Atlas Fallen Is Set To Release In August! Things You Should Know!
It’s a missed opportunity that we don’t encounter more expansive open-world games set within vast desert landscapes. However, Atlas Fallen brilliantly embraces this backdrop, introducing a wealth of fresh concepts, notably the inventive sand slide maneuver, which innovatively replaces the conventional sprint mechanic.
At the heart of Atlas Fallen lies your personalized protagonist, bestowed with a mystical gauntlet that holds a pivotal role in the game’s post-apocalyptic narrative. This essential piece of equipment shapes the core of the story’s intrigue and adventure.
Keep reading this article till the end to learn more about the same…
What Is Atlas Fallen?
“Rise from the dust and glide the sands of a timeless land, filled with ancient dangers, mysteries and fragments of the past. Hunt legendary monsters with powerful sand-infused weapons and abilities in spectacular, super-powered combat.”
Sounds thrilling, right?
Well, this is exactly what Atlas Fallen is about.
A product of Deck13 Interactive (developer) and Focus Entertainment (publisher), Atlas Fallen is a much anticipated upcoming RPG that moves away from its previous titles and the Soulslike subgenre. The game offers a stunning open environment enriched with Metroidvania-style elements, allowing gamers to embark on exploration journeys and unveil uncharted territories through acquired skills.
While its previous games, Lords of the Fallen, as well as The Surge, hold true to their Soulslike subgenre, where the focus is typically on the environmental storytelling, things are changing with Atlas Fallen.
What About the Gameplay Of Atlas Fallen?
“Atlas Fallen” is an immersive third-person action role-playing video game that lets players craft and personalize their unique avatar right from the start. The game equips players with an ancient gauntlet, enabling them to wield the power of sand manipulation. This dynamic gauntlet can mold sand into formidable weapons, with a choice of three distinct options, though players can carry two at a time.
Unlike Deck13’s prior releases, “Atlas Fallen” embraces a traditional action-packed approach. Players engage in agile maneuvers, evasive actions, and effective blocking to thwart adversaries. Seamlessly transitioning between ground and aerial combat is crucial.
Battle prowess accumulates as players fend off foes, generating Momentum. Upon reaching a specific Momentum threshold, the currently wielded weapon metamorphoses, unleashing formidable special abilities that deliver impactful damage.
Embark on exploration escapades across multiple expansive regions within the game. Engage with diverse non-playable characters, undertake side quests, and participate in various activities. Fluid movement greatly influences exploration, as the gauntlet allows gliding across the vast desert terrain.
Masterful air dashes and the ability to unearth buried items provide opportunities to uncover hidden zones and forge new pathways. Progression rewards players with “Shards” and “Catalyst Pieces,” enhancing the gauntlet’s combat capabilities. Additionally, the game features an enticing two-player cooperative multiplayer mode for shared adventures.
1. Tale Of A Shattered Realm
Transported to an ageless realm known as Atlas, you’ll navigate a world transformed by a cataclysmic event that transpired eons ago. This upheaval paved the way for an evil deity to establish a new dominion.
The aftermath has left this once-thriving world in ruin—a “fallen” realm cloaked in sand, adorned with remnants from an era long past. The populace has dwindled significantly, yet a handful of settlements endure.
It’s a realm not of emptiness but desolation, where the yearning for change echoes ceaselessly among the inhabitants. However, there are those steadfastly devoted to thwarting any transformation.
The expanse of Atlas, with its sweeping dunes and sparse populace, evokes a desert ambiance. Yet your journey will carry you to diverse locations, enabling you to engage with a tapestry of individuals and fathom their lives and trials.
2. Caste System
In the realm of Atlas, sovereignty lies with the Sun God, Thelos, who has established a hierarchical structure for humanity. Within this framework, priests both revere and enact the deity’s wishes. Occupying the zenith of this caste system, the priests orchestrate allocating tasks to laborers and ensuring their completion.
The operation of this system extends to the extent of stripping the lowest stratum of workers of their identities, relegating them solely to their designated roles and designating them as “the Unnamed.” This classification encompasses the majority of Atlas’ populace.
They direct their supplications to Thelos and submit to the deity’s mandates. Their labor serves as the linchpin upholding the divine equilibrium, effectively rendering them instruments of the established authority.
Central to the responsibilities of the Unnamed is the extraction of Essence-infused sand, followed by its conveyance to the capital. The process involves caravans monitored by guards and accompanied by a select few priests. Atlas’ societal construct forms a self-sustaining mechanism wherein oppression has become commonplace, and authority remains vigilantly safeguarded.
3. Against The Order
Naturally, resistance also emerges. Due to their designated societal role, the Unnamed is tasked with a stark purpose: to toil according to the dictates of Thelos, with the promise of potential rewards in the afterlife.
Yet, adhering to a role that lacks significance beyond serving as pawns in the dominion of a despotic god, devoid of recognition beyond their labor, proves to be a formidable challenge. While certain individuals adapt to this role, others vehemently reject it.
Though perceived as an undifferentiated mass by the rest of society, the Unnamed embody profound humanity, experiencing a spectrum of emotions within their collective. Some discover purpose in their service, while others yearn for change or even endeavor to establish unity and resistance whenever possible. Yet, their existence remains expendable in the eyes of the prevailing system.
Beyond the confines of the caste system, an elusive faction operates in the shadows: the Knights of Bastengar. Shrouded in mystery, their origins trace back to time immemorial. Rumors of their demise are widespread, yet this misconception serves their strategy as they bide their time, awaiting the opportune moment to challenge the established order.
4. Journey To Becoming A Hero
The protagonist’s odyssey unfolds, leading him on a trajectory that transcends his Unnamed status, elevating him to the stature of a hero endowed with unparalleled abilities unseen on Atlas for generations.
Throughout this journey, you’ll engage with many characters, engaging in conversations and quests to secure rewards or trade with diverse merchants. Among these characters, individuals spanning all societal echelons will exhibit a keen interest in the hero’s artifact-based powers, each with distinct motivations.
Their responses to the hero’s presence will be varied: some will remain sincere, providing friendly assistance, while others will employ manipulation, and a few will adopt outright hostility, contingent upon their stance toward the hero.
How Is Atlas Fallen Different From Previous Games From Deck13?
Soulslike games draw inspiration from FromSoftware’s renowned Dark Souls series, characterized by deliberate combat requiring players to strategically exchange blows and parries with adversaries, all while monitoring their depleting stamina.
Impressions of Atlas Fallen prior to its launch reveal a combat model resembling character action games such as Devil May Cry and Darksiders. The gameplay is swift, dazzling, and focused on combos. Encounters in this game are notably less punishing than those in the studio’s previous titles.
The Surge and The Surge 2 introduced sci-fi twists to the Soulslike genre, each contributing unique concepts and notorious difficulty. Atlas Fallen, however, aims to broaden its appeal and lower the entry threshold compared to traditional Soulslike games.
Players wield a versatile gauntlet capable of generating various weapon types optimized for light or heavy attacks. Combat in Atlas Fallen maintains a brisk pace, emphasizing stylish combinations.
Engaging enemies in Atlas Fallen accumulates Momentum, visibly represented on the HUD alongside the health indicator. Momentum serves not only for unleashing potent special attacks but also introduces a risk/reward dynamic by increasing the player’s vulnerability.
Enhanced combat mobility sets Atlas Fallen apart from traditional Soulslike titles, with verticality and jumping crucial for targeting larger or airborne foes.
Considering the fact that the developers are trying to do something new with this particular game, let me tell you that there are elements that they have borrowed from other games like God of Wars and even Devil May Cry. In a way, you might also find certain similarities with the Darksiders.
The Setting Of Atlas Fallen
Upon the initial reveal of Atlas Fallen, its captivating open-world within an expansive desert ecosystem caught the attention of many. The world not only presents a plethora of platforming and combat trials but also integrates traversal and movement mechanics through strategically placed power-ups across the map.
This design approach draws inspiration from recent 3D Metroidvania titles like Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series and the acclaimed Darksiders franchise.
During exploration, players are bound to stumble upon areas just beyond their current reach or inaccessible due to lacking abilities. As the game progresses and new enhancements are acquired, players can revisit these sections to uncover concealed rewards.
Deck13’s impressive reputation in the Soulslike subgenre fuels anticipation for their foray into a full-fledged Metroidvania adventure, set within an environment rarely explored in games.
When Is Atlas Fallen Releasing?
As per sources and announcements made by the company, Atlas Fallen is set to release on the 10th of August 2023. Deck13 and publisher Focus Entertainment unveiled Atlas Fallen during Gamescom in August 2022.
Originally slated for a May release, the game’s launch date was rescheduled to August 10, 2023, for Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S. This adjustment aimed to grant the development team extra time for fine-tuning and the incorporation of a comprehensive German voice-over upon release.
Preorder customers will enjoy exclusive access to the “Ruin Rising Pack,” a bundle featuring an array of cosmetic items and essence stones enhancing the gameplay experience.
Metroidvania Elements In Atlas Fallen
“Metroidvania” is a term used to describe a subgenre of video games that combine elements from the “Metroid” and “Castlevania” series. These games typically feature a large interconnected world that players can explore in a non-linear fashion. The term “Metroidvania” is a portmanteau of “Metroid” and “Castlevania,” reflecting the influence of these two series on the genre.
In case you were wondering about the various characteristics and elements that makes Atlas Fallen a Metroidvania, let me help you out. Here are some of the traits of Metroidvania that can be found in this game based on the trailer:
1. Exploration
Players navigate through a sprawling, interconnected world that often contains hidden passages, secret areas, and shortcuts. As they progress, they acquire new abilities or items that grant access to previously unreachable locations.
2. Backtracking
As players gain new abilities, they can revisit earlier areas to unlock previously inaccessible paths and secrets. Backtracking is a fundamental aspect of Metroidvania gameplay.
3. Character Progression
Players improve their character’s abilities over time, allowing them to overcome obstacles and defeat tougher enemies. These upgrades might include enhanced jumping, new attacks, or other special abilities.
4. Non-linear Gameplay
Metroidvania games typically give players the freedom to choose their own path and tackle challenges in various orders. This non-linear approach encourages exploration and experimentation.
5. Boss Battles
Players encounter challenging boss battles throughout the game. These battles often require the effective use of acquired abilities and strategy to defeat.
6. Atmospheric Storytelling
Metroidvania games often convey their narratives through environmental storytelling, subtle cues, and world-building elements rather than traditional cut scenes.
7. Map System
These games usually include a map system that helps players navigate the intricate world, track their progress, and mark areas of interest.
8. Sense of Achievement
The genre often provides a sense of satisfaction as players overcome obstacles and gradually unlock new areas, creating a rewarding gameplay loop.
Where Can You Buy Atlas Fallen?
As I have already mentioned, Atlas Fallen is not yet out. However, you can Pre-order this game on various platforms like Steam and Xbox.
The game is available on Xbox Series for approximately $43. On the other hand, you can also avail this game on Steam for nearly $30.
Remember that it is best to pre-order it to get early access, as well as have the advantage of getting the game at a lower price.
What Does The Atlas Fallen Trailer Say?
The trailer of the game was released just a few days ago. And believe me or not, it has the whole world talking. The graphics, the movement, and the setting of the game looks promising, giving the players a chance to explore.
In this five-minute video, the spotlight shines on the sand-shaping action of the action RPG. Players can wield a pair of primary weapons to unleash rapid and dynamic attacks in the heat of battle. These weapon options range from a whip and axe to even wielding giant fists crafted from sand.
As episodes accumulate, momentum builds, boosting your strength and enabling you to execute impressive special moves. However, it’s important to note that as momentum increases, so does the damage you incur, introducing a strategic risk-and-reward dynamic.
Furthermore, the video provides a glimpse into the customization aspect of the game, showcasing Essence Stones. With over 150 skills, players can master various abilities, such as aerial assaults, trap-setting, and projectile launching.
The trailer also presents the game’s online co-op mode for two players. Enthusiastic players, including its story campaign, can join forces and conquer Atlas Fallen as a united duo. Interestingly, certain Essence Stones are designed to enhance cooperative gameplay.
Given the promising outlook of Atlas Fallen and the reputable background of its developer, Deck13 (known for The Surge series and Lords of the Fallen), we can only hope that this eleventh-hour information surge reflects their confidence in the game, rather than a foreboding sign.
Wrapping It Up!
In case you wanted to know about when is Atlas Fallen coming out or about its gameplay, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below, and I will be there to answer them all for you.
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