Atomfall Review

Rebellion’s Atomfall is a fascinating take on the post-apocalyptic survival genre, blending elements of Fallout, STALKER, and Metro with a uniquely British aesthetic. Set in a fictionalized version of Northern England following a nuclear disaster, the game offers a gripping mystery, a richly detailed world, and a strong sense of atmosphere. However, while Atomfall excels in storytelling and immersion, it stumbles in several key areas, including combat mechanics, technical performance, and pacing. 

One of Atomfall’s greatest strengths is its setting. The game takes place in a quarantine zone surrounding the Windscale nuclear plant, where players must uncover the truth behind the disaster while navigating a world filled with mutated creatures, rogue military factions, and cultists. The environment is beautifully crafted, with rolling hills, eerie abandoned villages, and underground military facilities that feel genuinely unsettling.  

The game’s open-ended exploration is a highlight, allowing players to tackle objectives in multiple ways. Whether sneaking past enemies, engaging in direct combat, or using environmental clues to piece together the story, Atomfall rewards curiosity. The lack of handholding might frustrate some players, but for those who enjoy uncovering lore organically, it’s a refreshing approach. 

The narrative is engaging, weaving conspiracy theories, government cover-ups, and survival horror elements into a compelling mystery. The game’s approach to storytelling – drip-feeding information through environmental storytelling, documents, and cryptic conversations – adds to the intrigue. The voice acting and dialogue are solid, with some standout performances that enhance the immersion. 

However, the pacing can be inconsistent. Some sections feel gripping and intense, while others drag due to repetitive objectives or unclear direction. The game’s refusal to hold the player’s hand is admirable, but at times, it can lead to frustration when objectives feel too vague. 

Combat is where Atomfall struggles the most. While Rebellion is known for its Sniper Elite series, the gunplay in Atomfall feels underwhelming. Weapons lack impact, and melee combat is particularly weak, with attacks feeling weightless and unresponsive. Enemy AI is inconsistent—sometimes overly aggressive, sometimes bafflingly passive.  

Stealth mechanics exist but feel underdeveloped. Enemies often spot the player unrealistically quickly, making sneaky approaches frustrating. On the flip side, some encounters can be cheesed by exploiting AI weaknesses, which diminishes the challenge. 

Visually, Atomfall is a mixed bag. The environments are stunning, but character models and textures can be rough around the edges. There’s noticeable pop-in, and some areas feel unfinished.  

More concerning are the technical issues. Players have reported game-breaking bugs, including sound cutting out entirely when transitioning between areas, requiring a full restart to fix. While patches have mostly addressed these problems, they can still detract from the experience. 

One of Atomfall’s biggest selling points is its freedom. Players can approach objectives in multiple ways, leading to different outcomes. The game features multiple endings, depending on which factions the player chooses to support. This encourages replayability, as each playthrough can unfold differently. 

However, the lack of fast travel and the sometimes-aimless nature of exploration might turn off players who prefer more structured experiences. While the game’s open-ended nature is a strength, it can also lead to moments where progress feels slow or unclear. 

Conclusion

Atomfall is an ambitious and atmospheric survival RPG that delivers a compelling world and intriguing story. Its open-ended exploration and multiple endings make it a rewarding experience for players who enjoy uncovering mysteries at their own pace. However, its combat mechanics, technical issues, and occasional pacing problems hold it back from greatness. 

For those willing to overlook its flaws, Atomfall offers a unique and immersive adventure. But if you’re looking for polished combat and a more guided experience, you might find its rough edges frustrating.