Review of "Atomfall" on PlayStation 5 | PS4Blog.net

Atomfall from Rebellion presents an intriguing survival-action experience, drawing inspiration from historical events and taking place half a decade after Northern England’s Windscale nuclear catastrophe. Let’s dive into the details in our Atomfall review!

Set amidst the aftermath of a real-life disaster, Atomfall thrusts players five years into the future from the Windscale disaster of October 10, 1957. This incident, one of the most catastrophic nuclear events globally, cast a shadow over the UK as it spewed harmful radioactive materials for three harrowing days, its effects stretching across Europe. In Atomfall’s narrative, the fallout’s repercussions have intensified dramatically.

The affected region has been cordoned off, with all lines of communication severed. Within this mysterious quarantine zone, players awaken in an abandoned bunker, their memories wiped clean. Cut off for five years, the area’s inhabitants have adapted in fascinating, often bizarre ways, with various factions like the Protocol, B.A.R.D., the Outlaws, and the Druids vying for control and survival.

To navigate this treacherous world, scavenging becomes vital. Resources are as scarce as they are essential, forcing players to craft necessary tools and weapons to fend off hostile factions and creatures mutated by radiation. Close-combat weapons often prove more efficient, as conserving precious ammunition is crucial. While players may acquire a pistol early on, they might find ammo insufficient for long battles, thus adding an extra layer of strategy.

Atomfall caters to a variety of playstyles through its five difficulty modes: Sightseer, Investigator, Brawler, Survivor, and Veteran. Opting for Sightseer provides a narrative-focused journey with minimal combat stress. The Investigator ramps up the difficulty somewhat, offering a balanced challenge without overwhelming the player. Brawler mode unforgivingly punishes mistakes, while Survivor mode delivers the quintessential Rebellion experience with a mix of exploration, combat, and survival. For those seeking the ultimate challenge, Veteran mode turns every combat encounter into a potential last stand.

Operating from a first-person viewpoint, controls are intuitive. The left analog stick moves your character, while the right helps you survey your surroundings. Running and crouching are essential, with crouching offering stealth advantages in the varied, open environments. You can jump, kick, and assign items to the D-Pad for quick access, ensuring that every moment of gameplay feels dynamic and engaging.

The R2 button is your go-to for attack, doubling for both melee and ranged weaponry. Aiming, crucial for accuracy, is handled through the L2 button, and reloading is assigned to the Square button. Tactical decisions are everywhere, such as choosing when to employ throwable weapons like Molotov cocktails. The ability to perform stealth takedowns without alerting other enemies adds a tactical edge to encounters.

Instead of traditional quests, players will unravel Atomfall’s mysteries through “Leads,” which could emerge from conversations or stumbled upon clues. These unravel the narrative, though players must discern truth from deception. The lack of waypoints demands meticulous exploration, as you plot your journey across the vast game world.

Trading plays a central role in survival, with barter systems offering opportunities to trade found items for necessary supplies. Traders each have unique inventories and preferences, encouraging players to explore all trading possibilities to maximize their limited resources.

Crafting in Atomfall requires players to discover recipes, either through purchasing or exploration, before gathering the necessary ingredients and components. Weapons can be repaired and uprated through crafting, from rusty to pristine. Collect Training Manuals to unlock skills, enhancing your abilities and opening new gameplay strategies, whether improving your damage resistance, negotiation skills, or weapon handling.

Atomfall also embraces accessibility, offering text scaling, subtitle options, traversal indicators, and motion control adjustments to ensure the game can be tailored to your personal preferences. Sound cues and auto-fire settings further enhance the accessibility, making for an inclusive gaming experience.

With a complete trophy list, including a desirable Platinum trophy, Atomfall offers replayability and satisfaction in equal measure. As a Cross-Buy title, players can enjoy both the PS4 and PS5 versions with a single purchase, and the Deluxe Edition sweetens the deal with additional content like Early Access and expansions.

In sum, Atomfall is set to leave a significant mark on the survival-action genre, combining historical intrigue with compelling gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re unraveling its mysteries or battling through the quarantine zone, Atomfall delivers a gripping experience. Get ready for its release on March 27 with the option to pre-order, ensuring you’re among the first to venture into this hazardous world brimming with danger and adventure.