Rebellion’s latest game, Atomfall, thrusts players into a survival-action experience deeply rooted in historical events. Set five years following the catastrophic Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England, this game invites you to explore its gripping narrative landscape.
Back in 1957, on the 10th of October, the United Kingdom experienced its worst nuclear accident, one whose repercussions were felt across Europe. The event’s outcome forms the chilling backdrop for Atomfall, where the consequences of that disaster have escalated dramatically. In response, the affected area was isolated, creating a quarantine zone shrouded in mystery.
As the game kicks off, you find yourself in an abandoned bunker, enveloped by amnesia about your identity and how you got there. The world outside has evolved—those who survived in isolation for five years have grown peculiar, forming factions vying for control. These include Protocol, B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division), the Outlaws, and the Druids.
Survival here means scavenging for supplies amid hostility, as resources are scarce and every find needs careful management. Crafting essential items and weapons is a must to face factions and the radiation-spawned behemoths. Limited ammo makes short-range weapons practical, though you might stumble upon a pistol or a high-powered, albeit single-shot, rifle. But remember, relying on such weapons could leave you exposed if not timed carefully.
Atomfall offers five difficulty settings tailor-fit to different playstyles: Sightseer for narrative enthusiasts, Investigator for a balanced challenge, Brawler for thrill-seekers, Survivor as Rebellion intended, and Veteran for the ultimate test where every misstep could prove fatal.
The game adopts a first-person perspective, putting you directly into the action. Maneuver with the left stick, look around with the right, and use various controls for crouching, jumping, attacking, and more. Silent movement through crouching and strategic hiding is vital for survival. Combat is facilitated by a mix of melee attacks and firearms, with weaponry ranging from bows to Molotov cocktails. Whether sneaking for stealth attacks or crafting your way ahead, each choice impacts your fate.
Instead of straightforward quests, Atomfall introduces ‘Leads’—clues that can mislead or guide you to the truth. It’s up to you to determine their validity, as the game intentionally leaves waypoints off your map, promoting exploration and intrigue.
Bartering becomes essential as you trade found items with merchants for crafting supplies or powerful upgrades. Different traders have specific preferences, adding depth to the exchange dynamics.
To craft robust tools, you first need recipes, obtainable either through exploration or trade. Crafting also allows weapon repair and enhancement, moving them through tiers of quality that affect their performance.
Skills in Atomfall can turn the tide, unlockable with Training Stimulants and Manuals found across the game world. These skills range from damage reduction to improving bartering efficiency, thus customizing your character’s abilities to align with your survival strategy.
Accessibility features ensure a wide range of players can fine-tune their experience, offering options for UI adjustments, auto-movement, and even audio cues for targeting.
For trophy hunters, Atomfall provides a rich roster exclusive to the PS5, complete with challenging achievements, from mastering combat techniques to collecting hidden treasures.
Rebellion’s Atomfall sets a sterling example of merging historical inspiration with compelling gameplay. It launches March 27, priced at $59.99, with a Cross-Buy feature for PS4 and PS5. An $79.99 Deluxe Edition also offers early access and bonus content.
Ultimately, Atomfall asks players a daunting question: can you endure and thrive in this relentless world?
