Before playing a demo of Atomfall at an Xbox event in Los Angeles, I had limited knowledge about the game. The trailer caught my attention during June’s Xbox Games Showcase, and initially, I thought it was a British version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R, which is set to release a sequel this year. However, Atomfall offers a unique mix of survival and RPG elements, resembling games like Fallout: New Vegas, especially in its dialogue system. Developed by the team behind the Sniper Elite series, Atomfall left me intrigued and wanting more after my brief hands-on experience.
Atomfall – Gamescom Trailer | Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PS5 & PS4
The demo of Atomfall I played started at the beginning of the game. The player character, an amnesiac, navigates a post-apocalyptic English landscape following a devastating nuclear catastrophe, inspired by the Windscale fire incident. Similar to S.T.A.L.K.E.R, players must survive in a quarantine zone filled with aggressive outlaws. As I explored the village ruins, stealth became crucial in dealing with the dangerous inhabitants and building up my arsenal.
Atomfall embraces its survival roots, presenting a challenging gameplay experience. Combat is unforgiving, with both enemies and players being vulnerable to damage. The emphasis on stealth and strategic resource management added depth to the gameplay, although there were issues with the autosave feature that affected the overall experience. Despite this, the game’s difficulty level can be adjusted before the official launch.
Despite launching after S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, Atomfall presents itself as a solid alternative for fans of the genre. The game appeals to a wider audience through its Western RPG-inspired elements, akin to the Fallout series. Interactions with NPCs, like Nat Buckshaw, offer dialogue choices reminiscent of Fallout: New Vegas, enhancing the immersive experience. The inclusion of skill and crafting systems adds depth to the gameplay, blending RPG mechanics with survival elements seamlessly.
If the autosave issue is resolved before launch, Atomfall shows potential for an engaging gaming experience. Areas like nuclear bunkers left unexplored in the demo hint at more mysteries to uncover, adding to the anticipation for the full release in March 2024 on multiple platforms.
Atomfall will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with Xbox Game Pass support from launch day.
