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 evoke the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, perhaps even a British-set Fallout game. It's a first-person, post-nuclear title (the name's a giveaway!) with an alternate history setting, mirroring Fallout's signature style. Art Director Ryan Greene at Rebellion understands the comparisons perfectly, acknowledging the inevitable Fallout comparisons from the moment of the game's reveal.

“We knew,” Greene told IGN, “that any survival game set in a post-apocalyptic setting would immediately draw Fallout comparisons. And those guys are masters of their craft; we respect that.” He also noted that Rebellion's owner, Jason Kingsley, is a big Fallout fan, further contributing to the parallels.

However, Atomfall carves its own unique path. IGN highlighted this last August, emphasizing that Atomfall offers something far more compelling than a simple "British Fallout." Greene himself cautions against the misleading nature of this comparison.

“Once you play it, you’ll see it’s entirely its own thing,” Greene stated. He emphasizes Rebellion's independent status, distinct from Bethesda (owned by Microsoft). While ambitious for Rebellion, the game isn't on the scale of an Elder Scrolls or Fallout title.

“We’re version 1.0 of a successful franchise,” Greene continued, “and to be compared to those teams… it’s an honor. They're incredibly skilled.”

Atomfall Screenshots

13 Images

Greene estimates an average playthrough at around 25 hours, though completionists could significantly extend that time. IGN's recent hands-on preview, featuring Simon Cardy's playthrough where he killed everyone, reveals a key aspect of the game's design.

“You can kill anyone or everyone,” Greene confirmed. “The game accommodates that. While some endings might be unavailable if you kill key characters, multiple paths exist to reach different conclusions.”

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

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

AnswerSee Results

Atomfall doesn't feature traditional main and side quests. Instead, Greene describes the narrative as "a spider web of connected stories." Severing one thread doesn't necessarily halt progress; other paths lead to the overarching mystery.

Furthermore, a pacifist playthrough is entirely possible. Greene confirms this, stating, “I've played for about nine hours, nearly halfway through at a fast pace, without killing anyone. I'm confident it's achievable, and there are no mandatory kills.”