Atomfall Must Forge Its Own Path, Steering Clear of One Fallout Feature

Bethesda’s role-playing games, like those within The Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, often set the standard for what’s to come in the genre. They become the yardstick against which new releases are measured. This is particularly true for Atomfall, the upcoming title from Rebellion Developments that shares some DNA with Fallout, given its action RPG nature set in a post-nuclear world. The comparisons were inevitable, but not unwelcome.

Yet, one area where Atomfall might want to carve its niche is in combat. The modern Fallout games aren’t exactly celebrated for their combat mechanics, an area Atomfall would do well not to emulate. Instead, it should venture out to develop its unique style that stands apart from the Fallout series’ legacy.

Combat in Bethesda’s recent Fallout games, despite the franchise’s rich world-building and player freedom, has been a contentious point. The shift from Interplay’s original turn-based system left Bethesda with the daunting task of crafting engaging real-time combat, something that hasn’t fully won fans over.

For Atomfall, expectations around combat are high. Rebellion Developments has made it clear that while RPG elements will be a part of the game, a heavier focus will be placed on combat and survival mechanics. The stakes are even higher given Rebellion’s track record with the Sniper Elite series, well-known for its distinctive and engaging combat systems. If Atomfall can bring some of that tried-and-tested formula into its framework, it could provide a fresh, gripping combat experience.

However, gameplay previews suggest Atomfall might be echoing some of Fallout’s combat pitfalls. Footage points to FPS and melee combat that may not be hitting the high marks hoped for. But there’s still time for some fine-tuning. Game developers may take the community’s feedback into account post-launch to tweak and enhance combat features.

Atomfall is all set for its debut on March 27, 2025, across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, it’ll be ready to play from day one.

To elevate Atomfall’s combat, adding diversity in stealth options like traps and silenced weapons could be key. Mechanics such as cover systems, evasive actions, and a refined melee repertoire featuring combos and parries would enrich the experience significantly. In Atomfall’s resource-scarce world, stealth and melee become central. Drawing on the innovation of the Sniper Elite series, Atomfall could push tactical engagement to new heights.

The melee mechanics in many action RPGs often fall short, lacking depth beyond standard blocks or attacks. Atomfall could invigorate this aspect with parries, combinations, and creative maneuvers, making melee both aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to execute.

Atomfall, inspired by the real Windscale nuclear event, is set in a British landscape where players will navigate a world filled with intrigue, myths, and conflict. The game promises a mesh of storytelling and exploration, enriched with choices that have real consequences. With severe challenges in combat accentuated by scarce resources, each encounter becomes a test of survival, strategy, and skill. As players unravel Atomfall’s mysteries, their journey through this dense and captivating world is set to be quite the adventure.