Rebellion’s Atomfall plunges us into a gripping survival-action experience, taking cues from real historical events. Set half a decade after the infamous Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England, this game’s backdrop is rooted in a chilling reality. The catastrophe, which occurred on October 10, 1957, stands as the UK’s most severe nuclear mishap, with its fiery chaos spanning three days and sending harmful radioactive particles sweeping across the UK and Europe. Atomfall’s narrative amplifies these dire consequences to a whole new, more harrowing level.
After the disaster, the affected area was cordoned off, cutting it off from the outside world. As the unknown looms large over the quarantine zone, players, in Atomfall, begin their journey awakening in an abandoned bunker, with past memories lost to oblivion. While a few quiet spots remain, most of the region spiraled into chaos during the five-year isolation period. Society evolved, or rather devolved, spawning eccentric factions vying for control, each adding layers of danger to your exploration. These include the Protocol, B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division), Outlaws, and Druids, all of which you’ll encounter.
Survival hinges on scavenging whatever resources you can muster, a shared challenge as everyone scrambles for limited supplies. Crafting becomes a necessity, cobbling together weapons and items needed to fend off factions and the monstrous creations bred by radiation. Short-range weapons prove more practical given the severe ammo scarcity. While early finds like pistols might lift your spirits, ammo limitations serve as a constant reminder of the game’s challenge. Some might stumble upon a single-shot rifle, but it leaves you vulnerable once fired, particularly when faced with groups of Outlaws.
In Atomfall, difficulty settings cater to a range of preferences, from the story-focused Sightseer to the grueling Veteran mode. Sightseer eases combat demands, allowing players to immerse themselves in the narrative. Investigator ups the ante with a balanced challenge, while Brawler penalizes mistakes. The Survivor mode offers a standard mix of exploring, fighting, and surviving as the developers intended. For those seeking a real test, Veteran mode punishes every misstep harshly.
Navigating this post-apocalyptic world, players wield the left analog stick for movement and the right for visual exploration. Running involves pressing down on the left stick, and you can crouch with the Circle button, a vital maneuver for stealth. Crouching minimizes noise and offers cover in areas like tall grass. Jumping is mapped to the X button, while L1 lets you kick enemies, disrupting them for follow-up attacks. Quick access to essentials is available through the D-Pad, provided they’re non-consumable items.
Combat mechanics rely on the R2 button for both melee and range attacks with your weaponry. For heavier melee hits, there’s the R1 button, while L2 helps you aim precisely. Reloading is your Square button action, but remember, your heart rate impacts your shooting precision; an agitated state results in poor aim. Throwable weapons, like a Molotov cocktail, can be selected through the weapon wheel (press L1). A stealthy approach, sneaking behind foes, prevents ammo wastage, offsetting the risk of a noisy skirmish.
Instead of conventional quests, Atomfall introduces Leads, which players uncover through dialogues or discoveries of artifacts. It’s your task to piece together these clues and navigate to your target. The twist? Not every Lead can be trusted; misinformation from NPCs can lead you astray deliberately. Maps lack built-in waypoints, so manually placing compass markers is necessary for tracking your chosen path.
Trading stands as a robust mechanic, with bartering playing a significant role. Items collected throughout your journey become currency with traders, who might possess blueprints to craft superior weapons or essential health items. Different traders offer varied stock and trade preferences, so frequent interaction is key to navigating the scarcity of resources efficiently.
Crafting hinges on discovering recipes, either through purchase or exploration. Once known, recipes provide ingredient lists for crafting. They’re also essential for weapon repairs, with weapons categorized into rusty, stock, and pristine quality, the latter requiring creation. Combining two identical weapons alongside gun oil boosts a weapon’s tier, enhancing its attributes.
Progression includes skills unlockable with Training Stimulants, alongside Training Manuals required for certain abilities. Manuals can be found or acquired through traders. Skills span options like Thick Skin to reduce melee damage, advanced weapon-throwing techniques, increased item bartering value through Charisma, or heightened health limits via Fortitude.
Accessibility features ensure a broader audience can enjoy Atomfall. UI text scaling, backplate opacity customization, crosshair coloring, subtitles with adjustable size, NPC highlighting, and traversal prompts all aid in personalized gameplay. Camera customization includes auto-centering, forward movement toggling, auto-traversal, and motion blur adjustments. For auditory navigation, aiming sound cues enhance spatial awareness.
Boasting a full trophy list with a coveted Platinum, Atomfall is available for both PS4 and PS5 as a Cross-Buy title, giving players an extra incentive. The trophy list features diverse challenges — from main storyline milestones to more quirky tasks like finding specific collectibles or concocting delightful British snacks in rapid succession.
Launching March 27, Atomfall will be available as a $59.99 base game, or as part of the $79.99 Deluxe Edition, which adds early access and additional in-game content. So, the question lingers, can you navigate this treacherous world and emerge unscathed? Only time and skill will tell in the engaging world of Atomfall. Please note this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Rebellion.
