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MONSTER

Atomfall

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Atomfall
Item: Atomfall
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Open World, RPG, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableMar 24, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperRebellion

Overview

A nuclear disaster has left an area of Britain in tatters. Atomfall, a new survival-action game, will see you explore, scavenge, craft, barter and fight your way through beautifully recreated scenery in search of answers. A single player, survival-action game, Atomfall blends post-war Britain with Cold War paranoia, folk horror, and elements of classic British sci-fi like Day of the Triffids, Doctor Who and The Prisoner, to create an immersive and thrilling gameplay experience. Set in the rolling British countryside with idyllic pubs, quaint villages, and red phone boxes it soon becomes clear that things are far from normal. Created by Rebellion, the makers of the much-loved Sniper Elite and Zombie Army franchises, Atomfall is inspired by a real-world nuclear disaster that occurred in northern England in 1957.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"Atomfall" impresses with its unique post-apocalyptic premise and exploration-driven storytelling, but critics slam its shallow narrative, weak character development, and predictable twists. While the game's branching paths offer potential, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience, leaving players frustrated with unmet expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Atomfall has garnered a mixed reception from critics, with several highlighting its intriguing premise and engaging narrative structure. Many reviewers, such as Dexerto and GINX TV, praised the game's setting in a post-apocalyptic world influenced by real-life events like the Windscale disaster, noting that it creates a compelling atmosphere ripe for exploration and discovery. Critics also appreciated the game's emphasis on player choice and the branching narratives that arise from interactions with various factions, as highlighted by Stevivor and PlayStation Universe. The emergent storytelling approach, which unfolds organically through exploration rather than traditional cutscenes, was also noted as a positive aspect by Creative Bloq and GamesRadar+, enhancing immersion and player engagement. However, despite these positives, numerous critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the narrative. ZTGD and Invader expressed disappointment with the thinness and lack of depth in the story, suggesting that character development, particularly for the protagonist Eve, was insufficient. Many reviewers, including GamePro Germany and IGN Italia, criticized the narrative for its predictable twists and superficiality, leading to a lack of emotional investment in the characters and their journeys. The absence of clear motivations and engaging NPCs was a recurring theme, with IGN Adria noting that the story could become tedious over time, while Gaming Nexus remarked on the anticlimactic ending that left many questions unanswered. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Atomfall presents a fascinating premise and a unique storytelling approach, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and satisfying narrative experience. The game’s exploration-driven storytelling and branching paths were appreciated, but the lack of depth, character development, and meaningful resolutions detracted from the overall impact of the story. Critics like Digital Trends and The Jimquisition encapsulated this sentiment, suggesting that the intriguing ideas within Atomfall are undermined by execution flaws that prevent the narrative from reaching its full potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Atomfall impresses with its emphasis on exploration and player choice, offering customizable difficulty and a sandbox experience. However, it suffers from clunky combat mechanics, a frustrating crafting system, and poor enemy AI, leading to a mixed reception from critics. While the game has potential, significant gameplay flaws detract from the overall enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Atomfall has garnered a mix of positive feedback, particularly regarding its emphasis on exploration and player choice. Critics like Gfinity and Gaming Nexus appreciate the customizable difficulty settings and the freedom to approach challenges in various ways, which enhances the overall experience. The game’s open-ended structure allows players to engage in detective work and exploration, as noted by GameSpot and The XboxHub, creating a sandbox-like environment that encourages curiosity. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Movies Games and Tech, highlight the engaging nature of the crafting system and the thrill of resource management, which adds depth to the gameplay. However, the negatives surrounding Atomfall's gameplay are significant and frequently mentioned across various reviews. Many critics, including Games.cz and Game8, point out the clunky combat mechanics and frustrating crafting system, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. The combat, while described as having moments of intensity, is often criticized for being simplistic and rudimentary, as noted by Malditos Nerds and ZTGD. Furthermore, issues with enemy AI and inventory management create additional challenges that can frustrate players, as highlighted by GameSpot and IGN Spain. The lack of direction in quests and the repetitiveness of certain tasks also contribute to a less satisfying experience, as indicated by IGN Deutschland and Eurogamer. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Atomfall offers a compelling exploration and decision-making experience, it is hampered by significant flaws in its combat and crafting systems. Many reviewers, including TechRadar Gaming and Push Square, express that the gameplay feels uneven, with enjoyable exploration elements overshadowed by clunky mechanics and frustrating encounters. The game shows promise in its design and concept, but the execution leaves much to be desired, leading to a mixed reception that highlights the need for improvement in key gameplay areas.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Atomfall impresses with stunning visuals and immersive environments, especially its vibrant portrayal of the British countryside, thanks to the Asura Engine. Critics celebrate its unique retro-futuristic style, making it a standout in the post-apocalyptic genre. However, it faces criticism for outdated character models and low-resolution textures, which detract from the overall experience. While many appreciate the artistic design, the game’s graphical inconsistencies create a mixed reception among players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The reviews for Atomfall's graphics and visual design reveal a generally positive sentiment regarding its artistic direction and environmental aesthetics. Critics like CGMagazine and ZTGD highlight the game's stunning visuals and the immersive environments created using Rebellion's Asura Engine. Many reviewers, including Slant Magazine and TechRadar Gaming, praise the game for its vibrant representation of the British countryside, with lush landscapes that enhance the exploration experience. The unique blend of retro-futuristic elements, as noted by Creative Bloq and Critical Hits, contributes to a distinctive visual identity that resonates with players, making it a standout in the post-apocalyptic genre. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's graphical quality, particularly in terms of character models and texture resolution. Gameliner and GameMAG point out that some aspects of the visual design feel outdated, resembling early Xbox One titles, which detracts from the overall experience. Many critics, such as IGN Italia and Eurogamer, echo this sentiment by mentioning low-resolution textures and a lack of depth in certain areas, leading to a perception of superficiality in the game world. Furthermore, reviewers like Xbox Tavern and TheSixthAxis highlight issues with character animations and models, which fail to match the quality of the well-designed environments. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a mixed but predominantly favorable view of Atomfall's graphics and visual design. While the game excels in creating beautiful and immersive environments that capture the essence of British landscapes, it struggles with character model quality and texture details that feel dated. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Movies Games and Tech appreciate the stunning visuals and artistic design, yet many agree that the game could benefit from a more polished graphical presentation. The combination of impressive environmental design with noticeable shortcomings in character visuals creates a dichotomy that may affect player immersion, ultimately leading to a varied reception among the gaming community.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Atomfall shines with impressive voice acting, especially its charming British accents, and effective sound design that enhances immersion. However, technical issues like audio glitches—particularly on Xbox—detract from the experience. Critics also find the music lacking in variety and memorability, with missed opportunities for more impactful tracks. Overall, while the audio elements are promising, significant flaws in sound quality and score leave much to be desired.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Atomfall have garnered a mix of praise and critique from various reviewers. Critics have highlighted the strengths of the game’s voice acting, particularly the British accents that add charm and immersion to the experience. IGN Spain noted that the inclusion of British voice acting with Spanish subtitles works well, enhancing the humor and overall enjoyment of the game. Additionally, several reviewers, such as GamePro Germany and GamingBolt, appreciated the quality of the voice performances, which contribute positively to the atmosphere. The sound design has been recognized for its ability to enhance the immersive experience, with critics like Critical Hits and PlaySense praising the impactful sound effects and contextual audio cues that evolve with the narrative. However, the sound design is not without its flaws. Multiple reviewers, including Gameliner and Xbox Tavern, reported technical issues such as audio cutting out during gameplay, particularly on Xbox consoles, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics like Stevivor also noted that sound cues can break during and after combat, further compromising immersion. While some reviewers acknowledged the sound design's strengths, they pointed out that the music itself often lacks variety and memorability. For instance, Multiplayer.it mentioned that the music fails to fully utilize the English setting, missing opportunities for licensed tracks, while Gfinity criticized the repetitive transitions during combat that disrupt immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Atomfall features a commendable sound design with strong voice acting and atmospheric effects, it is hindered by notable technical issues and a lackluster musical score. Reviewers like Movies Games and Tech and Hobby Consolas echoed sentiments that the music does not leave a lasting impact, which diminishes the overall audio experience. Despite the game's strong atmospheric elements, the inconsistencies in sound quality and the shortcomings of the musical score suggest that there is room for improvement in future updates or iterations of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Atomfall's voice acting receives mostly positive reviews for its authentic British accents that enhance immersion and charm. Critics like Digital Spy and Daily Star praise the performances, while some, including Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral, find the quality lacking and dialogue awkward. Overall, the voice acting is a standout feature, enriching the game's narrative despite some criticisms regarding depth and translation issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Atomfall has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, with many praising the inclusion of British accents that enhance the game's atmosphere and immersion. Reviewers from Digital Spy and Daily Star highlighted how the distinct British voices contribute to the charm and humor of the experience, while IGN Spain noted the positive impact of British English complemented by Spanish subtitles. Critics like Xbox Tavern and Movies Games and Tech emphasized the strong performances that bring characters to life, with the latter specifically mentioning the unique accents that add depth to both humorous and emotional moments. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a strength of the game, with many critics acknowledging its role in enhancing the narrative experience. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics, such as Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral, expressed concerns about the quality of the voice acting, describing it as mediocre or workmanlike. Gamer.no noted that while the British charm adds appeal, the characters lacked depth. Additionally, Metro GameCentral criticized the dialogue for being awkward and failing to utilize regional dialects effectively. There were also mentions of translation errors, as pointed out by Hobby Consolas, which could detract from the overall experience for non-English speakers. Furthermore, Loot Level Chill raised the issue of the protagonist being voiceless, which may hinder player connection to the character. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that Atomfall's voice acting is a significant asset to the game, with many praising the authentic British accents and the charm they bring to the characters. While there are some criticisms regarding depth and quality, particularly from reviewers like Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral, the majority of opinions lean towards a favorable view of the voice performances. Critics like Impulsegamer and PlayStation Universe highlighted the well-acted leads and the cultural representation, indicating that the voice acting, despite its flaws, contributes positively to the game's immersive experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Atomfall's technical performance is a mixed bag. Xbox Series X gets praise for stability but suffers serious bugs and audio glitches. PlayStation 5 maintains a solid 60 FPS and quick load times, yet faces its own issues, including frame rate drops and AI glitches. Overall, while the PS5 version is generally better received, both platforms reveal significant technical shortcomings that hinder the gaming experience. Developers need to address these inconsistencies for an optimal gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Atomfall varies notably across platforms, with the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 each receiving a mix of positive feedback. On the Xbox Series X, critics such as Invader and Malditos Nerds commend the game's overall stability and smooth operation, suggesting that it runs well despite some minor issues. Similarly, on the PlayStation 5, many reviewers, including Gfinity and PlaySense, highlight the game's capacity to maintain a stable 60 frames per second, with smooth gameplay and short loading times. The performance on PS5 is generally regarded as solid, with some reviewers appreciating the frequent autosaves and compact world design that enhance the experience. However, the negative feedback for both platforms reveals significant concerns. On the Xbox Series X, Gameliner and Xbox Tavern point out serious technical issues, including game-breaking bugs and audio problems that disrupt gameplay. Critics like GameMAG also mention problematic puzzles that affect stability. On the PlayStation 5, while many reviews are positive, there are still notable criticisms. Gamer.no and The Jimquisition highlight glitches and AI issues that can detract from immersion, with some reviewers like IGN Adria noting frame rate drops during dynamic scenes. Stevivor mentions progression-blocking bugs, indicating that not all experiences on PS5 are seamless. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a divided experience for Atomfall across platforms. While the Xbox Series X faces more substantial technical issues, the PlayStation 5 receives a more favorable reception, albeit with its own share of glitches and performance hiccups. Critics like IGN Italia and Push Square acknowledge that while the game runs smoothly for the most part on PS5, it still suffers from various technical shortcomings that can impact enjoyment. The mixed reviews indicate that while Atomfall has the potential for an engaging experience, it is marred by inconsistencies that developers may need to address in future updates.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics generally view Atomfall positively for its rich exploration and multiple endings, making it tempting to replay. However, concerns about limited content, short campaigns, and repetitive gameplay may hinder long-term engagement. Ultimately, while the game has replay potential, its shortcomings could dampen the experience for players seeking depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Atomfall is notably positive, with many critics highlighting the game's strengths in exploration and player choice. Reviewers such as Digital Spy and Malditos Nerds praise the rich exploration experience and the multiple factions, emphasizing that these elements encourage players to revisit the game to explore different paths and outcomes. GameSpot and Slant Magazine also commend the branching storylines and multiple endings, suggesting that the ability to utilize knowledge gained from previous playthroughs enhances the gaming experience. Many critics, including Xbox Tavern and Checkpoint Gaming, agree that the game’s design fosters a sense of curiosity and engagement, making it worthwhile for players to explore various choices and alliances. However, despite the positive aspects, several critics point out significant limitations that may hinder the game's replay value. GameMAG and IGN Spain express concerns about the limited number of endings and the game's short campaign duration, which could lead to a lack of content for extended play. Critics like Gfinity and IGN Deutschland mention that the game lacks a compelling reason to return after completion, citing repetitive tasks and diminishing surprises as factors that may deter players from multiple playthroughs. This sentiment is echoed by reviewers such as Daily Star and Gaming Nexus, who note that while the game offers multiple endings, the overall gameplay mechanics may not provide enough incentive for players to revisit. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Atomfall possesses a decent level of replayability primarily due to its multiple endings and exploration opportunities. While many reviews, including those from GamesRadar+ and PlayStation Universe, highlight the potential for varied experiences and the encouragement to explore different choices, there is a notable caution regarding the game's limitations. Critics like The Jimquisition and IGN Italia suggest that the lack of engaging content and meaningful consequences may ultimately restrict the game's replay value. Overall, while Atomfall offers intriguing possibilities for exploration and player choice, its replay value may be tempered by its shortcomings in content depth and gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Atomfall reveals a mixed reception among critics, with several positive aspects highlighted across various reviews. Many reviewers commend the game for its intriguing premise and beautiful visuals, noting that it presents a unique take on survival in a post-apocalyptic setting. Critics such as PlayStation Universe and Gamer.no appreciate the engaging story and the potential for replayability, while others like Digital Spy and Push Square laud the game for its captivating narrative and exploration elements. The game is often described as having a solid foundation with innovative ideas, as pointed out by CGMagazine and GamingBolt, suggesting that there is a rich world and a strong narrative that can appeal to players who enjoy deep mysteries and exploration. However, the criticisms of Atomfall are significant and pervasive, often overshadowing its strengths. Many reviewers express disappointment with the execution of gameplay mechanics and narrative depth. For instance, ZTGD and 4P.de describe the game as lacking depth and engagement, while Digital Trends and IGN Italia point out poor execution in key areas that detract from the overall experience. Issues such as repetitive gameplay, technical flaws, and unclear design decisions are frequently mentioned, with critics like Game Informer and Gfinity highlighting how these shortcomings prevent the game from fully realizing its potential. The combat mechanics, in particular, receive criticism for being clunky and simplistic, as noted by TheXboxHub and Hobby Consolas. In summary, while Atomfall is recognized for its ambitious concepts and engaging narrative, the consensus among critics is that it ultimately falls short of delivering a polished and cohesive experience. Many reviewers, including Metro GameCentral and IGN Adria, see potential in the game but emphasize the need for significant improvements in gameplay mechanics and narrative structure. Despite its flaws, there is a sense of hope among critics for future iterations that could refine its ideas, with several reviewers suggesting that it may still appeal to fans of the genre who are willing to overlook its shortcomings. Overall, Atomfall is viewed as a flawed yet intriguing title that showcases both promise and challenges for its developers.

TL;DR

Atomfall garners mixed reviews, praised for its unique post-apocalyptic premise, stunning visuals, and engaging story. However, critics slam its poor gameplay mechanics, repetitive elements, and lack of depth. Many see potential for improvement, but overall, the game struggles to deliver a polished experience, leaving fans hopeful for future refinements.

MONSTER

Reviews

163 reviews found

100

Digital Spy

Xbox Series X

Mar 26, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is a unique and engaging RPG that combines British sci-fi elements with survival mechanics, providing a thrilling and rewarding experience.

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GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is highly recommended for its compelling narrative and exploration, despite some combat shortcomings, marking it as one of the best games of the year.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is praised as a surprising survival-action game that captivates players with its mystery, exploration, and freedom of choice, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.

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GamesRadar+

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is praised for its unique approach to gameplay and storytelling, making it a standout offline adventure in 2025, despite some backtracking.

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Movies Games and Tech

PlayStation 5

Apr 7, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is a brilliant addition to the post-apocalyptic genre, combining exploration, player-driven storytelling, and beautiful visuals, despite some minor flaws.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 24, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is praised as an outstanding survival game that successfully combines engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a rich cultural setting. Despite some minor flaws, it offers a rewarding experience for players.

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Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is a triumph for Rebellion Developments, showcasing narrative freedom and a dense world that invites exploration, despite some mechanical limitations.

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Loot Level Chill

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is praised for its unique representation of England and engaging story, despite some shortcomings in combat mechanics. It offers a rich exploration experience that may appeal to players who prioritize narrative and world-building over combat.

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GINX TV

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is a brief yet engaging action-survival game that invites players to experience a unique narrative and meaningful gameplay, despite some limitations in upgrades and combat systems.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Atomfall is a testament to intricate RPG design, offering a solid gameplay loop and enchanting locales, despite some narrative shortcomings and gameplay limitations.

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