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MONSTER

Atomic Heart

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

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Crime, RPG, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 21, 2022

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

DeveloperMundfish

Overview

Atomic Heart is an adventure first-person shooter, events of which unfolds in an alternate universe during the high noon of the Soviet Union. The principal character of the game is a special agent P-3, who after an unsuccessful landing on enterprise "3826" is trying to figure out what went wrong.

Elsewhere

6.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart impresses with its intriguing alternate history and rich world-building, but critics slam its execution. An unlikable protagonist, predictable plot, and cringeworthy dialogue undermine the story's potential. While themes like critiques of communism and technological chaos are appreciated, the narrative ultimately falls into clichés and lacks emotional depth, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

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

The story of Atomic Heart has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its intriguing premise and rich world-building. Many reviewers, such as Gamer.no and PC Invasion, highlight the game's alternate history setting, where a technologically advanced Soviet Union faces chaos due to a robot uprising. Critics like IGN and Gaming Nexus appreciate the exploration of complex themes, including critiques of communism and the consequences of technological advancement. The relationship between the protagonist, Major Sergey Nechaev, and the AI CHAR-Les is noted by CGMagazine as adding depth and humor to the narrative, while GameSpace acknowledges the story's twists and secrets that enhance the overall experience. However, the consensus among critics reveals significant shortcomings in the execution of the narrative. Many reviewers, including AusGamers and TheGamer, describe the protagonist as unlikable and the plot as predictable, suffering from tonal dissonance and excessive verbosity. Critics like Game Informer and LevelUp point out that the dialogue often feels cringey and lacks depth, undermining character development and engagement with the story. IGN Portugal and Vandal echo these sentiments, noting that while the premise is compelling, the narrative ultimately falls into clichés and fails to deliver a coherent and emotionally engaging experience. Overall, the critics' consensus indicates a mixed reception for the story of Atomic Heart. While the alternate history and thematic explorations are appreciated, the execution is marred by an unlikable protagonist, predictable plotlines, and excessive dialogue. Reviewers such as GamesRadar+ and GamePro Germany suggest that despite the game's ambition, it ultimately struggles to weave its narrative threads into a cohesive and engaging story. As a result, while Atomic Heart presents a fascinating setting and premise, it fails to fully realize its potential, leaving many players wanting a more nuanced and compelling narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart impresses with ambitious design and diverse mechanics, offering engaging combat and rewarding exploration, but it’s marred by sluggish movement, tedious mechanics, and repetitive tasks. Critics praise its blend of melee, ranged combat, and RPG elements but point out significant execution flaws like inconsistent AI and cumbersome controls. Despite its potential, the game ultimately disappoints, leaving many feeling it fails to live up to its promising premise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Atomic Heart has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its ambitious design and diverse mechanics. Critics like Wccftech and PCGamesN highlight the engaging combat and the rewarding exploration aspects, with Wccftech noting that the game offers a decent challenge and encourages character progression through crafting and upgrades. The combination of melee and ranged combat, along with unique Polymer abilities, has been positively received, with DualShockers emphasizing the impactful nature of the combat and the variety of upgrades available. Additionally, critics such as Gamer.nl appreciate the mix of first-person shooting with RPG elements, which allows for experimentation and strategic gameplay. However, numerous reviews point out significant shortcomings in the gameplay experience. Xbox Tavern and Gamereactor UK criticize the combat mechanics for feeling unengaging and tedious, with Gamereactor UK specifically mentioning the sluggishness of movement and melee combat. Many critics, including Destructoid and Riot Pixels, echo concerns about the cumbersome control schemes and the repetitive nature of tasks, which detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, issues such as inconsistent enemy AI and poorly implemented open-world elements have been raised by critics like Ragequit.gr and Hey Poor Player, indicating a lack of polish in certain gameplay aspects. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Atomic Heart has the potential for engaging gameplay through its unique mechanics and diverse combat options, it ultimately falls short due to various execution flaws. The game is described as ambitious but plagued by issues such as sluggish mechanics, repetitive tasks, and a lack of variety, as noted by Game Rant and XboxAddict. While some reviewers found enjoyment in the crafting and combat systems, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with many feeling that the game does not fully deliver on its promising premise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart dazzles with stunning graphics and a captivating retro-futuristic aesthetic, earning praise for its artistic direction and vibrant visuals. Critics celebrate its fluid animations and intricate environments, creating an immersive experience. However, issues like an empty open world, repetitive textures, and technical glitches dampen the overall impact. Ultimately, while the game shines visually, it’s marred by performance inconsistencies, leaving critics divided yet impressed with its unique style.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Atomic Heart is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its artistic direction and unique aesthetic. Reviewers like Vgames and Hardcore Gamer highlight the game's stunning graphics and impressive architectural designs, noting that the retro-futuristic Soviet setting is visually captivating. Critics such as CGMagazine and Gameblog.fr commend the game for its hyper-fluid animations and detailed environments, which contribute to an engaging visual experience. The use of vibrant colors and intricate lighting effects, as pointed out by IGN and Hobby Consolas, further enhances the immersive atmosphere, making the game visually striking and appealing. However, despite the overall acclaim, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the visual design. Reviewers like GameSkinny and Twinfinite express disappointment with the game's open world, describing it as empty and lifeless, which detracts from the overall visual appeal. Additionally, some critics, including The Games Machine and Power Unlimited, mention issues with repetitive textures and level designs that fail to maintain the high standards set by the game's opening sequences. Performance issues, such as frame rate drops and graphical bugs, were also highlighted by critics like XboxEra and Multiplayer.it, indicating that while the visuals are impressive, they are marred by technical inconsistencies. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Atomic Heart features a visually impressive and artistically rich design that captures the essence of its retro-futuristic setting. While there are valid criticisms regarding the open world's lack of engagement and some technical performance issues, the majority of reviewers agree that the game's graphics and visual design stand out as one of its strongest aspects. Critics like IGN and PC Gamer encapsulate this sentiment by acknowledging the game's breathtaking visuals and unique aesthetic, making it a noteworthy entry in the gaming landscape despite its flaws.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart boasts an impressive soundtrack by Mick Gordon, praised for its genre-blending and atmospheric enhancement. Critics highlight its emotional depth, but voice acting and sound mixing issues—like drowned-out dialogue and inconsistent music application—detract from the experience. The game shows potential for a compelling audio experience but falters in execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Atomic Heart have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly highlighting the contributions of composer Mick Gordon. Many reviewers, such as Gamer.no and Finger Guns, praised the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the gameplay experience, with Gordon's compositions being described as "fantastic" and "superb." The eclectic mix of genres, including heavy metal, classical Russian melodies, and Soviet pop, has been noted for effectively setting the atmosphere during intense moments, as highlighted by Vgames and Everyeye.it. Critics like XboxAddict and TheSixthAxis emphasized the quality of the audio design, noting how the music blends seamlessly with the game's themes and enhances immersion. However, several reviewers pointed out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall sound experience. The voice acting received considerable criticism, with many critics, including Gfinity and GamingBolt, describing it as poor and awkward, leading to a disconnect between the audio and the narrative. Issues with sound mixing were also highlighted, with GamesRadar+ mentioning how amplified audio tracks often drown out dialogue, creating frustrating moments for players. Additionally, while some found the soundtrack engaging, others, like GameSpot and Eurogamer Germany, noted inconsistencies in its application, where the music sometimes failed to match the gameplay context, leading to moments of dissonance. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the soundtrack and sound design of Atomic Heart feature strong elements that enhance the game's atmosphere, they are marred by notable flaws. The contributions of Mick Gordon are widely celebrated, with many reviewers praising the music's ability to evoke emotion and enhance immersion. However, the persistent issues with voice acting and sound mixing create a divide in the overall experience, as seen in the critiques from Gamereactor Denmark and Windows Central. This duality reflects a game that has the potential for a compelling auditory experience but is hindered by execution challenges in certain areas.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart features a stark divide in voice acting quality; while the Spanish and Russian performances receive praise for depth and engagement, the English voice acting is widely criticized as "atrocious" and clumsy, detracting from the game's immersion and emotional weight. Critics highlight the negative impact of the English dub on player experience, marking it as a significant localization failure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

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

The voice acting in Atomic Heart has received a mix of opinions, with some critics praising the performances, particularly in languages other than English. For instance, IGN Spain and Generación Xbox highlight the excellence of the Spanish voice acting, noting that talented actors deliver memorable performances that add depth to the characters. Additionally, GamingTrend appreciates the quality of the voice acting, particularly the engaging and humorous portrayal of the protagonist, P-3, which enhances character depth. Critics like Hobby Consolas also commend the humor and quality of the voice acting, particularly in the interactions between the protagonist and the character NORA, contributing positively to the game's narrative. However, the English voice acting has faced significant criticism, with many reviewers deeming it subpar. Destructoid describes the English dialogue as "atrocious," recommending players switch to Russian for a better experience. Similarly, PCGamesN notes that the voice acting is clumsy and ill-suited to the game's tone, while Gamereactor Denmark likens the protagonist's delivery to that of Duke Nukem, undermining the game's serious atmosphere. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GGRecon express that the protagonist's dialogue is jarring and unfunny, which detracts from the immersion and overall experience. The overwhelming sentiment is that the English dub fails to capture the intended emotional weight and authenticity of the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a stark divide in the quality of voice acting in Atomic Heart, with the English version receiving widespread criticism for its lack of depth and engaging delivery. Critics such as Player 2, Gfinity, and Xbox Tavern emphasize the negative impact of the protagonist's poorly executed lines on the player's experience. While some languages, particularly Spanish and Russian, are praised for their quality and immersion, the English voice acting is largely viewed as a significant drawback that detracts from the game's potential. The mixed reception ultimately points to a missed opportunity in localization, affecting the overall narrative engagement for players opting for the English version.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart showcases solid performance, especially on PC and Xbox Series X, with features like Nvidia DLSS enhancing stability. However, rampant technical issues—including crashes and bugs—plague all platforms, notably the PS5, leading critics to advise potential players to wait for patches before diving in. Overall, the game's promising foundation is overshadowed by a need for significant polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Atomic Heart across various gaming platforms, it is evident that there are some positives to highlight. On PC, several critics, including AusGamers and GameSpace, noted that the game runs smoothly with commendable stability, even on varied hardware setups, and supports features like Nvidia DLSS, which helps mitigate performance dips. The Xbox Series X also received some praise, with BaziCenter mentioning that it performs well technically, with no significant frame drops or bugs, and ZTG highlighting extremely smooth performance. On the PS5, while the experience is mixed, some reviewers like PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames acknowledged that the game runs to a surprisingly high standard, with high frame rates and visual fidelity, making it one of the more visually appealing titles. However, the negatives associated with Atomic Heart cannot be overlooked. On PC, critics like Player 2 and Finger Guns expressed frustration over significant technical issues, including poor optimization, frequent freezes, and crashes that detract from the overall experience. The PS5 version appears to be particularly plagued by bugs, with WellPlayed and GamesRadar+ reporting numerous glitches, crashes, and issues with the user interface that disrupt gameplay. The Xbox Series X version, while generally performing well, is not without its faults; IGN and Game Rant pointed out performance issues and bugs that can interrupt the gaming experience, indicating that the game is not as polished as it could be. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms is that Atomic Heart suffers from a variety of technical issues that significantly impact the gameplay experience. While there are commendable aspects, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X, the overwhelming sentiment reflects a need for further polishing and patches to address the myriad of bugs and glitches reported by reviewers. Critics like IGN Italia and GameSpew emphasized that despite the game's solid technical foundation, the various issues, including crashes and performance dips, suggest that players may want to wait for updates before diving into the game fully. This mixed reception underscores the challenges faced by the developers in delivering a seamless experience across different platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart has mixed reviews on replay value; while some praise its multiple endings and engaging content, many critics cite bland exploration and tedious quests that deter revisits. A lack of compelling incentives and no New Game+ mode leaves players questioning the allure of returning after the main story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Atomic Heart reveal a mixed sentiment, with several critics highlighting positive aspects that may entice players to revisit the game. For instance, IGN Spain and Generación Xbox both commend the game for its multiple endings and semi-open world filled with secrets and side quests, suggesting that these features can provide significant replay value for those interested in exploring different outcomes. Critics like Hobby Consolas and CGMagazine also point out the game’s substantial content, with gameplay lasting around 20-35 hours, and the presence of varied combat approaches and environmental puzzles, which can enhance the overall experience and encourage players to dive back in for more. However, a considerable number of reviews express concerns about the game's replay value, citing various limitations that may deter players from returning. Destructoid and GamesRadar+ specifically mention a lack of engaging content and meaningful exploration, resulting in low replay value. Critics like Gfinity and WellPlayed emphasize the tedious nature of fetch quests and the inflated plot, leading to a desire to rush through rather than savor the experience. Additionally, several reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and LevelUp, note that the open world feels empty and lacks compelling incentives for exploration, which diminishes the overall allure of replaying the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a cautious outlook on the replay value of Atomic Heart. While some reviewers, such as Dexerto and SpazioGames, acknowledge that the narrative and customizable gameplay could warrant a second playthrough, many others, including GamePro Germany and Xbox Achievements, highlight significant drawbacks, such as the absence of New Game+ modes and the linear nature of the gameplay. This dichotomy suggests that while there are elements that might attract players back, the overarching sentiment indicates that many may find little incentive to revisit the game after completing the main story.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Atomic Heart reveals a blend of admiration for its artistic ambition and significant criticism for its execution. Many reviewers, including GamersRD and GamingTrend, highlight the game as a remarkable debut for Mundfish, praising its visually stunning graphics and engaging gameplay. Critics like Gamereactor UK and SECTOR.sk appreciate the unique narrative and the richly designed world, suggesting that the game successfully merges storytelling with challenging gameplay. The combat system receives commendations for being enjoyable, with several reviewers noting the potential for a captivating experience, particularly for fans of the genre, as indicated by Xbox Achievements and Gamersky. However, the negatives surrounding Atomic Heart are equally prominent, with a significant number of critics pointing out its flaws. Player 2 and AusGamers express disappointment with the narrative coherence and execution, while others like New Game Network and Destructoid emphasize the game's repetitive mechanics and lack of emotional depth. Technical issues are frequently mentioned, with critics like GamesRadar+ and GGRecon noting that these problems detract from the overall experience. The tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues are also highlighted by several reviewers, including NME and ComicBook, further emphasizing the game's struggle to deliver a cohesive experience. In conclusion, the overall consensus among critics is that while Atomic Heart showcases impressive visuals and ambitious ideas, it ultimately falls short due to its execution and technical shortcomings. Many reviewers, such as IGN Spain and SpazioGames, acknowledge the game's potential and creativity but urge caution due to its numerous flaws. The game is described as a mixed bag, with some critics recommending it for its unique experience while others suggest that it may not meet the expectations set by its inspirations. Thus, Atomic Heart stands as a testament to both the promise of its developers and the challenges they face in delivering a polished final product.

TL;DR

Atomic Heart impresses with stunning visuals and ambitious storytelling but suffers from execution flaws, technical issues, and narrative incoherence. Critics are divided; some praise its potential and unique experience, while others warn of its repetitiveness and lack of emotional depth. Ultimately, it’s a mixed bag that showcases both the promise of Mundfish and the challenges of delivering a polished game. Proceed with caution.

MONSTER

Reviews

185 reviews found

100

GamersRD

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is a remarkable debut for Mundfish, combining various successful elements from previous games into a cohesive and engaging experience, earning it the title of a 'masterpiece'.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is described as an outstanding debut for Mundfish, excelling in multiple aspects and standing out as a strong contender for Game of the Year. It is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is described as a surprising and engaging experience that successfully blends action, narrative, and artistic design, making it a standout title in the genre despite minor flaws.

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Hardcore Gamer

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is an ambitious adventure that successfully combines various elements and creates a likeable world. It offers a roller-coaster ride with a mix of set-pieces, exploration, combat, and puzzles.

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IGN Adria

PlayStation 5

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is praised as a strong title to kick off the gaming year, showcasing the potential of the developer Mundfish. It offers a satisfying experience for fans of action RPGs with a Bioshock DNA.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Feb 22, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is one of the best games of the year, with a stunning world, engaging gameplay, and a few minor issues.

Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is a remarkable debut for Mundfish, combining engaging gameplay, a compelling story, and impressive visuals, making it a standout shooter experience.

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PSX Brasil

PlayStation 5

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is a surprising and enjoyable title that, despite some technical issues, delivers a compelling experience with diverse gameplay and engaging story elements.

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SECTOR.sk

Feb 20, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is a compelling game that successfully merges storytelling, challenging gameplay, and a richly designed world, despite some flaws in gameplay mechanics and open-world design.

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GameSpace

Mar 13, 2023

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

Atomic Heart is a meticulously crafted game that combines an engaging story, dynamic gameplay, and impressive visuals. Despite some minor drawbacks, it delivers a unique experience filled with humor and depth.

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