Atomic Heart Game Review: A Sci-Fi Shooter That's a Must-Play for Fans

The wait for a new sci-fi shooter has been long and arduous. It's been ages since System Shock was last released, BioShock has been absent from the gaming scene for over a decade, and Arkane Studios' excellent Prey seems to have been a one-off. But fear not, fans of the genre! Atomic Heart is here to fill that void, offering an immersive and imaginative historical fiction setting, pseudo-science magical powers, and a story with plenty of twists.

Set in 1955, Atomic Heart takes place in a hypothetical scenario where the USSR wins World War II thanks to its scientists' development of a liquidized programmable module called Polymer. This breakthrough technology leads to advancements in energy and robotics, and players are transported to a world where science fiction meets reality.

As fans of the genre would expect, Atomic Heart is full of nods to other classic sci-fi shooters. Players can harness pseudo-science magical powers, which adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. The story is also full of twists and turns, keeping players on their toes as they navigate through the world.

But does Atomic Heart live up to its potential? In my opinion, it mostly manages. With a release date of Tuesday, February 21, players are already calling it 'BioShock in the USSR,' which is no small feat. While it may not be perfect, Atomic Heart is certainly a must-play for fans of the genre.

So while we wait for BioShock creator Ken Levine's new game Judas to launch (rumored to be sometime in 2025) or Cloud Chamber Collective to deliver news about the fourth BioShock game beyond rumors and speculation, fans can make do with what they have. Atomic Heart is a compelling brand of science-fiction first-person shooters that doesn't come often, making it a must-play for anyone who loves this type of game.

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