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

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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart features an intriguing premise set in a chaotic, retrofuturistic Soviet Union, praised for its immersive world-building and engaging narrative by some critics. However, it suffers from poor writing, predictable dialogue, and weak character development, leading to a disjointed and messy execution. While the setting captivates, the story ultimately fails to deliver a coherent and satisfying experience, leaving many disappointed in its unrealized potential.

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 a mix of positive feedback, particularly regarding its intriguing premise and unique setting. Critics like XboxEra and Gamereactor UK highlight the engaging narrative that explores an alternate history of the Soviet Union, where technological advancements lead to a chaotic dystopia. The world-building has been praised for its depth, with critics such as COGconnected and Vgames noting the impressive detail that immerses players in a retrofuturistic environment filled with mystery and betrayal. Additionally, some reviewers, like God is a Geek and GamingTrend, appreciate the narrative's ability to draw players into its unsettling world, offering a drip-feed of revelations that enhance the overall experience. However, many critics have pointed out significant flaws in the execution of Atomic Heart's story. Common criticisms include poor writing, predictable dialogue, and a lack of character development. For instance, New Game Network and Inverse emphasize the juvenile nature of the dialogue and the disjointed narrative flow, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics like AusGamers and GameSpot highlight the protagonist's unlikable personality and lack of engagement with the narrative, leading to a disappointing conclusion. Furthermore, several reviewers, including IGN and Game Rant, mention tonal inconsistencies and pacing issues that undermine the story's potential, resulting in a narrative that feels messy and unfocused. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Atomic Heart presents a captivating premise and an interesting alternate history, its execution leaves much to be desired. Many reviewers, including GGRecon and Softpedia, express disappointment with the story's predictability and lack of depth in character development. Despite some positive remarks about the world-building and thematic elements, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that the narrative struggles with coherence and fails to fully capitalize on its intriguing concepts. As a result, while Atomic Heart has the foundation for a compelling story, it ultimately falls short in delivering a satisfying narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart offers dynamic combat and fun mechanics, praised for its weapon variety and engaging upgrades. However, critics highlight significant flaws: cumbersome combat, pacing issues, and repetitive tasks that disrupt gameplay. While it has intriguing concepts, the execution falters, making it a polarizing experience overall.

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 received a mixed reception from critics, with several positive aspects highlighted across various reviews. Many reviewers, such as Gamereactor Denmark and PSX Brasil, praised the game's dynamic combat system, which combines a variety of weapons, melee combat, and unique abilities derived from a polymer glove. This allows for creative approaches to encounters, enhancing the overall combat experience. Critics like Gamer.no noted that the game features an engaging upgrade system that becomes more rewarding as players progress, while others, such as Atomix and SomosXbox, appreciated the enjoyable looting mechanics and the diverse combat options available, which contribute to a fun and engaging gameplay experience. However, numerous reviews pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. Critics from Gamereactor UK and Xbox Tavern described the combat as feeling unengaging and cumbersome, with rigid mechanics and a lack of fluidity that can make encounters feel tedious. Destructoid echoed this sentiment, criticizing the elementary nature of the combat and the limited glove skills. Additionally, several reviewers mentioned pacing issues and repetitive tasks that disrupt the flow of gameplay, with IGN Portugal and Riot Pixels highlighting how fetch quests and environmental frustrations can lead to a less satisfying experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Atomic Heart boasts a promising blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, it struggles with execution in several key areas. Many reviewers, including those from GameSpot and Multiplayer.it, noted that the gameplay can feel chaotic and lacks depth due to repetitive enemy encounters and unbalanced difficulty. The game’s reliance on a mix of linear and open-world elements has led to frustrations regarding pacing and mission design, as noted by critics like IGN Spain and Gameblog.fr. Ultimately, Atomic Heart presents an intriguing concept with moments of enjoyment, but the execution leaves much to be desired, making it a polarizing title in terms of gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart impresses with its stunning retro-futurist graphics and immersive art direction, earning praise from critics for its unique aesthetic and breathtaking environments. However, it suffers from issues like drab textures, repetitive level design, and technical hiccups that mar the experience. Overall, while the visuals shine, the game isn’t without significant flaws.

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 graphics and visual design of Atomic Heart have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who praise the game for its stunning art direction and impressive aesthetic. Many reviewers, such as GameSkinny and PC Gamer, highlight the striking retro-futurist visuals that create an immersive atmosphere, with PC Gamer specifically noting the breathtaking vistas and creative environmental mechanics. Critics like KeenGamer and Vgames commend the high-quality cutscenes and detailed environments, emphasizing how the unique artistic style contributes positively to the game's overall appeal. The game’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a sinister undertone is noted by We Got This Covered, further enhancing the visual experience. Overall, the game is recognized for its artistic beauty and technical achievements, particularly on high-end hardware, as mentioned by XboxEra and SomosXbox. Despite the overall praise, several critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in Atomic Heart's graphics and visual design. Reviewers such as GameSkinny and The Games Machine mention issues with drab textures and repetitive level design that detract from the visual experience. The open world has been described as lifeless and lacking engaging content by critics like Twinfinite and NME, which diminishes the overall impact of the visuals. Additionally, technical issues such as frame rate drops and graphical bugs have been reported by multiple reviewers, including IGN Italia and Dexerto, indicating that while the game excels in many areas, it does not consistently deliver a polished experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Atomic Heart features impressive graphics and visual design that effectively capture a unique aesthetic, with many praising the game's ability to create an immersive and engaging world. Although there are criticisms regarding texture quality, level design, and technical performance, the majority of reviewers agree that the game’s artistic direction and visual fidelity are among its strongest aspects. Critics like Game Informer and Destructoid encapsulate this sentiment by highlighting the game's exceptional production values and the breathtaking representation of its environments, suggesting that while the game has its flaws, its visual presentation remains a significant achievement.

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, blending classical Russian and heavy metal that enhances gameplay, especially during epic boss battles. However, critics are divided, citing poor voice acting and sound mixing that frequently obscure dialogue and disrupt immersion. While the music elevates the experience, significant flaws in sound design hold it back from reaching its full potential.

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 opinions from critics, with several highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers praised the soundtrack, particularly the contributions from composer Mick Gordon, noting its eclectic mix of genres including classical Russian melodies and heavy metal tracks. Critics like Vgames and PSX Brasil emphasized how the music enhances the gameplay experience, especially during intense moments such as boss battles. The incorporation of Russian covers of classic songs was also noted by Atomix, who found it interesting and atmospheric. Additionally, the sound design was described as effective in creating an immersive environment, with Gamereactor Finland mentioning the quality of the English voice acting, despite some inconsistencies. However, the critiques are not without their downsides. Several reviewers pointed out significant issues with voice acting and sound mixing that detracted from the overall experience. For instance, Gfinity and GamesRadar+ both noted that poor voice acting and amplified audio tracks often drowned out dialogue, leading to frustrating moments in gameplay. Critics like GamingBolt and ComicBook echoed these sentiments, stating that weak voice acting and odd dialogue choices diminished the immersion. Furthermore, the inconsistency in how the soundtrack matched the gameplay context was a common complaint, with GameSpot and Multiplayer.it highlighting moments where the music failed to align with the action on screen. Overall, the consensus among critics appears to be mixed but leans towards a positive reception of the soundtrack, particularly the work of Mick Gordon. While many reviewers, such as Finger Guns and IGN Spain, celebrated the music for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, there remains a notable concern regarding the quality of voice acting and sound mixing. Critics generally agree that while the soundtrack is a strong point, the sound design could benefit from improvements in dialogue clarity and consistency in audio integration. Thus, Atomic Heart presents a compelling auditory experience, albeit with notable flaws that prevent it from achieving its full potential.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart's voice acting is a mixed bag. While some praise the quality and humor, especially from supporting characters and localized versions, many critics slam the protagonist's performance as aggressive and incoherent, leading to cringe-worthy dialogue and poor immersion. Overall, the disappointing voice acting undermines character development and narrative impact, leaving a sour note in the game's reception.

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 garnered a mixed reception, with some critics highlighting notable strengths. Several reviewers, such as GamingTrend and Attack of the Fanboy, praised the voice acting for its quality and ability to bring characters to life. Critics like Generación Xbox noted that the protagonist's voice acting adds personality and humor, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, there are mentions of well-executed localization in various languages, with IGN Spain emphasizing the excellence of the Spanish version and its contribution to character depth. The dynamic between the protagonist and the AI glove, CHAR-Les, has also been recognized for evolving from annoyance to a more engaging relationship, as noted by CGMagazine. Conversely, a significant number of critics have voiced dissatisfaction with the voice acting, particularly regarding the protagonist's performance. Player 2 and LevelUp criticized the protagonist's voice for being aggressive and lacking coherence, making it hard to connect with the character. Many reviews, including those from GameSkinny and Gamer.no, pointed out the cringe-inducing dialogue and flat delivery that detracted from character engagement. The localization quality has also been a common concern, with PCGamesN and Destructoid noting that poor translations and awkward accents undermine the game's tone and immersion. Critics like DualShockers and XGN highlighted excessive swearing and juvenile dialogue as further issues that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards disappointment with the voice acting in Atomic Heart, particularly for the main character. While there are pockets of praise for the humor and depth brought by some supporting characters and the localization in certain languages, the overwhelming sentiment reflects a struggle with the protagonist's portrayal. Critics such as New Game Network and AusGamers encapsulated this sentiment by describing the voice acting as clumsy and juvenile, which ultimately undermines the narrative and character development. The mixed reviews suggest that while there are commendable elements, the voice acting's shortcomings significantly impact the game's overall reception.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart shines on high-end PCs and Xbox Series X with smooth gameplay and solid performance, but suffers from serious technical issues across all platforms, including crashes, freezes, and bugs. Critics agree it needs major patches to fulfill its potential.

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.

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance by Platform Across the various platforms, there are some notable positives regarding the technical performance of Atomic Heart. On PC, several reviewers, including AusGamers and Wccftech, praised the game for its smooth gameplay and commendable stability, particularly on high-end systems. The inclusion of Nvidia DLSS was highlighted as a feature that mitigated performance dips, enhancing the overall experience. On the PlayStation 5, some critics like Everyeye.it and Gameblog.fr noted that the game runs at a solid 60fps with high visual fidelity, despite minor bugs. Additionally, ZTGD remarked on the Xbox Series X version, stating that the game runs extremely well with no frame rate problems, showcasing impressive performance overall. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance by Platform Despite the positives, the technical performance of Atomic Heart is marred by numerous issues across all platforms. On PC, Player 2 and Jeuxvideo.com reported significant technical problems, including poor optimization, frequent freezes, and softlocks, which lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. For the PlayStation 5, the consensus among critics like GamersRD and Twinfinite indicates that the game is plagued by crashes, bugs, and issues with the user interface, which detract from the overall enjoyment. On the Xbox Series X, while some reviewers noted solid performance, others like But Why Tho? and Gamer.nl pointed out environmental glitches, loading issues, and frame rate drops that negatively impact gameplay. Overall Consensus of Critics Overall, critics seem to agree that Atomic Heart suffers from a mixed bag of technical performance issues across all platforms. While there are commendable aspects, particularly on high-end PCs and the Xbox Series X, the presence of significant bugs, crashes, and optimization problems creates a frustrating experience for many players. The lack of a reliable save system on consoles, as mentioned by Gamereactor Denmark and Jeuxvideo.com, exacerbates these issues, leading to a consensus that while the game has potential, it requires substantial patches and improvements to reach its full promise.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Atomic Heart garners mixed reviews on replay value. While some praise its engaging gameplay, multiple endings, and expansive content (20-35 hours), many critics highlight significant drawbacks, such as tedious quests, lack of meaningful exploration, and an empty open world. The absence of New Game+ and compelling incentives dampens the desire for multiple playthroughs, leading to skepticism about its overall replayability.

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 blend of positive aspects that some critics appreciate. For instance, Carole Quintaine highlights the game’s satisfying experience, effective gameplay, and well-designed puzzles, suggesting that these elements can make revisiting the game enjoyable. Similarly, IGN Spain points out the presence of multiple endings and a semi-open world filled with secrets and side quests, indicating significant replay value for players interested in exploring different outcomes. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Generación Xbox also mention the substantial amount of content, with gameplay lasting around 20-35 hours, which can entice players to return for further exploration or to experience various combat approaches. However, a considerable number of reviews express concerns about the game's replayability, citing various limitations. Destructoid and GamesRadar+ both emphasize low replay value, with the latter noting a lack of engaging content and meaningful exploration. Critics like Gfinity and WellPlayed mention tedious fetch quests and diminishing returns on enemy variety, which could lead players to rush through the game without the desire to revisit it. Additionally, several reviewers, including LevelUp and GGRecon, highlight the absence of compelling incentives for exploration, suggesting that the open world feels empty and uninviting, further diminishing the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many expressing skepticism about Atomic Heart's replay value. While some reviewers appreciate the game's variety and potential for exploration, such as Dexerto and SpazioGames, the majority point to significant drawbacks, including tedious quests, a lack of engaging side content, and limited incentives for exploration. Critics like GamePro Germany and Xbox Achievements emphasize the absence of New Game+ options and missable achievements, which could deter players from multiple playthroughs. Thus, while Atomic Heart offers some elements that could encourage replay, the prevailing sentiment suggests that many players may not find enough compelling reasons to return after completing the game.

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 regarding Atomic Heart reveals a mixture of appreciation for its ambitious design and visual presentation, alongside significant critique of its execution. Many reviewers, such as Hobby Consolas and Gameblog.fr, commend the game as a remarkable debut for Mundfish, highlighting its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and unique narrative elements. Critics like SpazioGames and IGN Adria also note the game's potential, describing it as a strong title that showcases the developer's creativity and ambition. The game's artistic design and the blend of action with narrative have been positively received, with some reviewers suggesting that it stands out in the genre and could appeal to fans of action RPGs, as pointed out by Xbox Achievements. However, the criticisms of Atomic Heart are equally pronounced, with many reviewers pointing to its flawed execution. Critics such as Player 2 and Metro GameCentral express disappointment with the game’s narrative depth and technical issues, suggesting that these shortcomings detract from an otherwise promising experience. Inverse and Gfinity highlight frustrating gameplay elements and inconsistencies that undermine the overall enjoyment. The sentiment is echoed by Game Rant and Press Start Australia, who emphasize that while the game has intriguing ideas, it ultimately falls short of delivering a cohesive and polished experience. The recurring theme of a lack of focus and narrative coherence is a significant point of contention among many reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Atomic Heart is a game with significant potential and a unique aesthetic, but it struggles with execution and consistency. While some reviewers, like GamersRD and GamingTrend, laud it as a standout title and a strong contender for Game of the Year, others caution potential players to temper their expectations due to its myriad flaws. The mixed reviews suggest that while Atomic Heart may be worth experiencing for its ambitious design and engaging gameplay, it is not without its considerable drawbacks, leading to a polarized reception in the gaming community.

TL;DR

Atomic Heart dazzles with bold design and engaging gameplay but falters in execution, leading to mixed reviews. Critics praise its visuals and creativity but point out significant flaws in narrative depth and technical performance. While some hail it as a standout debut for Mundfish, others caution players to keep expectations in check due to its inconsistencies and lack of polish. Ultimately, it's a game with potential, but not without its notable drawbacks.

MONSTER

Reviews

186 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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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