This thrilling experience, launching across both PS4 and PS5 platforms on March 27, offers Cross-Buy convenience at $59.99, paired with a deluxe edition at $79.99 that teases early access and extra content. Atomfall begs the question: In this challenging landscape of post-nuclear unraveling, can you survive?
This immersive narrative and gameplay blend delivers an evocative survival-action package that beckons players to test their mettle.
