Atomfall

British horror games are having a moment just now, and Rebellion has served up a witty, fun slice of apocalypse.

Though a little rough and ready round the edges, Atomfall’s nuclear fiction is an interesting fusion of ideas, albeit one that isn’t going to blow you away.

Rebellion has, with Atomfall, made a kind of rebellion against modern gaming storytelling which I appreciate even if at times I felt overwhelmed by all the clues I am asked to follow up. It's familiar in many ways but with a different approach to moving you and the story forward, but this isn't necessarily something that will be appreciated by everyone who instead wants a more clear and structured experience.

Atomfall is a cold fusion of elements that work with design decisions that are not entirely clear. Its British scenarios serve as a backdrop for an adventure that flees from the RPG promising a survival that falls short with some mechanics that feel forced. It is still an enjoyable game but comparisons with the greats of the genre leave a project that could have used a few more months of development.

Atomfall isn't Fallout. Sometimes, that's because Fallout is understandably a much bigger, better game. But Atomfall also structures its story and world so unlike typical open-world games, Fallout or otherwise, that the distinction isn't merely meant as a slight on Rebellion's latest effort. Its fresh, mystery-laden open-world design overcomes a bundle of world-building cliches and a few gameplay hindrances to feel novel and worthwhile the entire time. Often, a new video game IP takes until its sequel to truly establish its identity. The theoretical Atomfall 2 feels like it could be a much greater game someday, so long as it's built on this game's intriguing quest framework. Here and now, Atomfall is a good game that sometimes gets in its own way, but it's the process of finding your unique path through its story that will stick with you after the dust settles.