Embark on a thrilling and violent journey through the eerie English countryside with Atomfall, the new survival-action game from the creators of Sniper Elite, Rebellion. I recently spent 90 minutes playing the game in a North London pub, and the experience left me both fascinated and slightly unhinged. The game's open-ended mission design and unsettling atmosphere drew me in, but my playthrough took a darker turn when I started attacking every NPC I encountered, including an innocent old lady, with a cricket bat. Here's why this game had such a profound impact on me.

In Atomfall, every NPC is fair game for elimination, from the lowliest grunt to the most crucial quest-giver. As I began the demo, I decided to test this mechanic to its limits. Barely two minutes into my exploration of the digital Cumbria, I tripped a wire alarm, forcing me to dispatch three alerted guards using the blunt end of a cricket bat, which soon became my weapon of choice, baptized in blood.

Later, I acquired a bow and arrow, which I eagerly equipped, embracing my love for archery in video games. This allowed me to switch between long and short-range combat, giving my cricket bat a much-needed break. As I explored, I encountered a towering wicker man, a nod to the game's folk horror influences. These elements contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of Atomfall's open zones, enhancing the mystery of this irradiated corner of England.

My contemplation of the mystery was interrupted by a group of druids, likely connected to the wicker man. They became perfect targets for my new bow. As I took them down, I couldn't help but think, "I'M ROBIN BLOODY HOOD!" The bow felt satisfying to use, but what intrigued me more was Atomfall's innovative approach to stamina. Instead of a traditional stamina bar, the game uses a heart rate monitor that increases with physical exertion. Sprinting, for instance, can push your heart rate over 140 bpm, affecting your aim. I later found a Bow Mastery skill manual that mitigated the impact of a high heart rate on archery, though the skill tree seemed relatively simple. However, it offers enough flexibility to tailor your character's abilities to your preferred playstyle, whether it's stealth or direct combat.

Atomfall Screenshots

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With my only achievement being a trail of dead druids, I sought a clearer goal. Following a note, I ventured towards a herbalist named Mother Jago, near an old mine. Along the way, I noticed hints of a larger narrative, such as a shimmering, oily swirl over a power plant and a creepy phone call warning me to stay out of the woods. The environment is rich with story elements, like an old boathouse with an alarm system and a mound of skulls, creating an uneasy vibe reminiscent of games like Stalker rather than Fallout.

After another druid massacre, I met Mother Jago at her allotment. She resembled Angela Lansbury with a twist of black magic, but her vague answers left me searching for more clues. This reminded me of classic point-and-click adventures, where every conversation could hold a hint. Jago offered valuable information in exchange for her herbalism book, which was held hostage in a druid castle.

Atomfall's freeform design allowed me to approach the castle from any angle. I chose a side attack, encountering a druid patrol at an abandoned petrol station. The ensuing battle was chaotic but fun, though the enemy AI could be more reactive. Inside the castle, I found a locked hut with a note hinting at distant keys. Atomfall doesn't use objective markers, encouraging players to explore and mark their own points of interest. I decided to head straight to the central keep, only to find more druids but no book.

After a thorough search, I followed the map coordinates to retrieve the keys, facing a poison plant monster along the way. Using my Skyrim-honed skills, I managed to bypass the creature and collect the keys, but the hut contained only a perk point and ammo, not the book. Frustrated, I ventured deeper into the castle, killing the High Priestess and her followers, but still no book. I found an SMG, a poison bomb recipe, and an atomic battery, hinting at new questlines, but my time ran out before I could explore further.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Xbox Games Series Tier List

After my session, I learned the book was in the castle all along, on a table I had overlooked. Believing the book was a ruse, I returned to Mother Jago and, in my confusion, killed her. Searching her body, I found a recipe that could have helped against the poison monster, the information she promised in exchange for the book.

Atomfall's runtime is substantial, with developers estimating a minimum of four to five hours to complete the story, and most players taking around 25 hours. The game's design allows for varied experiences, as another player at the demo encountered a crashed helicopter and a region with killer robots and mutants, showcasing the game's depth and secrets.

While some objectives might be too obscure for some players, Atomfall rewards those who engage with its challenging quest design. The blurred lines between side and main objectives add tension and encourage players to craft their own narratives within the game's world. Despite my violent detour, I'm eager to see how my story unfolds, even if it differs greatly from others.

With my hands bloodied from my rampage, I embraced my British roots, took my cricket bat, and headed to the pub to let the chaos of Atomfall settle. This game promises a unique and immersive experience, one that I'm excited to explore further.