The Atomfall Developers Knew It Would Be Compared to Fallout as Soon as It Was Revealed, Average Playthrough Around 25 Hours

At first glance, Atomfall might seem like a Fallout game—a post-apocalyptic adventure set in a post-nuclear England, not unlike its American counterpart. The first-person perspective, post-nuclear setting, and alt-history backdrop certainly draw parallels to the Fallout franchise. Rebellion's art director, Ryan Greene, acknowledges these comparisons, noting the team anticipated them from the outset. He even points out that one of Rebellion's owners is a big Fallout fan, making the comparison almost inevitable given the shared survival-in-a-post-apocalyptic-world theme. However, Greene emphasizes that Atomfall is a unique experience, distinct from the Fallout series.

IGN previously highlighted Atomfall's originality, emphasizing that it's far more than just a "British Fallout." Greene reinforces this, describing the Fallout comparison as misleading. He explains that the gameplay quickly reveals Atomfall's unique identity. Crucially, he highlights that Rebellion, unlike Bethesda (Fallout's developer), is an independent studio. While Atomfall represents an ambitious undertaking for Rebellion, it's not on the scale of an Elder Scrolls or Fallout title. Greene frames the comparison as flattering but emphasizes that Atomfall is a version 1.0 experience.

Atomfall Screenshots

Greene estimates an average playthrough to be around 25 hours, though completionists could significantly extend that time. IGN's recent hands-on preview showcased the game's flexibility; the reviewer managed to complete the game by killing everyone. Greene confirms this is possible, stating that multiple endings exist and that killing characters doesn't necessarily block progress. The game adapts to the player's choices.

How Will You Play Atomfall? ---------------------------

Keep calm and carry onKill everyone!Kill no-one!Somewhere in-between (let us know in the comments!)

Atomfall's narrative structure differs from traditional RPGs; instead of a linear main quest and side quests, it features a complex, interconnected storyline. Greene describes it as a "spider web of connected story," meaning that even if a player cuts off one narrative thread, others are usually available to lead them back to the central mystery. Furthermore, a pacifist playthrough is possible, with Greene confirming he's progressed significantly without killing anyone.