British gaming studio Rebellion is set to release Atomfall, an alternate-history shooter that blends elements reminiscent of the Stalker series. Aimed at delivering a unique gaming experience, Atomfall immerses players in a richly detailed world where everyday items like a rusty revolver play pivotal roles in conflict resolution. The development of Atomfall marks a significant shift for Rebellion, traditionally celebrated for the Sniper Elite franchise and its stewardship of the iconic 2000AD comics.
Rebellion has primarily concentrated on well-known franchises like Sniper Elite and the 2000AD intellectual property, creating games that appeal to their established audiences. Previous endeavors to branch into different genres or utilize lesser-known 2000AD characters have been few, with titles such as the recent Rogue Trooper game being notable exceptions. The launch of Atomfall indicates a strategic move to broaden their portfolio and experiment with novel gameplay dynamics beyond their conventional successes.
Atomfall’s Unique Gameplay Features
Atomfall offers a distinctive gameplay experience by removing traditional quest markers, thereby encouraging players to explore and engage with the game world organically. The inclusion of items like a rusty revolver as a means to resolve conflicts without escalating tensions highlights the game’s emphasis on player choice and strategic thinking.
“The endless distractions and absence of quest markers create a captivating experience, while the presence of a rusty revolver serves as an effective tool for conflict resolution,”
Rebellion’s Legacy with 2000AD
Rebellion has long been recognized for its stewardship of the 2000AD comics, a cornerstone in the world of science fiction since 1977. The publisher has cultivated an extensive library of original characters and stories, such as Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper, which have been successfully adapted into video games over the years, albeit not as frequently as fans might have expected.
“2000 AD has always been a challenge,”
Challenges in 2000AD Game Development
Despite the rich potential for diverse gaming experiences based on 2000AD properties, Rebellion has struggled to fully capitalize on them. While successful titles like the Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper games have been developed, the lack of recent projects indicates difficulties in expanding the range of adaptations. Efforts to involve external developers in creating 2000AD-based games were hampered by unforeseen obstacles such as the COVID pandemic.
“That’s when we made the decision to look at external people, and say, ‘OK, fine. Here it is officially: if you want to work with 2000 AD licences, brilliant, bring it on, we’ll do a business deal, go away and make something really interesting’,” said Jason Kingsley.
Rebellion’s commitment to expanding its gaming horizons with Atomfall signifies a strategic pivot towards diversifying its portfolio and exploring new creative avenues. While challenges such as the COVID pandemic and the inherently volatile nature of game development have impeded progress on 2000AD-based projects, the continued openness to licensing opportunities suggests a persistent interest in leveraging its rich comic heritage. Atomfall’s release may pave the way for future collaborations and innovative titles that blend Rebellion’s expertise with fresh storytelling elements.
