Atlas Fallen Review: An Ambitious Leap into Open World Adventure

Deck13 Interactive, the studio that once made waves with “The Surge,” now casts its ambition towards a new horizon with “Atlas Fallen.” Veering away from the Souls-like architecture that marked their previous successes, the developers have crafted a more traditional open-world adventure, as if determined to redefine their reputation. While bearing the mark of their lineage in its weighty combat system, “Atlas Fallen” attempts to break new ground, yet it is a venture that produces both triumph and frustration.

At the heart of “Atlas Fallen” is a traversal system that’s genuinely freeing and a combat mechanism that strikes a balance between power and finesse. Characters defy the shackles of slavery in a sandy realm ruled by an evil deity and find liberation in the form of a god-powered Gauntlet. The game’s innovation lies in these mechanics, allowing characters to float over deserts and tackle mythical Wraiths with targeted precision. It’s a blend that feels at once liberating and grounded, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Character customization, too, is laudable, with the Essence Stones and different abilities giving players substantial control over their play style. The ample side quests and open-world activities provide variety and further depth. It’s a game that encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path.

Yet, the dunes of “Atlas Fallen” are not without their pitfalls. The game’s most significant hindrance comes in the form of technical setbacks. Spelling mistakes, texture pop-ins, and clunky transitions mar the overall experience. While the game’s combat and traversal are enjoyable, these issues are like grains of sand in the shoes of the gameplay, irking and distracting.

Moreover, the latter part of the game feels burdened with repetitive tasks. Locations blend into each other, and the lack of aesthetic diversity often leaves players navigating through a monotonous desert. These shortcomings stymie what would otherwise be a brisk and thrilling adventure.

In the broader spectrum of action RPGs, “Atlas Fallen” manages to carve its own identity. It eschews the now-familiar stamina bars for a more offensive-focused approach. The game also innovatively employs the concept of enemy targeting to break away from the usual hack-and-slash routine. The lack of human enemies, focusing instead on Wraiths that demand a strategic approach, adds a novel layer to combat.

However, it’s impossible to overlook the game’s inconsistencies. The balance between the innovation in combat and the monotonous execution of some elements creates an experience that simultaneously thrills and frustrates.

Ultimately, “Atlas Fallen” is a courageous but flawed endeavor. Its enchanting desert landscape promises an epic adventure but often fails to deliver on that grandeur. The game’s technical glitches and lack of polish in parts feel like missed opportunities in what could have been a standout title. So, for now, “Atlas Fallen” beckons with potential but leaves players wandering in a desert that could have been so much more alive and vibrant.

RATING: 3.0 out of 5.

Atlas Fallen is now available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.