![]() It’s even more impressive when you remember that this is the first game from Developer Mundfish. In addition to rock-solid gameplay, the game offers an intriguing mystery and a robust upgrade system. The truth comes outĪtomic Heart is undoubtedly one of the best first-person shooter campaigns I’ve played in years. These humanoid robots make up the vast majority of the adversaries you face, and there isn’t much deviation from them. They felt like actual tests of pattern memorization and skill rather than the repetitive chore that puzzles can become in other shooters.Īlthough I found the robotic enemies to be creepy and formidable foes, I wish there was a bit more variety in enemy type. I was continuously impressed by the various puzzles that Mundfish threw at me as I attempted to open doors and disarm security systems. While adventuring through Facility 3826, there are a lot of locked doors and restricted areas. Atomic Heart also leans heavily into its RPG mechanics, with multiple skill trees full of perks that can be unlocked to improve Major P-3’s prowess in combat and stealth. Crafting requires parts and other miscellaneous materials, which can be gathered from drawers, cabinets, and other containers. These weapons can then be upgraded with attachments to improve accuracy, rate of fire, and damage. As recipes are unlocked, you can craft new weapons and ammunition for them. There were several sequences and boss fights that I had to redo multiple times, but it felt rewarding when I got into a good rhythm and overcame my foes.Ītomic Heart also has a pretty intricate crafting and upgrade system. Playing on Normal difficulty, Atomic Heart’s combat was pretty challenging overall. I felt like a god when I was able to use all of the weapons and abilities at my disposal in tandem, taking out enemies before they were even able to land a hit on me. In addition to melee and ranged weapons, Major P-3 is equipped with a Polymer glove that lets him harness electricity and telekinesis powers. There is also detailed dismemberment, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I got a laugh out of hacking the limbs off of enemies after clearing a room. A well-placed swing can knock an enemy’s head right off their shoulders. I love that it actually matters how and where you swing the axe. With ammunition being a scarce resource, I often turned to my axe to dispatch enemies. You have to constantly be moving and dodging in order to avoid the aggressive robotic enemies, and there are quick-time events that will trigger when your character is grappled or on the brink of death. While it’s a shooter first and foremost, Mundfish cleverly mixes in some extra elements to combat. Shooting feels impactful, and there are a variety of weapons to be discovered and crafted, each with its own unique feel. While Atomic Heart would have been perfectly fine as a serviceable shooter, I was impressed by how amazing the gameplay was. The tunes give a cinematic feel to battles, and make the quiet moments eerier. There’s a wide range of music featured, and it only improves the experience whenever it kicks in. This atmosphere is also bolstered by an excellent soundtrack from Mick Gordon. I often found myself stopping to examine the environment, listening to audio tapes, and everything else it took to learn more about the universe. The world is deeply fleshed out, and its anachronistic blending of advanced technology in the mid-1900s made for a truly unique setting. It’s likely that this is just the most unfortunate timing, but it’s something to be cautious of if that could hinder your experience with the game.Ītomic Heart reminded me a lot of the Bioshock franchise with its alternate historical setting. While I don’t believe the Cyprus-based development studio is trying to send a message with the game, it’s hard not to wince at the USSR parades in the streets or the pro-Russian material found within the game in light of what’s unfolded in Ukraine over the last year. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Atomic Heart’s heavy themes of Russian nationalism made me uncomfortable at times. As you attempt to figure out who’s responsible, the mysteries of the secret project unravel over the course of the game. Heart on iceĪtomic Heart puts players in the shoes of Major P-3, a Soviet intelligence agent tasked with getting to the bottom of what caused the USSR’s robot companions to lash out and wage war against their human creators. It’s an excellent shooter that’s supported by some unique and creative gameplay elements. This single-player first-person shooter envisions an alternate reality where the Soviet Union was home to a secret program involving advanced robots and artificial intelligence that goes terribly wrong. After being founded in 2017, Mundfish is making a strong first impression with its debut game, Atomic Heart.
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