Atomfall: Surviving the Apocalypse One Barter at a Time

A post-apocalyptic adventure where your inventory is as scarce as your patience

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to Atomfall, a game where the apocalypse is not just a setting but a lifestyle choice. In this world, survival is key, and your inventory space is as limited as your patience for backtracking. Let’s dive into the radioactive wasteland and see what this game has to offer.

Gameplay: A Balancing Act of Survival and Strategy

Atomfall’s gameplay is a cocktail of survival mechanics, exploration, and combat, with a twist of player choice and consequence. The world is richly detailed, encouraging exploration with handcrafted zones filled with secrets and stories. However, the lack of fast travel can make backtracking feel like a never-ending episode of “Are We There Yet?”

The survival aspect is emphasized through scarce resources and a barter system that replaces traditional currency. This adds a strategic layer to resource management, but the small inventory space can be a hoarder’s nightmare. Combat is a mixed bag, with firearms stealing the show thanks to their variety and sound design. Melee combat, on the other hand, feels like trying to swat a fly with a newspaper—awkward and ineffective.

Customization options are extensive, allowing players to tailor their experience. However, the skill system is underwhelming, with skills rarely feeling necessary. Exploration is rewarded with crafting blueprints and skill upgrades, but the crafting system makes Minecraft look straightforward. The game world is lively, with NPCs interacting naturally, adding to the immersion.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Nostalgia

Atomfall’s graphics are a visual treat, especially in its depiction of a post-apocalyptic environment. The use of the Asura engine offers a refreshing change from the common Unreal 5, creating a unique visual appeal. The British countryside is beautifully rendered, adding to the game’s immersive quality.

Performance-wise, Atomfall is a well-oiled machine, running smoothly at high frame rates across various hardware configurations. Players report impressive frame rates, even on older PCs, making it a positive departure from the norm. However, the game’s graphical fidelity doesn’t push beyond what was seen in 2015, and technical issues like high VRAM usage and anti-aliasing problems can detract from the experience.

Despite these criticisms, the game’s graphics are generally well-received, with the atmosphere and performance being standout features. The detailed and immersive visuals, combined with the game’s optimization, make it a visually appealing experience.

Story: A Mystery Wrapped in a Post-Apocalyptic Enigma

Atomfall’s story is a mixed bag, with some players finding it rich and engaging, while others criticize it for lacking depth. The narrative is praised for its captivating elements of mystery and intrigue, keeping players engrossed. The open-ended choices and ‘leads’ system encourage exploration and personal decision-making, allowing players to shape their own experiences.

The story is set in a world reminiscent of Bethesda’s “Fallout” series, with a strong emphasis on exploration and environmental storytelling. However, some players find the story derivative, likening it to a mix of “Stranger Things” and Stephen King’s “The Mist.” The reliance on reading numerous notes to piece together the story is seen as a drawback, and the lack of character progression diminishes the incentive to engage with the narrative.

Overall, while the story is considered a strong point of the game, some players feel it lacks a strong narrative hook and meaningful character development. Despite these criticisms, the story and world-building are seen as the main attractions, offering a gripping, strange, and unsettling experience.

Final Verdict

Atomfall offers a unique experience with potential for great replayability, but it requires refinement in its mechanics and increased interactivity to enhance the gameplay experience. The game is recommended for those who appreciate its survival elements and strategic combat, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its design choices and technical issues.

Score: 7.1/10