Summary
The release ofAtlas Fallen, the next title from developer Deck13 Interactive, is right around the corner. Despite being known for its work on the originalLords of the FallenandThe Surge, everything shown so far forAtlas Fallensuggests that the title is shaping up to be a departure for the studio.Lords of the Fallenholds the distinction of being one of the earliest “Soulslikes” after the success ofDark Souls,and Deck13 continued to impress fans of the genre with bothThe SurgeandThe Surge 2.Most would assume that they’re in for another Soulslike withAtlas Fallen, but the studio is trying something new and exciting for its latest outing.
For a studio that made a name for itself making three very competent and enjoyable Souslikes, it’s an interesting turn for Deck13 to take by making a game that is decidedly not one.Atlas Fallencertainly has a unique setting and is a combat-driven game, but the hands-on impressions of the title so far reveal that the title has more in common withDarksidersthan it does withDark Souls. For anyone going intoAtlas Fallenexpecting it to be the studio’s next evolution of its Soulslike chops followingthe excellentThe Surge 2, there are some important things to know about the game ahead of release.
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Combat in Atlas Fallen is Much More Accessible Than in a Soulslike
Soulslikes, by and large, are games that borrow a combat model reminiscent of FromSoftware’s work ontheDark Soulsseries. Encounters are methodical, with players needing to carefully trade blows and parries with enemies while monitoring an ever-depleting stamina gauge. Impressions ofAtlas Fallenahead of release indicate that the combat model on offer is one more akin to character action games likeDevil May CryorDarksiders, with proceedings being fast, flashy, and combo-driven. Not only that, but encounters are not nearly as punishing as what would be found in the studio’s previous work.
BothThe SurgeandThe Surge 2were the first sci-fi takes on the Soulslike formula, and they each brought unique ideas to the crowded subgenre. Also, they were notoriously difficult. WithAtlas Fallen, it appears that Deck13 is aiming to make a game that has a wider appeal than a Soulslike and a lower barrier to entry than their previous games. Players have access to a gauntlet that can generate different weapon types, each designed with either light or heavy attacks in mind. Combat is also much faster paced, and stylish combos are the name of the game.
As players combat foes inAtlas Fallen, they build up Momentum, which is displayed on a bar in the HUD directly underneath the health gauge. Momentum can be used not only to generate special attacks that deal plenty of damage but also cause the player to take more damage in return, adding a risk/reward mechanic to encounter design. Players also have much more mobility in combatthan in a Soulslike, with verticality and jumping being essential to hit larger or airborne foes.
Atlas Fallen’s Beautiful Open World Carries Some Metroidvania Influence
WhenAtlas Fallenwas initially revealed, one of the first things many noticed was its gorgeous open-world set in a sprawling desert ecosystem. Not only is the world itself chock-full of platforming and combat challenges, many of the traversal and movement mechanics players will need to navigate this world are power-ups scattered throughout the map. In this way,Atlas Fallenis pulling a bit of inspiration from other recent 3D Metroidvania titles likeRespawn’sStar Wars Jediseriesor (again)Darksiders.
As players explore the map, they will undoubtedly uncover areas that are just out of reach or currently inaccessible to them with their current slate of abilities. Later on, once new upgrades have been acquired, players can return to these sections of the map to discover the rewards hidden there. Given how greatDeck13’s work in the Soulslike subgenreis, it’s exciting to see them tackling a full-on Metroidvania adventure in a criminally underutilized setting for games.
Atlas Fallenis set to release August 10, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
