Andrew Newton reviews Atomfall…
Had I not seen the early trailers and press releases, Atomfall would have caught me completely off guard. It’s easy to assume that a post-apocalyptic survival game set in a world ravaged by a nuclear accident would feel and look a lot like Fallout, but this one takes a sharp, refreshing turn. What I got instead was a unique blend of British sensibilities, quirky charm, and a survival action experience unlike anything I expected, all set in the green and picturesque Lake District.
Gameplay & Mechanics: A Survival Twist
In terms of gameplay, Atomfall is a survival action game that constantly challenges you to think on your feet. It’s not just about finding the right weapons or making it to the next lead location – it’s about crafting on the go. The game cleverly allows you to craft items without needing a workbench, which is a huge plus in the open world when your inventory space is limited. You can’t carry around stacks of bandages or Cornish pasties as each takes an inventory slot, so every decision about what to carry feels intentional and strategic. The use of the cricket bat as a weapon is particularly delightful; it feels quintessentially British, and it’s easily one of the most fun tools of destruction in the game (nothing like the sound of leather on willow).
The crafting system isn’t the only innovative aspect. Rather than giving you a traditional map with clear quest markers, Atomfall introduces “leads” that hint at new locations or tasks, offering players the freedom to discover them at their own pace. It’s a brilliant touch that adds to the game’s atmosphere of mystery and exploration in a beautifully crafted world.
Visuals & Audio: A Stark Contrast
Graphically, Atomfall delivers a stunning visual experience. The beauty of the British countryside, with its lush greenery and tranquil lakes, serves as a stunning backdrop for the dark, eerie presence of a nuclear plant looming in the distance. The contrast between natural life and industrial decay is striking, and it provides an eerie calm as you navigate the world.
The sound design also plays a huge role in setting the atmosphere. The soundtrack, while generally unobtrusive, ramps up the tension beautifully when combat begins. Nature sounds – birds chirping, streams flowing – fill the environment, and when you throw in the variety of British accents (from Welsh to Liverpool and Yorkshire), it all adds up to a world that feels alive yet chilling.
Combat & Exploration: Tension and Strategy
What stands out most in Atomfall is its approach to combat. Unlike other games in the genre, enemies in Atomfall don’t immediately rush to attack. Whether it’s Outlaws, Druids, or soldiers, they’ll warn you first, giving you the chance to back off and avoid unnecessary combat (ideal for low ammo/ low health situations). This subtle mechanic gives the game an air of tension and lets you make decisions based on your exploration, not just on fighting.
However, it’s not without its issues. The backpack size is frustratingly small, which adds an extra layer of challenge, but it can feel overly restrictive at times. And the inability to stack multiple items of the same type (why not stack three bandages?) can be a bit tedious, especially when you’re constantly running low on space.
Ranged Weaponry: Limited But Effective
While Atomfall leans heavily into close-quarters combat, the game offers a modest selection of ranged weapons that fit its 1950s British setting. Firearms are few and far between, reflecting the scarcity of bullets in a world where ammunition is not a common resource. When you do find a rifle or shotgun, they’re powerful but limited, making each shot count. It’s a refreshing change from other survival games where firearms are often the go-to choice for combat. Instead, ranged combat in Atomfall feels more deliberate, requiring you to be resourceful and strategic with your shots.
For those who prefer a more stealthy approach, bows are a surprisingly easy weapon to come across, with arrows being plentiful and easily replenishable. They provide a tactical advantage for players looking to sneak past or quietly take out enemies without alerting the entire area. The scarcity of ammo for traditional firearms adds an extra layer of tension, but the bow offers a reliable and stealthy alternative, perfect for players looking to avoid direct confrontation while still staying effective in ranged combat.
Comparisons & Unique Touches: A Post-Apocalyptic Gem
Atomfall scratches the same itch as games like Fallout and Elden Ring. The open-world exploration, the post-apocalyptic setting, and the air of mystery and discovery all contribute to a rich experience that keeps you engaged. However, it distinguishes itself with its uniquely British sci-fi and horror settings and factions, which feel refreshingly different from the typical American or global settings found in other titles. The fact that the game’s environment (the green woodlands, little stone walls and quaint cottages) often feels like it could be a scene from All Creatures Great and Small gives it an oddly soothing, nostalgic vibe for anyone familiar with British culture.
Final Thoughts: Ideal for Open-World Fans
At around 15 hours of gameplay, Atomfall is a compact experience, but one that will make you want to dive back in to explore alternate paths and endings. It’s perfect for those who love a good open-world romp and appreciate a bit of British charm mixed with post-apocalyptic drama. While it’s not without its shortcomings (particularly in terms of inventory management), Atomfall is definitely a game worth checking out, especially for anyone who enjoys a good survival game with a unique twist. It makes me proud to be British.
Atomfall is a survival game that compels you to keep exploring and following those leads. Every encounter with an enemy will have you shouting “tally ho,” leaving you feeling either chuffed or gutted, depending on how it goes.
Rating: 9/10
Andrew Newton
