Summary
WithAtomfall, Rebellion Developments has forged a new path for the studio into the FPS/RPG survival genre. Previously well-known for theSniper Elitefranchise, its latest title takes a turn into retro sci-fi crossed with folk horror.Atomfalltakes place in an alternate 1960s timeline set five years following the real-life nuclear fire at the Windscale Plant. Its narrative and setting are full of secrets and surprises, and it’s up to the player to untangle the web and escape intact.
Atomfallhas a distinctly British flavor, drawing inspiration from the country’s history and pop culture during the post-World War II and Cold War eras. Its world and cast reflect the tension of the period and themes in works from it, while its story is composed of branching narratives connected through a collection of characters to potentially work with, or against. One of these is markedly different from the others, and even though fans never cross paths with it in person, its nature and role make it one ofAtomfall’s most intriguing and well-presented.
Despite Being Physically Absent, Atomfall’s Voice On the Phone is One of its Best Characters
Atomfall’s Array of Major NPCs
Within the walls ofAtomfall’s quarantine zone, various figures have a vested interest in the sudden appearance and actions of its amnesiac protagonist. Like in any good sci-fi/horror conspiracy story, they are usually hiding something about themselves and their motivations for helping the player. Some are charmingly eccentric, while others come off as more gruff, but they are all physically present in the world and can be interacted with, or ruthlessly eliminated, at the player’s discretion:
The exception is the last one, as its presence is only felt through the booths dotting the land, and its constant communications are cryptic, creepy, and compelling. This voice is one of the game’s best (and most British) aspects, and is a standout part ofAtomfall’s worldand story.
Atomfall’s Voice on the Phone is a Brilliant Inclusion
Not long after being deposited in the zone, players will hear one ofAtomfall’s iconic red phone booths ringing. Should they choose to answer, an ominous disembodied voice speaks in rushed and distorted tones, imploring fans to heed its advice and instructions, providing one of the first clues about their circumstances. This long-distance relationship brings to mindBioShock’sAtlas aka Frank Fontaine, as it is, on the surface, quite a shady situation, yet one perfectly fitting to the game’s atmosphere and presentation.
The voice also serves a dual purpose for story and gameplay.Atomfallallows players to kill nearly every NPC,affecting the availability of various narrative paths. However, even if they decide to take out all the others listed above, the phone booth remains an ever-present option. Fans can commit at any time to following its demands to see where it leads, or ignore it entirely in favor of other avenues. In either case, the phone will continue to call throughout, offering commentary on major decisions and further directions if answered.
The idea was based on a strange occurrence that one of Rebellion’s founding members, Jason Kinglsey, experienced when he was walking alone at night and a nearby telephone startlingly began to ring.
Atomfall’s phone voice plays extremely well into its mood and strong setting, while also being a practical solution to its focus on freedom of choice. WithAtomfall’s Leads systemmaking its structure more open-ended, and combined with the above, it gives fans a great deal of agency to twist the story. Rebellion has described the voice as a “narrative trap door” that provides at least one conclusion should all else fail, as players cannot destroy or otherwise rid the countryside of the phone booths.
Rebellion also has plans forAtomfallDLC, which may shed more light on the mystery caller. As it stands, though, the voice on the phone is one of the title’s coolest characters, and adds a great sense of flavor and style despite never appearing directly in its tale.
