Atlas Fallen marks a departure for developer Deck13 from their established Soulslike genre, embracing a third-person action RPG with swift-paced encounters. While drawing on familiar elements from past titles like Lords of the Fallen and The Surge 2, this game shifts the focus to speed and dynamic combat scenarios. Notably, it introduces colossal adversaries as a central gameplay feature. Set in a world devastated by the wrath of the sun god Thelos, Atlas Fallen portrays a landscape now overrun by sand dunes, sporadically dotted with remnants of life. Inhabitants are coerced into serving Thelos by extracting Essence, a potent resource crucial to the sun god's power. Loyalty to Thelos brings privileges, while others endure slavery-like tasks, laboring to harvest Essence amidst the harsh desert terrain. The game's protagonist stumbles upon an ancient Gauntlet, a relic capable of manipulating Essence to shape the sand, bestowing its wielder with formidable weapons and abilities. Empowered by this newfound artifact, players embark on a quest to lead a rebellion against Thelos's brutal regime. The Gauntlet allows for the simultaneous equipping of two out of three potential weapons, much like the options when you buy PS4 games. The Dunecleaver, a formidable hybrid axe-hammer; the Sandwhip, a swift whip facilitating rapid traversal and attacks; and the Knuckledust, a robust fist weapon enabling the growth of additional arms during combat, offer distinct attacks and combos. Personal preference led to favoring a specific combination—in my case, the Sandwhip and Knuckledust—which rendered the third weapon unnecessary due to their effectiveness when used together.
Exploring Atlas Fallen: Mastering Momentum and Unveiling Essence
In the vibrant world of Atlas Fallen, mastering the Momentum system is key while battling majestic beasts in the desert. This system operates on a risk-reward basis, where successful attacks fill your Momentum bar, empowering you to execute devastating special moves. However, a fuller bar makes you more vulnerable to incoming damage, creating a strategic balance. Yet, despite this intriguing premise, the system often feels lacking in true risk. The focus remains primarily on relentlessly assaulting enemies, rather than pausing to consider the potential dangers of building up Momentum. The gameplay tends to revolve around maximizing attacks while avoiding damage, diminishing the intended risk-reward dynamic. Exploration reveals deposits of Essence scattered throughout the world, obtained from defeated enemies or found in deposits. These Essences serve as a currency to unlock new abilities and upgrade your Gauntlet, enhancing its capabilities significantly. Atlas Fallen's visual splendor captivates, with breathtaking open landscapes and intricate ruins adorning the expansive desert. The attention to detail, particularly evident in locations like the Knights of Bastengard Stronghold, is unparalleled and adds to the immersive experience. Journeying through the game takes you across three distinct areas, each featuring a primary hub for quests. Additional optional quests and collectibles dot the landscape generously, while the Gauntlet's ability to unearth buried objects like chests and structures adds depth by enabling access to higher elevations.
An Odyssey akin to Monster Hunter
The immersive world of Atlas Fallen beckons players into a thrilling odyssey reminiscent of Monster Hunter's engaging escapades. Here, players strategically target and dismantle colossal creatures, akin to breaking various body parts, to secure unique loot. While the allure of these treasures is exhilarating, there's room to amplify their significance, ensuring each encounter consistently thrills players. Deck13's departure from their traditional style to embrace an expansive open-world setting in Atlas Fallen marks a bold and commendable shift. The game presents a breathtaking world adorned with vast landscapes and stunning vistas, offering an immersive experience. However, amidst this initial excitement, there exists an opportunity to elevate the overall experience further. Just like refining a combat system could leave a more indelible and memorable impression, exploring and purchasing additional PS4 games could enhance one's gaming collection. Deck13's daring foray beyond the Soulslike genre is praiseworthy, and with a few adjustments, Atlas Fallen could reach even greater heights.