Atomic Heart

About Atomic Heart

Atomic Heart dropped on February 21, 2023, from developer Mundfish under the Focus Entertainment banner. This title lands as a single-player first-person shooter that blends adventure and RPG elements within an alternate history Soviet Union of the 1950s. You play as special agent P-3 arriving at a mysterious facility designated "3826" after it went silent. The premise involves bioengineering experiments and robotics running rampant in this retro-futuristic setting. Players can find it on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Microsoft Windows. It is a violent exploration of a world gone wrong where you must uncover the truth behind the chaos.

Gameplay

You move through facility 3826 as a KGB agent using a variety of weapons ranging from assault rifles to melee tools like your signature combat glove. Combat feels frantic since you often face waves of robotic enemies that require quick aim and dodging. You can switch between different magical abilities or "Neuro" powers mid-fight to blast through hordes or stun specific targets. The environment is filled with puzzles that require you to hack terminals and locate keycards to open new sectors. Progression involves scavenging for parts to craft upgrades and finding lore fragments scattered across the map. Sessions typically last an hour or more as you methodically clear out rooms and fight bosses at the end of major story beats. The controls are standard shooter fare with a focus on fluid movement and shooting mechanics.

What Players Think

Data from IGDB shows a mixed reception with a score of 70.3 out of 100 based on 206 ratings. Most players seem to engage deeply with the world, pushing their average playtime toward completion rather than just skimming the surface. The community moods fluctuate between excitement for the unique aesthetic and frustration with some technical hiccups found at launch. Review snippets often mention the visual style as a highlight while critiquing the repetitive nature of certain combat encounters. Achievements are plentiful, totaling 69 across all platforms, suggesting plenty of side content to unlock if you stick around. The historical low price sits at $15.45, though current deals like Green Man Gaming have dipped it to $8.99 for new buyers.

PlayPile's Take

Atomic Heart is worth playing if you enjoy shooting robots in a weird alternate 1950s world and do not mind some uneven pacing. At the cheapest price of $8.99, the value proposition becomes strong despite the imperfect execution. You will spend time hunting down all 69 achievements or simply rushing through the story depending on your patience. The game works best for those who like exploring detailed environments and have a tolerance for glitches that might pop up during long sessions. It is not flawless, but the setting and combat variety make it an interesting experience worth trying out if you can find it on sale.

Storyline

Set in an alternate version of the 1950s, Atomic Heart takes place in the Soviet Union in which robotics and other technologies have gone rogue. These bioengineering experiments have taken over a manufacturing facility and are running rampant. You play as KGB special age P-3 who is sent to this facility to investigate it after it had fallen silent.