Why rural British is the perfect setting for Atomfall’s unique approach to survival horror

Key art for Atomfall showing a character in the English countryside looking at a nuclear plant some distance away.

You wouldn't immediately think of a quaint British countryside town when you say first-person survival horror. You'd think rolling hills, occassional sunshine and a good ol' British pub wouldn't quite fit beyond the comedy of Shaun of the Dead. And yet, it's also perfect.

The British charm of this countryside setting works so well for Atomfall's unique approach to the survival horror genre. It's the juxtaposition of it all, but also the fact that Atomfall is based on real-world events. Of course, it's an alternate history, because as far as I know, rural Northern England doesn't have giant flamethrower robots.

(Image credit: Rebellion)

Atomfall's set five years after the real-world Windscale fire that took place in 1957. Windscale was the worst nuclear disaster in the history of the United Kingdom. In this alternate history you have to survive, scavenge, craft, barter, and fight your way through the Northern countryside to solve the mystery of what really happened.

Using this disaster as a basis for the world of Atomfall creates the perfect setting for a unique survival horror experience. The beautiful British countryside being ravaged by nuclear materials creates a familiar yet eerie feel. It's both comforting and haunting.

The small town locale also means that the people you meet are even more interesting. With such a small community, you really have to either put your full trust in people, or deliberately choose to set out on your own path. And with Atomfall giving you very little guidance in how the story plays out or is even discovered, those choices are incredibly important.

(Image credit: Rebellion Developments)

The countryside landscape also makes for interesting and unorthodox routes. Sometimes there's little cover bar some trees or a rolling knoll, and the fact that something could be quietly waiting in the treeline makes for a sense of tension and that nagging feeling that you're never really safe.

Plus, with old tunnels, nuclear bunkers and other surprises to be found amongst the quaint little village haunts, there's always going to be joy in the discovery.

Atomfall is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and is also available via Xbox Game Pass.