Embark on a thrilling adventure through the English countryside with Atomfall, the latest survival-action game from Sniper Elite developer, Rebellion. I recently had the chance to dive into this game during a hands-on session at a pub in North London, and was captivated by its open-ended mission design and haunting atmosphere. In a moment of madness, I found myself attacking every NPC in sight, including an unsuspecting elderly woman, with a cricket bat. Let me delve into the reasons behind my actions.
In Atomfall, every NPC, from the lowliest grunt to crucial quest-givers, can be killed. As I began the demo, I set out to test this feature, albeit in a rather unrefined manner. Barely minutes into exploring the digital Cumbria, I accidentally triggered a tripwire, forcing me to dispatch three guards using a cricket bat, now drenched in blood.
Later, I acquired a bow and arrow, satisfying my penchant for archery in games. Equipped for both close and long-range combat, I allowed my cricket bat a much-needed break. Amidst my exploration, I encountered a towering wicker man, a nod to the folk horror elements that permeate Atomfall's segmented world of "open zones". These elements create an unsettling atmosphere, fueling the mystery of what transpired in this once peaceful, now irradiated part of England.
My contemplation was interrupted by a group of druids, likely connected to the wicker man. They became the perfect targets for my new bow, and as they fell, I couldn't help but feel like Robin Hood. The bow was satisfying to use, but what intrigued me more was Atomfall’s innovative approach to stamina. Instead of a traditional depleting bar, the game uses a heart rate monitor that rises with physically demanding actions. Sprinting can push your heart rate over 140 bpm, affecting your aiming stability. A Bow Mastery skill manual I found later allowed me to mitigate the impact of a high heart rate on my archery. While the skill tree may not be the most complex, it offers enough flexibility to tailor your character's skills to your preferred playstyle, whether it's stealth or combat.
Atomfall screenshots
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My main objective remained unclear as I explored the Casterfall Woods region. Following a note, I sought out a herbalist named Mother Jago near an old mine. Along the way, environmental storytelling hints at a larger narrative, with a power plant emitting a shimmering, oily swirl and a phone box delivering a creepy warning to stay out of the woods.
The path was dotted with eerie touches, like an old boathouse with an alarm system and a mound of skulls, contributing to Atomfall’s tense atmosphere. Comparisons to Fallout have been made, but I find Stalker and its sequel to be more fitting references in terms of both tone and gameplay.
After another druid massacre, I reached Mother Jago at her quaint allotment retreat. Despite her cryptic responses, the encounter reminded me of classic point-and-click adventures, where exploring every conversation could yield crucial clues. Jago offered valuable information in exchange for her herbalism book, supposedly held by the druids in their fortified castle. With this new lead, I set out to retrieve the book.
Atomfall’s open-ended design allowed me to approach the castle from any angle. En route, I engaged in the "Battle of the Forecourt" at an abandoned petrol station, using a grenade and nail bomb against a druid patrol. While the enemy AI could be more reactive, the combat was satisfying. However, it's clear that Atomfall prioritizes exploration and uncovering the world's secrets over top-tier combat.
Inside the castle, I found a locked hut with a note suggesting the keys were far to the southeast. Atomfall eschews objective markers, requiring players to study the map and set their own markers. Ignoring the note, I headed to the central keep, where I dispatched more druids but found no sign of the book. This reflects Atomfall’s challenging mission design, encouraging players to explore thoroughly without explicit guidance.
Following the map coordinates, I encountered a poison plant monster and used my Skyrim skills to bypass it and retrieve the keys. Returning to the hut, I found only a perk point and ammo, neither of which were the book I sought.
Venturing deeper into the castle, I killed the High Priestess and her followers, discovering an SMG, a poison bomb recipe, and an atomic battery hinting at new quests. Yet, the book remained elusive.
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After my session, I learned the book was in the castle, on a table I had overlooked. Frustrated and believing the book might be a ruse, I confronted Mother Jago, ultimately killing her in a fit of confusion. Searching her body, I found a recipe that could combat the poison swamp monster, realizing this was the information she intended to trade for the book.
Atomfall's gameplay can last from four to 25 hours, with varied experiences for each player. A fellow demo participant encountered a crashed helicopter and explored a region with killer robots and mutants, showcasing the game's depth and variety.
While some may find Atomfall’s objectives too vague, the game rewards those who embrace its challenging quest design. The blurred lines between side and main objectives add tension and encourage players to craft their own stories and endings in this mysterious, post-apocalyptic English countryside.
With blood on my hands from Mother Jago's untimely demise, I concluded my session in true British fashion: cricket bat in hand, heading to the pub to wait for the chaos to subside.
