The English dub can be a bit awkward at times, with P-3’s catchphrase of “Crispy critters!” presumably translating to something less odd-sounding in Russian. P-3 himself ends up being a rather engaging protagonist as his past is revealed, and banter with his talking AI sidekick Charles providing much of the game’s levity. As you explore the various laboratories, you gain insight into the nation’s plans for the future, showing both the regime’s utopic ambitions, and the human flaws and infighting that are bringing it down. I found the setting of this alt-universe retro-futuristic Soviet Union quite interesting and well-developed. You play as P-3, a taciturn soldier and government agent caught in the middle of the mayhem, who must investigate the cause of the catastrophe and hopefully restore order. This utopia is torn apart when all of the domestic robots suddenly turn on their masters, bringing the Soviet Union to its knees.

In this version of reality, the Soviet Union has entered into a technological golden age, with an army of domestic robots serving humanity’s needs, and scientific advancements providing flying cities and an advanced space program. Although some technical and pacing issues do hold the game back at many points, fans of Bioshock and Prey (2017) will really get immersed in what Atomic Heart is offering.

It’s a valiant debut effort, featuring a compelling cast and setting and gorgeous aesthetics and music. Atomic Heart, developer Mundfish’s first major title, is a sci-fi FPS-RPG taking place in an alternate Soviet Union.

New sci fi game atomic heart