In the expansive realm of action-adventure gaming, Deck13 Interactive’s latest offering, Atlas Fallen, emerges as a mixed bag of thrills and fumbles. Stepping away from the Souls-like mechanics of their previous titles, the studio ventures into an open-world adventure that’s equal parts captivating and confounding. Published by Focus Entertainment Interactive and developed by Deck13, Atlas Fallen invites players to liberate humanity from the clutches of a corrupt deity, but it’s the execution that leaves a little to be desired on the PlayStation 5.
In Atlas Fallen’s vast desert expanse, the narrative emerges as a blend of intrigue and mediocrity. The world is ruled by the malevolent god Thelos, and players adopt the role of an “unnamed” – essentially, a downtrodden worker in the service of this deity. The story takes flight as you stumble upon the Gauntlet, a mythical artifact that not only facilitates traversal but also empowers you to combat the Wraiths, eerie beings patrolling the sands. This premise sets the stage for a tale of defiance and resistance against a tyrannical god – though ultimately the writing is unfortunately largely forgettable even though the story is very entertaining while it lasts.
The heart of Atlas Fallen beats through its combat system, which wavers between exhilarating and chaotic. The Gauntlet system, allowing transformation into distinct weapons, introduces versatility into engagements. A bit like in Forspoken, which launched earlier this year, traversal feels fluid and dynamic, whereas combat is marked by limb-specific targeting and strategic choices. Yet, amidst the flurry of blows and magical powers that makes the combat fun, the battles can also unravel into a bit of chaos and confusion if you were expecting a more methodical approach to combat.
The vast sandbox of Atlas Fallen’s world beckons to explorers, but unfortunately, it doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. While the environment is rich in backstory, settlements, and lore, it ultimately crumbles under the weight of sameness. The map is dotted with quests and activities, ranging from standard arena battles to treasure hunts, yet these encounters quickly start to feel familiar and lack the spark of innovation. This repetitiveness diminishes the potential allure of the game’s sprawling terrain, which makes the fact that this is a 15-hour adventure rather than a 50-hour one a positive.
Gliding over the desert dunes remains one of the game’s high points, offering a sense of freedom and excitement. However, Atlas Fallen stumbles in the technical department on the PS5, giving off a sense that it was released with a need for further polish. Visual glitches, clumsy transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, and texture pop-in plagues the experience at launch. Additionally, load times on the PlayStation 5 version, while acceptable during fast travel, become an arduous wait after respawning. The visuals, while attractive, fail to captivate like the ones in Forspoken did, with environments that too often blur into a monotonous sea of sand.
Atlas Fallen’s journey echoes the plight of its protagonist – filled with moments of accomplishment interspersed with setbacks. It successfully introduces a Gauntlet system that permits flexible combat and offers an array of build customization. A plethora of abilities allows experimentation, fostering a sense of growth. Yet, this excitement falters as the narrative veers into repetitive objectives, dragging the pace down. While side quests and activities beckon, they often lack innovation, exacerbating the sense of déjà vu.
In the realm of Atlas Fallen, ambition and aspiration stand side by side with inconsistencies and missteps. The allure of gliding across timeless sands and wielding shape-shifting weapons is undeniable, yet the execution stumbles amidst chaotic combat and a fragmented narrative. It’s a valiant endeavor that carves its path but struggles to cement its legacy. As you navigate the dunes, Atlas Fallen shines through its moments of gameplay synergy while being weighed down by its imperfections – a journey that is both exhilarating and frustrating, much like its shifting sands.
Score: 6.9/10
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