Atomfall is a recreation stuffed with surprises. It’s a part of what makes the RPG stand out from its friends. On its default setting, there aren’t any waypoints or goal markers to information you. You may enterprise off into Slattendale, discover a notice that factors you in a obscure route and fall down an hours-long rabbit gap following a result in a narrative’s finish and a pleasant little reward. What I didn’t anticipate, was a shock that hit extremely near residence for me particularly.
Within the opening hours of Atomfall, you’ll seemingly end up in Wyndham Village. It’s a quaint little place, typical of the UK’s Lake District. Stone partitions, conventional pubs, a village inexperienced, and a dramatic backdrop comprised of towering mountains and tranquil lakes. Busy following a notice that led me to the boathouse by the sting of the water, I overheard some NPCs conversing. And that’s when it occurred.
“Very first thing I’m doing once they take that wall down is happening vacation. Southport, possibly. Or possibly someplace unique! Like Rhyl!”
To 99.99% of Atomfall gamers, this will likely be a throwaway little bit of dialogue. However to me and my fellow Southport locals, it’s an extremely jarring little bit of dialogue to listen to.
For these residing in iconic cities like New York, Miami, LA, London, and even some smaller cities within the US, listening to references to, and even exploring digital renditions of the place you name house is to be anticipated. There’s a purpose builders select these locales, they’re steeped in historical past, teeming with iconic landmarks and vacationer traps that make for cultural touchpoints of their post-apocalyptic or alternate future variations. However Southport?
Round when Atomfall is ready within the late Nineteen Fifties, Southport was a little bit of a vacationer hotspot. Its iconic pier, bustling Parisian-inspired excessive streets, and sweeping seaside made it the proper place to go to for a summer season getaway. Nonetheless, exterior of being the focus of one of many nation’s largest tragedies and information tales final yr, the city’s not essentially the most notable within the nation.
Albeit temporary, it was equal components heartwarming and sudden to listen to some northern British cities get a point out. Nonetheless, it additionally acquired me fascinated by how underutilized the north of Nice Britain has been in online game settings. We’ve had Forza Horizon 4’s amalgamation of Nice British areas forming its open world, and 2024’s indie hit Thank Goodness You’re Right here distill every thing to do with Yorkshire tradition down right into a hilarious, bite-sized deal with, however there’s a lot extra to discover.
Liverpool and Manchester are traditionally wealthy cities, the Lake District and Scotland are a few of the most stunning locations you possibly can go to on the planet, and the ruins of previous monasteries, druid temples, and stone circles are prime for atmospheric narratives and mysterious questlines.
Given how impressed I’ve been with Atomfall in my hours taking part in the sport thus far—in no small half because of developer Rebel’s dedication to its setting of rural Cumbria—I’m hopeful that it’ll assist shine a highlight on the potential of northern England for future recreation settings. Has this basically been 500 phrases on me waxing lyrical in regards to the North on account of a single line of dialogue? Sure. Do I remorse it? Completely not.
Atomfall is offered on March 24 with its three days early entry within the Deluxe Version on PC, Xbox Collection X|S and PS5. Its normal version will likely be obtainable on March 27.
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