Atlas Fallen Review (xxadonisxx)
Atlas Fallen promises a grand adventure in a post-apocalyptic world where sand is both a landscape and a weapon. Developed by Deck13 Interactive, the game blends fast-paced combat with exploration and a unique elemental-based progression system, offering players a chance to uncover secrets in a beautifully shattered world. It’s a game that presents big ambitions, but does it truly deliver on the promise?
Set in a desert world long ravaged by an ancient disaster, Atlas Fallen focuses on a society fractured by the power of the gods and the destructive forces that shaped the land. The plot centers around a group of rebels seeking to defeat the oppressive, god-like rulers who have enslaved humanity. This rebellion is led by the player character, a mysterious hero who uncovers their own connection to the sands and the elemental powers that dwell within it.
While the story might not break new ground, Atlas Fallen does an excellent job building its world. The environments are rich and varied, from vast, shifting dunes to the remnants of once-thriving cities now buried beneath endless sandstorms. The mix of ancient technology, forgotten magic, and divine corruption creates a world full of potential—if not always fully realized in the narrative.
The combat in Atlas Fallen is where the game truly shines. It combines fluid action RPG mechanics with the ability to harness the power of sand-based elements. Players can unlock and utilize elemental abilities tied to the sands, including summoning sand creatures or creating devastating sandstorms. The core of the combat is fast and kinetic, relying heavily on combos and timing. Every encounter feels dynamic, with the sand mechanics adding a unique twist—enemies themselves can shift and evolve depending on the sand around them.
The game encourages exploration and experimentation with different elemental powers. You can customize your character’s abilities as you progress, crafting a playstyle that suits your preferences. Whether you prefer to be a ranged attacker manipulating sandstorms or a close-combat fighter enveloping enemies in a swirl of shifting sand, the options are plenty. However, as fun as the combat is, it can occasionally become repetitive, especially in long stretches between story beats. Some of the boss fights, while visually striking, may also feel predictable after a while.
Visually, Atlas Fallen impresses with its grand scale and environmental design. The desolate beauty of the world is captivating, with vast deserts stretching to the horizon and remnants of ancient, sand-buried civilizations scattered throughout. The contrast between the bright, golden sands and the eerie, darkened ruins creates a stunning atmosphere that constantly reminds players of the world’s lost grandeur.
The character designs are well done, with the protagonist and other characters fitting seamlessly into this harsh, unforgiving world. However, while the environments look beautiful, some areas can feel a bit barren and repetitive, especially when the landscape begins to blend together after hours of exploration.
The sound design in Atlas Fallen is well-crafted, with the ambient noises of the desert and the shifting sands creating an immersive atmosphere. The music, composed by an atmospheric orchestral score, complements the setting’s grand scale, with epic tracks during combat and quieter, reflective pieces during exploration.
The sound effects for combat—sand shifting, elemental abilities, and the crunch of weapons—add to the intensity and visceral feel of the gameplay, though there’s a slight issue with voice acting. While not poor, the character dialogue can feel stiff at times, lacking the emotional depth of the world it’s trying to build.
Atlas Fallen delivers an enjoyable adventure that successfully merges exploration with elemental combat. Its world is vast and full of potential, and the sand-based mechanics add a refreshing layer to the combat system. While the story may be a bit formulaic, the gameplay is engaging enough to keep players hooked, especially for those who enjoy RPGs with a focus on action and customization.
The repetition in some of the gameplay, especially in the later sections, can be a downside, but Atlas Fallen’s beautiful setting and innovative combat mechanics provide a solid experience that’s hard to put down. It’s a game that might not revolutionize the genre, but it offers a satisfying journey for fans of action RPGs.
Rating: 8/10