Atomfall is a post-apocalyptic action role-playing game set in an alternate timeline. A nuclear accident has created a quarantine zone in northern England, and players assume the role of a character who awakens in a bunker with amnesia. The gameplay revolves around navigating perilous environments, engaging with various factions, and uncovering the mysteries surrounding the incident.

While playing Atomfall, a sense of familiarity arose. The core gameplay loop shares similarities with other titles in the genre, presenting a familiar experience within a new context.

One of Atomfall’s strengths lies in its unique setting within England. The environment is compelling, blending picturesque architecture and manicured gardens with retro-futuristic robots and hostile villagers. The protagonist’s amnesia provides a plausible justification for initial player missteps, such as inadvertently wandering into enemy encampments. Resource management is key, as weapons and ammunition are limited. As players progress, they acquire new skills that enable them to craft superior equipment. The narrative unfolds at the player’s pace, supported by numerous side quests and opportunities for exploration.

The game offers a commendable degree of player customization. Difficulty can be adjusted by modifying enemy aggressiveness, navigation assistance, and loot drop rates. The easiest difficulty setting allows for relatively carefree exploration, minimizing the threat of death or getting lost.

Despite its strengths, Atomfall exhibits certain shortcomings. The AI behavior of enemies can be inconsistent. For example, enemies might exhibit simple behavior when pursuing the player up ladders. Furthermore, the stealth mechanics can be unreliable; the “hidden” status indicator doesn’t always align with actual visibility, leading to illogical detection scenarios in different types of cover.

In conclusion, the appealing world and environments of Atomfall are compelling. However, the game’s less polished aspects prevent a full recommendation. The overall experience, while enjoyable, feels somewhat derivative.
Rebellion Developments provided a review code for this evaluation. Provision of review materials does not influence editorial objectivity.