what game is this
Atomic Heart is a first person shooter from the Russian studio Mundfish. Despite chatter on social networks about an incomplete feel, the game aligns with its trailers, runs smoothly on PC, and delivers an entertaining experience.
It marks Mundfish’s debut project. Early marketing leaned into provocative visuals and cheeky dialogue from female characters, which captured attention. The game includes a number of such moments throughout its story.
At the start, players step into the shoes of Major Sergei Nechaev. He encounters an unusual tentacle-like device called Eleanor, used to acquire skills and weapons as the narrative progresses.
The setting imagines a Soviet Union in the mid-1950s. Scientist Dmitry Sechenov, with strong backing from the Politburo, makes strides in robotics and supplies robots to many nations. The plot thickens as robots rebel amid internal sabotage, prompting Sechenov to send Nechaev in to resolve the turmoil. Nechaev becomes a central conduit for Sechenov’s directives within the story.
Meanwhile, Sechenov faces questions from USSR officials who are uneasy about the robot uprising. Twin robots, Left and Right, serve as bodyguards to a renowned scientist, while former colleagues of Sechenov emerge as principal antagonists.
Within the enterprise lies Zina, a combat veteran who first battles robotic foes with a Kalashnikov. She aids Nechaev, though her deep ties to the company remain shrouded for a long time.
Midway through the journey, the game reduces its overt sexualization and begins to dismantle some of the early character myths. The narrative turns toward a more tragic exploration of relationships and actions, prompting players to reconsider prior choices.
The game frames modern technology as a source of danger. Robots running amok at a factory illustrate one threat, yet there are other inventions with dual uses. A polymer substance resembles mercury and powers a system called Thought, while a headpiece allows users to control machines. These ideas drive questions about the power and risk of technology.
professionals
Atomic Heart offers solid fun in a shooter format built on two core pillars: the HRAZ glove and an upgradeable arsenal of unusual weapons. The weapon feel is satisfying, and the glove enables creative combat combinations.
Additional moves can be unlocked to intensify melee damage. The game features puzzles tied to electricity that echo other titles, yet these challenges feel fresh within this world. The door-locking system showcases multiple manual approaches, demanding quick reflexes as well as strategic thinking.
Short Soviet-style animations explain glove capabilities, showing how to shock a flying camera or freeze a working robot before finishing it with a shotgun. The world also introduces eerie scenes where memories stored in polymers are used to communicate with the dead, delivering dialogues that shape the mood and choices players face.
In this setup, polymers record a person’s last memories, and they can even imitate voices of the deceased. They allow simple conversations with Nechaev, influencing the story’s progression.
cons
Some players may find the difficulty uneven, especially on mid-range settings where fights can swing between manageable and challenging. When needed, lowering the difficulty provides relief and pacing control.
The early game also presents characters with odd behavior. The interplay between Nechaev and his glove companion includes sharp sarcasm and occasional coarse language, which some players may find off-putting. The dialogue carries a heavy dose of swearing, matching the game’s gritty tone.
Nechaev emerges as a talkative protagonist in a setting that can feel like a blend of Bioshock and a retro world. The pace sometimes drifts, leaving players wishing for tighter focus during combat or exploration.
There is also an impression of open-world ambition in places. While the shooter structure remains strong, some attempts at open-world exploration feel unnecessary and interrupt the flow of action.
Who Should Buy Now?
Fans missing the Bioshock vibe may find Atomic Heart appealing as soon as it is available. It echoes elements of that series, with a plot and gameplay emphasis that draw from similar inspirations. It is a title for players who enjoy shooters that reward skill and confidence, as well as those who appreciate a well-crafted atmosphere and environment.
Gamers who do not typically reach for shooters might still enjoy the setting and atmosphere. They should expect a focus on shooting mechanics rather than extensive scouting, especially in the initial stages.
Atomic Heart offers a unique soundtrack and cinematic moments that complement its action, including modern tracks alongside the game’s Soviet-era flavor. The story develops with audible intensity, inviting players to reflect on the implications of technology and control.
Overall, the game aims to entertain first and provoke thought second. The deeper questions about the fate of humanity surface later as the plot accelerates, inviting players to consider choices made along the way.