A Mysterious Apocalyptic Landscape
I thought I had a handle on what to expect when I entered the media preview event for Atomfall, a survival-action game set in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster. The premise seemed straightforward: a post-apocalyptic world filled with outlaws, the insane, and even murderous robots. However, "Fallout, but make it England" doesn’t quite capture the essence of Atomfall. Instead, the game is a unique blend of grounded realism and bizarre mystery. Set in the area surrounding the real-life Windscale disaster—a nuclear plant fire in 1957 that released significant radioactive material—Atomfall presents a world that is both familiar and surreal. The game is coy, inviting players to explore its many enigmas. Resources are scarce, combat is challenging, and every new discovery is a jolt to the system.
A Picturesque Apocalypse
Is this the end of the world around Windscale? If it is, it sure is pretty. Unlike the desolate, grey landscapes of many post-apocalyptic games, Atomfall’s version of the apocalypse is decidedly pastoral. The green landscape of Casterfell Woods, overgrown with moss and trees, dominated my playing time. Despite the serene visuals, the beauty of the land conceals dangers: outlaws, bandits, crazed druids, and mutated creatures that can easily spell your doom. Ben Fisher, Rebellion’s head of design, explained that the emphasis on a pleasant-looking landscape was intentional. "Arguably, if people were trapped in a quarantine zone in that kind of area, they would try to ‘keep calm and carry on’ and do their best," Fisher said. The idyllic setting also provides a stark contrast when players delve into the darker, creepier locations hidden within the game.
Navigating a World of Secrets
I was dropped into this landscape with a single objective: find a woman named Mother Jago at a mine. My map marked only a "rumored location" of the mine, with no quest markers or sidekicks to guide me. Thus, I began wandering, stumbling upon an old hydroelectric dam and a blue-skinned trader named Billy. Billy assured me he wasn’t going to eat me, but his presence added to the game’s intrigue. Bright-red phone booths dot the landscape, and occasionally a phone would ring, inviting me to answer. On the other end was a strange, hoarse voice offering advice. These elements created an enticing and dangerous world that encouraged exploration and unraveling its secrets.
Scrapping to Survive
Rebellion was clear that the player character is not a superhero or a super-soldier. You can handle yourself in combat, but so can your enemies and their friends. The game’s fights are intense and require careful strategy. Melee combat is a significant focus, and with limited access to guns and ammunition, you’ll often find yourself using a cricket bat or similar melee weapons. The game introduces a heart-rate system, which functions like stamina. The higher your heart rate from sprinting or swinging a weapon, the slower your attacks become. There’s no pausing to heal, as enemies will attack you while you’re trying to use a bandage. Managing resources is crucial, and you’ll need to pick your battles wisely. The developers also hinted at the ability to ally with different factions, each with their own quirks and moral dilemmas.
Uncovering Mysteries
The main goal of the game is to escape the quarantine zone and uncover the player character’s identity, who awakens with amnesia. However, I found myself drawn to the mysteries and little stories the game presented. The lack of defined quests and the need to explore every nook and cranny created a genuine sense of discovery. Mother Jago, with her wide-brimmed hat adorned with flowers, animal skulls, and bones, promised me answers, but at what cost? This blend of time, place, and creative imagination has made Atomfall one of the most intriguing games I’ve played in a while. I can’t stop thinking about where I left off and what secrets I have yet to uncover.
A British Apocalyptic Vision
Atomfall stands out in the crowded post-apocalyptic genre by offering a uniquely British take on the apocalypse. The game’s attention to detail in its setting, the moral ambiguities of its factions, and its focus on resource management create a rich and immersive experience. The juxtaposition of a beautiful, pastoral landscape with the horrors of a nuclear disaster adds a layer of depth that few other games achieve. With its compelling narrative, challenging gameplay, and mysterious atmosphere, Atomfall promises to be a memorable and thought-provoking adventure.
