[PlayStation 5] Review of Atomfall | PS4Blog.net

Rebellion’s latest offering, Atomfall, delivers a gripping survival-action experience set in a world inspired by historical events. The game unfolds five years after the Windscale nuclear disaster in Northern England. This catastrophe, which occurred on October 10, 1957, remains the UK’s most severe nuclear incident and ranks among the worst globally. For three harrowing days, a nuclear fire blazed, releasing hazardous radioactive material across the UK and Europe. Atomfall imagines an even more dire aftermath of the disaster.

In Atomfall, the affected area is sealed off, with all external communication severed. This quarantine zone is shrouded in mystery, and as you delve in, you’ll uncover its dark secrets. Your journey begins inside an abandoned bunker, but how you got there, or who you are, is a complete mystery. While quaint locations exist in this unknown territory, they’re few and far between. Years ago, these isolated inhabitants adapted in rather peculiar ways, with distinct factions like the Protocol, B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division), the Outlaws, and the Druids now vying for control. Surviving in this harsh environment requires scavenging for supplies while standing your ground against mutated creatures and rival factions.

Supplies in the wasteland are limited and coveted by many. Efficient use of resources is crucial, as is crafting vital items and weapons. Ammo scarcity makes short-range combat a strategic approach. Early in the game, you might find a pistol but with inadequate ammo for a full reload, or perhaps a high-damage single-shot rifle that leaves you vulnerable if caught unprepared.

As you journey through the wasteland, choose from five difficulty settings: Sightseer, Investigator, Brawler, Survivor, and Veteran. Sightseer lets you focus on the narrative without combat concerns, while Investigator increases the challenge. Brawler and Survivor offer escalating difficulties, with Survivor providing a balanced blend of exploration, combat, and survival. Veteran level offers an intense challenge, where even minor mistakes can be fatal.

Atomfall’s first-person perspective lets you control your character’s movements with the left stick, while the right stick allows you to survey your surroundings. Running, crouching, and using cover effectively can help maintain stealth as you navigate hostile territories. Weapons can be aimed and fired with precision, with your heart rate influencing your accuracy. Strategic use of throwable items, like Molotov cocktails for group attacks, can also be advantageous.

Instead of conventional quests, Atomfall presents Leads that you gather through interactions and discoveries. These Leads, riddled with potential misinformation, require careful investigation as you navigate the map unaided by specific waypoints.

Bartering emerges as a vital component of the game. Using collected items, you’ll trade with various traders, each offering different inventories and trade preferences. Recipes for crafting can be found in the field or purchased, allowing you to create necessary items or upgrade weapons through crafting and repair systems.

Skills in Atomfall are acquired through Training Stimulants and Manuals, enabling character enhancements like reduced damage from melee or increased bartering power. The game also caters to diverse players with accessibility features including adjustable UI text, subtitle sizes, and audio cues for easier navigation and interaction.

For players eager for trophies, Atomfall offers a rich list, including a coveted Platinum trophy through various in-game challenges. The Cross-Buy feature allows access to the PS4 and PS5 versions with a single purchase, while the Deluxe Edition, priced at $79.99, offers additional perks like early access and expansion packs.

Atomfall is more than a game; it’s an exploration of survival in a world where history and fiction collide. As it launches on March 27, this title promises a deeply engaging experience that tests your wits and resilience in an unforgiving environment. Surviving in this newly imagined world is no small feat. Can you rise to the challenge?