"Atomfall Massacre: I Snapped and Killed All"

Embark on a thrilling journey through the English countryside with *Atomfall*, the new survival-action game from the creators of *Sniper Elite*, Rebellion. I recently had the chance to dive into the game during a hands-on session at a pub in North London, and the experience left me both intrigued and slightly unhinged. The open-ended mission design and eerie atmosphere of *Atomfall* captivated me, leading to a rather violent escapade where I even found myself attacking innocent NPCs, including an unsuspecting old lady, with a cricket bat. Let me walk you through my experience.

In *Atomfall*, every NPC is fair game for elimination, from the lowliest grunt to the most crucial quest-giver. Eager to test this mechanic, I embarked on a mission of chaos from the get-go. Mere minutes into exploring the digital Cumbria, I triggered a tripwire alarm, forcing me to dispatch three alerted guards with nothing but a cricket bat, now baptized in their blood.

Later, I equipped a bow and arrow, satisfying my love for archery in games. With this, I could handle both long and short-range encounters, giving my cricket bat a much-needed break. The landscape featured a towering wicker man, a nod to the game's folk horror influences, which I wisely avoided. The segmented world of *Atomfall* is divided into multiple "open zones," creating an atmosphere ripe with mystery and tension. What exactly transpired in this now-irradiated corner of England remains a puzzle I'm eager to solve.

My musings were interrupted by a group of druids, likely connected to the wicker man. They became perfect targets for my bow. As I took them down, I couldn't help but feel like Robin Hood. The bow felt satisfying to use, but what truly piqued my interest was *Atomfall*'s innovative approach to stamina. Instead of a traditional depleting bar, the game uses a heart rate monitor that increases with physically taxing actions. Sprinting raises your heart rate above 140 bpm, affecting your aim. I later discovered a Bow Mastery skill manual that mitigated the impact of a high heart rate on archery, although the skill tree seems straightforward, it allows for customization to suit various playstyles, such as stealth or gunplay.

Atomfall Screenshots

13 Images

With a trail of dead druids behind me, I pondered my ultimate goal. Following a note, I set out to find Mother Jago, a herbalist near an old mine. The journey was filled with environmental storytelling, from a power plant shrouded in eerie colors to a ringing phone box with a creepy warning. The game's atmosphere constantly shifted from serene forests to zones of terror, drawing comparisons to *Stalker* more than *Fallout* in terms of tone and design.

After another druid massacre, I met Mother Jago, who resembled a mystical version of Angela Lansbury. She offered cryptic answers, reminiscent of classic point-and-click adventures where every conversation could yield a vital clue. She tasked me with retrieving her herbalism book from a druid-occupied castle, leading me on another violent path.

*Atomfall*'s freeform design allowed me to approach the castle from any angle. I engaged in a chaotic battle at an abandoned petrol station, using grenades and nail bombs against druid patrols. The enemy AI could use more sophistication, but the visceral combat added a thrilling element to the exploration.

Inside the castle, I found no trace of the book, just crafting materials. *Atomfall*'s mission design is deliberately obtuse, challenging players to explore without hand-holding. Frustrated but intrigued, I followed map coordinates to find keys, leading me to a confrontation with a poison plant monster. After several attempts, I retrieved the keys and returned to the castle, only to find more items, but still no book.

Descending deeper into the castle, I battled the High Priestess and her followers, uncovering new items and a potential new questline. Yet, the book remained elusive. It wasn't until after my demo that I learned it was on a table I had overlooked multiple times. Feeling misled, I returned to Mother Jago, only to kill her in a fit of frustration, finding a recipe that could have helped against the poison monster.

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Xbox Games Series Tier List

Developers at Rebellion estimate *Atomfall*'s story could take anywhere from four to 25 hours to complete, with varied experiences for each player. My fellow demo participant encountered a crashed helicopter and a region with killer robots and mutants, showcasing the game's depth and variety.

While the game's objectives can be frustratingly obscure, *Atomfall* rewards those who embrace its challenging quest design. The blend of side and main objectives creates a thrilling narrative experience, allowing players to carve their own path through the irradiated English countryside. My journey, marked by violence and confusion, may end differently from others, but it's a testament to the game's immersive and unpredictable nature.

With my hands stained from the chaos I unleashed, I retreated to the pub, cricket bat in hand, ready to reflect on my violent journey through *Atomfall*.