Though his PC offered a gateway to Steam, PC Game Pass, and a myriad of titles from Epic Games, Humble Bundle, Nvidia GeForce Now, and GOG, his true passion lay elsewhere. He was enamoured with Nintendo’s enchanting worlds, where iconic characters like Mario and Link held a special place in his heart.
His most cherished gaming memories were woven around these beloved figures. Sure, he had enjoyed spectacular moments on the PS5, particularly with titles like Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. Yet, nothing compared to the joy of stealing stars from his father-in-law in Mario Party Superstars or racing against his fiancé and friends in the exhilarating tracks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The vibrant landscapes of Nintendo’s franchises continued to captivate him. The Switch’s portability was a game-changer, allowing him to embark on adventures wherever he went. For him, the allure of the upcoming Switch 2 outweighed any potential upgrades to his computer. In the end, it wasn’t just about graphics or performance; it was about the joy of shared experiences and the magic of nostalgia that Nintendo brought to his life.
In the northern reaches of England, the Lake District lies cloaked in shadows. Atomfall plunges players into a haunting narrative reminiscent of the classic games of 2005.
You awaken as an amnesiac, disoriented and alone, in a desolate area marked by the aftermath of the 1957 Windscale fire—the nation’s most devastating nuclear disaster. The landscape around you is eerily transformed, teeming with grotesque creatures and unsettling phenomena.
The once-peaceful Cumbrian townsfolk have descended into chaos, embracing a Wicker Man-like fervour as they attempt to survive. Bandits roam the crumbling streets, scavenging for whatever scraps they can find amidst the fallout.
Amid this turmoil, Her Majesty’s Government has dispatched a regiment of soldiers—a mix of police officers and weary veterans—to restore order. Yet their presence only adds to the tension, as loyalty and fear intertwine in a landscape forever altered.
In this grim reality, every choice matters, and survival hinges on navigating both the monstrous and the human threats that lurk in the shadows.
The Pinnacle of Excellence
The Dark Urge, a character from Baldur’s Gate 3, cast a scornful glance at his cursed claws, filled with self-loathing. As the demo concluded, it deposited the reviewer at the brink of an expansive world yet offered no clear direction. As previously mentioned, Atomfall eschews traditional quest markers, instead presenting players with clues—collections of evidence categorised under various quest titles that require thoughtful deduction to unravel. I began my journey with a singular lead: the search for a healer known as Mother Jago, but I soon found myself sidetracked.
In Atomfall’s version of Cumbria, players navigate not a single vast expanse but rather a series of smaller, interconnected maps, each dotted with caves, druid encampments, and mysterious landmarks looming on the horizon. The gameplay revolves around the continuous cycle of discovering intriguing sights, pondering their significance, and becoming wholly absorbed in new distractions.
“I’ve never encountered a game designer who believes a game can be too compact,” Kingsley remarks. “I would much rather engage with a concise, high-quality game than a sprawling one that lacks focus on what truly matters to the player.” Thus, Atomfall embraces its inherent constraints, notably the imposing concrete barrier that delineates the Cumbrian exclusion zone from the rest of Britain.
However, being small does not equate to being devoid of substance. In truth, it doesn’t even imply diminutive size—Cumbria felt remarkably expansive and open during the gameplay despite not matching the vastness of Just Cause 2. The player only explored a fraction of two maps.
Throughout their journey, they encountered numerous druid camps and wandering outlaws eager for conflict. As they wandered, they discovered various non-hostile NPCs who began to unveil the initial threads of extensive quest lines—such as an eccentric old aristocrat residing in her crumbling estate, firmly convinced that everything remains perfectly fine, and a fellow adventurer rummaging through a secluded scientific facility.
The Windscale piles ominously illuminated the skyline.
Some quests hinted at larger, faction-based decisions. When the military officer requested assistance with an investigation at a local bakery, the players found themselves torn between upholding the law and aiding a woman who was desperately trying to protect her infected husband. Naturally, they chose the latter, setting off into the wilderness to procure medicine for the unfortunate man, thereby sparing the bakery owner from the humiliation and distress of military intervention.
In this version of the UK, firearms are scarce, and bullets incapacitate foes so swiftly that merely brandishing a rusty revolver feels like an immediate resolution to any conflict.
The player was continually uncovering leads and becoming entangled in various plots—and brawls. They found themselves frequently embroiled in physical confrontations. Phil Savage, another player, had expressed concerns about the combat mechanics when he played several months earlier at Gamescom. Still, it seemed that Rebellion had dedicated considerable time to refining them since then. The combat felt satisfying; swinging a cricket bat against an opponent delivered a gratifying crunch while pulling out a firearm felt almost like bending the rules.
A military robot patrolled the quiet streets of Wyndham village.
In this version of the UK, firearms are a rarity, and the speed with which bullets incapacitate enemies makes even drawing a rusty revolver feel like a guaranteed end to any argument—a true game-changer.
The distractions were not merely incidental; they were integral to the experience. According to Kingsley, one of the primary objectives for the game’s developers was to provide players with a true sense of freedom. This freedom allows for a wide range of behaviours, including the option to embark on a rampage and eliminate every character in sight, with the game adapting to those choices much like the classic New Vegas.
“From a design standpoint, it’s fascinating to embrace what technology does best—responding to player actions and delivering unique experiences,” Kingsley explained. Eager to put this theory to the test, the player set off to find Mother Jago. However, they were quickly sidetracked by a cave full of druids, a local village conspiracy, ominous phone calls from an unknown Welshman, and an audacious solo attack on a nearby military base. Eventually, upon discovering Mother Jago, they drew their bow and aimed an arrow at her head, half-expecting it to fail.
To their surprise, the shot landed true. Mother Jago, whom they had presumed was a crucial character for the storyline, collapsed into her flowerbed without so much as a warning or a game-over screen. There was no notification akin to Morrowind’s infamous “you’ve really messed this one up” alert. In fact, this unexpected act might have been fortuitous; a letter found on her lifeless body hinted at dark dealings with the local druids.
What was intended as an attempt to derail the narrative instead redirected it along an unexpected path, unveiling new leads in the story. The playerrealisedd that should they feel remorseful about their choice, they could simply reload their save. Kingsley emphasised that making regrettable decisions and then reverting is not only possible but also anticipated within the game’s framework. The narrative mechanics are designed for players to throw a wrench into the works, reload, and explore different outcomes.
As Mother Jago reassured players that she meant no ill will, the players couldn’t help but ponder the implications of their actions. Though their time with the game was limited and didn’t provide enough opportunities to gauge the extent of these dynamic systems fully, the concept itself sparked genuine excitement. Nevertheless, they decided to hold off on forming any final opinions until they could delve deeper into the complete game experience; Kingsley himself acknowledged that there was much yet to be revealed.
As he immersed himself in the game, he found himself yearning for more time to explore its intricate systems. The potential for innovation sparked a thrill within him, igniting a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. Yet, he remained cautious, knowing that proper judgment would come only when he held the complete game in his hands.
Kingsley, a key figure in the development team, acknowledged the unfamiliar territory they were navigating. “Creating a sniping game is our forte; we’ve honed our skills in that arena,” he admitted. However, this new venture brought a fresh set of challenges.
While Kingsley enjoyed playing games similar to this one, he recognised the stark contrast between being a player and a developer. There was an edge of nervousness in the air, but an exhilarating sense of possibility balanced it. The team was stepping into new realms, eager to see how their vision would unfold.
Maxthon
Maxthon is revolutionising the landscape of cloud gaming by introducing a browser specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this rapidly growing audience.
At the heart of Maxthon’s innovation lies a series of sophisticated algorithmic frameworks meticulously designed to elevate both performance and responsiveness. These advanced technologies work in harmony to deliver high-quality visuals without the frustrating lag that can disrupt gameplay. For gamers seeking an immersive experience, this seamless integration is nothing short of essential.
But Maxthon doesn’t stop at just visual fidelity. It employs optimised data throughput mechanisms, significantly reducing loading times between levels or game modes. This means players can dive straight into the action without unnecessary interruptions, allowing them to immerse themselves in their gaming adventures fully.
Moreover, the platform prioritises seamless connectivity, ensuring that gamers remain connected with minimal disruptions. Whether it’s playing solo or teaming up with friends online, Maxthon’s focus on reliable connections enhances the overall experience. The result? A smooth and engaging journey through each pixel and frame, keeping players enthralled from start to finish.
At the heart of the platform lies a commitment to seamless connectivity. Gamers can effortlessly access their favourite titles, regardless of whether they are on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This flexibility breaks down barriers that once made gaming cumbersome and enhances overall convenience.
Imagine settling into your favourite chair after a long day, only to find you can pick up right where you left off with just a few taps on your device. The power of cross-device functionality makes this possible. No more being tethered to one console; freedom is just a click away.
Maxthon’s user interface plays a crucial role in this experience. Designed with simplicity and clarity in mind, it invites users in rather than intimidating them. Bright visuals and easy navigation choices guide gamers through their options with fluidity.
Every feature has been thoughtfully included to ensure that both seasoned gamers and newcomers feel at home. With every aspect refined for ease of use, diving into an exhilarating gaming session has never felt so inviting.
In summary, Maxthon is not just providing a browser; it is creating a holistic environment tailored for cloud gaming enthusiasts. With its commitment to performance and user experience, Maxthon positions itself as a leader in this exciting new frontier of gaming technology.