Embark on a thrilling journey through the English countryside with Atomfall, the latest survival-action game from the creators of Sniper Elite, Rebellion. Recently, I had the chance to dive into this game during a hands-on session at a pub in North London. Atomfall's open-ended mission design and eerie atmosphere left a strong impression on me, though I must confess, my gameplay took a rather violent turn, including an unfortunate encounter with an innocent old lady and a cricket bat. Let me share my experience with you.
In Atomfall, every NPC can be a target, from the humblest grunt to crucial quest-givers. Eager to test this feature, I embarked on a mission that quickly turned chaotic. Just minutes into exploring the digital landscape of Cumbria, I accidentally triggered a tripwire, forcing me to dispatch three alerted guards using a cricket bat, which soon became drenched in blood.
Later, I equipped myself with a bow and arrow, satisfying my love for archery in games. This allowed me to handle both long and short-range encounters, giving my cricket bat a much-needed break. Amidst the serene yet unsettling setting, I encountered a towering wicker man, a clear nod to the game's folk horror elements that permeate its segmented world of open zones. These elements contribute to an atmosphere of unease that enhances the mystery of what caused this once-sleepy corner of England to become irradiated.
My musings on the game's mysterious backdrop were interrupted by a group of druids, likely connected to the wicker man. They became perfect targets for my new bow. "I'M ROBIN BLOODY HOOD," my mind cheered, before I snapped back to reality in the London pub. The bow felt satisfying to use, but what intrigued me more was Atomfall's innovative stamina system. Instead of a traditional depleting bar, it uses a heart rate monitor that increases with physical exertion. Sprinting, for example, can push your heart rate over 140 bpm, affecting your aim. I later discovered a Bow Mastery skill manual that mitigates this effect, although the skill tree itself seems relatively simple yet customizable enough to suit various playstyles, whether you prefer stealth or direct combat.
Atomfall Screenshots
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My main objective in the demo was somewhat unclear at first, as my aimless exploration of the Casterfall Woods region didn't yield significant results. However, a note led me to seek out a herbalist, Mother Jago, near an old mine. Along the way, environmental storytelling hints at the larger narrative, such as a shimmering, oily swirl over a power plant, the apparent cause of Britain's post-apocalyptic state, and a phone box with a creepy warning to stay out of the woods.
The path to Mother Jago was filled with intriguing details, like an old boathouse with an alarm system and a mound of skulls, contributing to Atomfall's eerie atmosphere. While some draw comparisons to Fallout, I found the game's tone and design more reminiscent of Stalker and its sequel. The exploration reminded me of classic point-and-click adventures, encouraging thorough investigation of every conversation for clues.
After another druid encounter and looting their garden center, I met Mother Jago. Dressed in a plum-colored coat and an animal skull and rose-laden hat, she resembled Angela Lansbury turned witch. Unfortunately, she offered no clear answers to my questions, leaving me to scour every dialogue option for hints. Eventually, she tasked me with retrieving her herbalism book from the druids' fortified castle.
Atomfall's freeform design allowed me to approach the castle from any angle, leading to a skirmish at an abandoned petrol station. The combat, while not the most sophisticated, was fun, but it's clear that the main focus is on uncovering the world's secrets. Inside the castle, I found no sign of the book after extensive searching, highlighting Atomfall's challenging mission design that eschews hand-holding.
Following a lead to map coordinates, I encountered a poison plant monster that required a strategic approach to bypass. Back at the castle, I found perks and ammo but no book. Delving deeper into the castle's underbelly, I engaged in combat with the druids' High Priestess and her followers, uncovering new items and a potential new questline, but still no book.
After my session, I learned the book was actually in the castle, on a table I had overlooked. Frustrated and confused, I returned to Mother Jago and, in a moment of madness, killed her, believing the book might be a ruse. Searching her body, I found a recipe to combat the poison swamp monster, which could have been the valuable information she promised.
Atomfall's developers at Rebellion suggest a playtime of around 25 hours, with significant variation in player experiences. My fellow demo participant had an entirely different adventure involving a crashed helicopter and killer robots, showcasing the game's depth and variety. While the lack of direction might be off-putting for some, Atomfall rewards those who embrace its complex quest design, allowing each player to craft their own narrative within its irradiated English countryside.
As my demo concluded, with blood on my hands from the unnecessary killing of Mother Jago and a trail of chaos behind me, I decided to embrace full-British mode: take my cricket bat, head back to the pub, and wait for the storm to pass.
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