Playing Atomfall, the new open-world adventure from Rebellion available on Xbox Game Pass, has left me feeling more conflicted than any game in recent memory. You might want to liken it to Fallout, but trust me, there’s a wild uniqueness here that goes beyond simple comparisons.
When I first dove into Atomfall, I was prepared for the decision-making freedom the game promised, but I wasn’t quite ready to second-guess every choice I made. Just a few hours into the game, and I’m already wrestling with the consequences of my in-game actions.
Let’s start with a confession: I ended up killing a Vicar in the picturesque setting of Wyndham Village. Yes, I know, not exactly a proud moment. Without giving too much away, let’s just say that Atomfall lets you walk the line between peacekeeper and villain. Clearly, I veered towards the latter.
This incident unfolded in the charming local church. After a seemingly harmless chat with the Vicar, I went my way. However, lurking upstairs was a treasure chest that needed his key—a key he refused to hand over. My drive for loot, especially for the coveted Atomic Battery, led me to a grim decision: the Vicar had to go.
I didn’t stop there. To top it off, I exaggerated the Vicar’s misdeeds to the Captain. After all, if I was going to take out the Vicar, I might as well ensure his reputation went down the drain too. My in-game pillaging didn’t end there; I claimed the battery without any remorse.
My escapades continued at the village bakery. During another task, I encountered a baker suffering from exposure to mysterious blue ooze. I took a detour upstairs, only to find him with glowing blue eyes. The choice was clear. He stood little chance. When his wife’s screams filled the air, she too met an unfortunate end. Naturally, none of these details made it into my report to the Captain.
Now, this unrestrained freedom is what makes Atomfall shine so brightly. It allows you to tailor your journey and attach your own morality (or lack thereof) to your decisions. Within just a few hours, I’m knee-deep in intriguing narratives and larger mysteries, questioning the enigmatic Oberon and curious about my mysterious caller.
What captivates me is how the game seamlessly blends different playing styles. Whether you’re sneaking around, charming allies, or removing foes silently, it keeps the gameplay fresh. However, my newfound camaraderie with the Captain didn’t permit free rein in the substation, nudging me back to more violent solutions.
The beauty of Atomfall is in setting the stage for whatever adventure you choose. You can uphold virtue or dive deep into moral ambiguity. For me, this is gaming at its finest.
Atomfall is currently accessible on Xbox, PC, PS5, and via Xbox Game Pass.
