‘Atomfall’ Game Ditches Traditional Quest to Let You Play Detective

Rebellion’s upcoming game, Atomfall, is set in 1962 and draws inspiration from classic British sci-fi like Doctor Who and The Prisoner. Unlike typical open-world games, Atomfall won’t feature a traditional quest system. Instead, players are encouraged to investigate various leads to uncover the game’s mysteries.

Art director Ryan Greene explains that from the beginning, players have the freedom to pursue any line of investigation they choose. However, starting with limited equipment means some choices might lead to unfavorable outcomes. This design aims to immerse us in a detective experience, emphasizing exploration and critical thinking over following preset quests.

Creative director Ben Fisher mentions that the game is designed to allow completion even if players choose to eliminate every non-playable character (NPC) they encounter. This flexibility ensures that multiple investigative paths are available, though some actions might close off certain storylines.

Players can reconfigure their approach by interacting with different characters, making strategic decisions, or trading for information.

The game aims to instill a sense of paranoia, with obstacles like false leads and misleading journal entries that could lead to dead ends. This design choice challenges us to think critically and adapt to the unfolding narrative.

Atomfall is scheduled for release on March 27 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Its unique approach to storytelling and player agency sets it apart from other titles in the genre, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!