Critics Sound Off: Unveiling the Verdict on Action RPG ‘Atlas Fallen’

Opinions on Atlas Fallen: A Mixed Bag of Reviews

Last week, Deck13 Interactive released their latest action RPG, Atlas Fallen, exclusively for the Xbox Series X and S. As cross-gen titles become less common, it’s always interesting to see how a game designed specifically for the current generation of consoles performs. Early reviews have started pouring in, and the consensus seems to be that Atlas Fallen is a mixed bag of both strengths and weaknesses.

Pure Xbox: A Mostly Successful Leap for Deck13

According to Pure Xbox’s review, Atlas Fallen marks a successful leap for Deck13 Interactive. The game offers a bright and bold semi-open world, filled with excellent combat and slick platforming action. Although the story and voice-acting leave much to be desired, the reviewer commends the ferocious battles, swappable skills, and well-designed Metroidvania and platforming elements. Pure Xbox gives Atlas Fallen a score of 8 out of 10.

TechRaptor: Worth Your Time with Fun Traversal and Combat

TechRaptor praises Atlas Fallen for its enhanced exploration, fun traversal mechanics, and a progression system that doesn’t restrict players to specific levels. The combat, with flashy abilities and fast-paced movement, keeps the game engaging and entertaining. Despite some flaws, TechRaptor gives Atlas Fallen a score of 9 out of 10.

PCGamesN: Superb Combat and Fluid Traversal Make Up for Narrative

According to PCGamesN, Atlas Fallen boasts superb combat, an intriguing world, and fluid traversal mechanics. The reviewer acknowledges the play-by-numbers narrative but appreciates the joy of surfing the sands of the desert wasteland and taking on behemoth beasts. PCGamesN rates Atlas Fallen 8 out of 10.

WellPlayed: Interesting Mechanics and Fun Combat

WellPlayed acknowledges that Atlas Fallen lacks technical and visual polish but still considers it a strong title with interesting mechanics and enjoyable combat. Despite its flaws, WellPlayed commends Deck13 for crafting a game with engaging gameplay. WellPlayed rates the game 7.5 out of 10.

Push Square: Valiant Effort with Technical Issues

Push Square praises Atlas Fallen as Deck13 Interactive’s best game to date, with fantastic traversal and a fun, engaging combat system. However, technical issues and potentially long load times hold back the overall experience. The reviewer emphasizes the disappointment in encountering flaws but recognizes that when Atlas Fallen is in top form, its gameplay shines through. Push Square gives the game a score of 7 out of 10.

IGN: Solid Open-World Action RPG with Excellent Combat

IGN considers Atlas Fallen a solid open-world action RPG, particularly highlighting its combat mechanics and the opportunity to fight large monsters. Although the story and console versions’ graphics lack polish, IGN praises the game’s robust exploration and deep customization options. They conclude that Atlas Fallen is a hidden gem in the arid wilderness, rating it 7 out of 10.

COGConnected: Moments of Awesomeness but with Rough Patches

COGConnected notes that Deck13 Interactive is punching above their weight with Atlas Fallen. While the game showcases moments of unexpected awesomeness, it also has rough patches and lacks polish. COGConnected gives the game a score of 6.8 out of 10.

Eurogamer: Mindless Fun, But Lacks Creativity

Eurogamer describes Atlas Fallen as mainly good old simple fun but criticizes it for taking itself too seriously and lacks creativity in its world and interactions. They acknowledge the game’s monotonous loot chase but believe that the monster-slaying gameplay remains enjoyable. Eurogamer rates the game 3 out of 5.

GamesRadar: Proficient but Lacking Creative Value

GamesRadar finds Atlas Fallen proficient in some aspects and adequate in others but highlights a creative void in the game’s world and player interaction, questioning the overall value of the experience. GamesRadar gives it a score of 5 out of 10.

TheSixthAxis: Dull and Frustrating at Times

According to TheSixthAxis, Atlas Fallen shines when players are engaging in battles with large enemies using carefully constructed builds. However, repetitive fights, an uninspiring story, and indistinguishable environments make the game dull and frustrating. TheSixthAxis rates it 5 out of 10.

Digital Trends: Endearing, But Disappointing

Digital Trends sees Atlas Fallen as a smaller release that punches above its weight class. While the game has endearing aspects, its ambition is limited by various issues. Despite disappointment, the reviewer recognizes that innovative ideas can still be found within the game. Digital Trends rates it 2 out of 5.

A Mixed Bag of Reviews

As of the time of writing, Atlas Fallen holds a score of 64 on Metacritic and a 68 on Open Critic. It’s evident that opinions on the game vary, presenting a mixed bag of reviews.

Still Worth a Shot for Budget Action RPG Fans

Despite the mixed reviews, Pure Xbox, the publication offering one of the most positive ratings, maintains that Atlas Fallen is worth a shot for fans of budget action RPGs. It seems that if players can look past the game’s flaws, such as technical issues and a lackluster narrative, they can find enjoyment in the engaging combat, exploration, and progression systems.

Whether or not Atlas Fallen will stand the test of time and find a dedicated fanbase remains to be seen. However, Deck13’s foray into the current generation of consoles showcases their ability to create engaging gameplay experiences, despite the challenges they face in terms of technical and visual polish.

As always, it’s essential to consider multiple perspectives and read a variety of reviews before deciding whether to invest in a game. Each player has different preferences and expectations, and it’s crucial to find reviewers whose opinions align with one’s own gaming tastes.

Ultimately, the success of Atlas Fallen will depend on the individual player’s willingness to embrace its strengths and overlook its weaknesses. Let’s hope that Deck13 continues to refine their craft and deliver even more captivating experiences in the future.