Atomic Heart: Enchantment Under The Sea Review
OUR RATING: 8/10
Atomic Heart burst onto the scene with its unique blend of retro-futuristic aesthetics and intense first-person shooter gameplay. Now, with the release of its third DLC, “Enchantment Under the Sea,” Mundfish has once again shown its prowess. As someone who’s been eagerly following the game’s development, I couldn’t wait to dive into this underwater adventure and see how it stacks up against the base game and previous expansions.
From the moment I launched the DLC, I was struck by the sheer ambition on display. Enchantment Under the Sea isn’t just a simple add-on; it’s a substantial expansion that builds upon the foundation laid by Atomic Heart while introducing fresh elements that breathe new life into the game. Let’s explore what makes this DLC tick and whether it’s worth your time and money.
Enchantment Under the Sea kicks off with a bang, reuniting players with familiar faces and introducing new challenges. The story picks up where the previous DLC left off, with our protagonist P-3 and his wife, Agent Blesna, embarking on a perilous journey through the underwater Neptune Research Center.
As I made my way through the opening sequences, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu mixed with excitement. The game does an excellent job of recapping previous events for newcomers or those who might need a refresher. This attention to detail ensures that players can jump right in without feeling lost.
The narrative takes some unexpected turns, delving deeper into the mysteries of Facility 3826 and the consequences of past actions. Without spoiling too much, I can say that the story kept me engaged throughout, with plenty of twists and revelations that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about the Atomic Heart universe.
One of the standout features of Enchantment Under the Sea is its breathtaking underwater environments. The development team at Mundfish has outdone themselves in creating a visually stunning and immersive world beneath the waves. From bioluminescent creatures to eerie, abandoned structures, every corner of the Neptune Research Center feels alive and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
As I explored these underwater realms, I found myself constantly pausing to take in the sights. The attention to detail is remarkable, with swaying seaweed, schools of fish darting by, and the play of light through the water creating an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and unsettling. It’s clear that a lot of love and effort went into crafting these environments, and it pays off in spades.
But don’t let the beauty fool you – danger lurks around every corner. The underwater setting introduces new challenges and enemies that keep you on your toes. I found myself constantly adapting my strategies to deal with aquatic threats, making combat feel fresh and exciting.
Enchantment Under the Sea doesn’t just rely on its good looks to impress. The DLC introduces several new gameplay mechanics and weapons that add depth to the Atomic Heart experience. One of the most notable additions is the grappling hook, which opens up new possibilities for both exploration and combat.
Using the grappling hook to zip around underwater environments or pull enemies closer for a melee attack never gets old. It’s a versatile tool that feels like a natural extension of P-3’s abilities, and I found myself wondering how I ever played Atomic Heart without it.
The DLC also introduces new weapons like the Thunderclap, a hammer-like tool that packs a serious punch, especially when charged with electricity. Experimenting with these new tools alongside familiar favorites from the base game kept combat feeling fresh and exciting throughout my playthrough.
One aspect of Atomic Heart that has always divided players is its puzzle design. I’m happy to report that Enchantment Under the Sea strikes a better balance in this regard. While there are still brain-teasers to solve, they feel more integrated into the environment and less like roadblocks to progression.
That said, some puzzles can still be quite challenging. I found myself stuck on a few occasions, but the satisfaction of finally cracking a tough puzzle made the struggle worthwhile. If you’re not a fan of puzzle-solving in your FPS games, you might find some sections frustrating, but overall, I felt the difficulty was fair and rewarding.
Playing on a high-end PC, I was impressed by the technical performance of Enchantment Under the Sea. The game ran smoothly even in the most visually complex areas, with only minor hiccups during intense combat sequences. Load times were quick, and I didn’t encounter any game-breaking bugs during my playthrough.
It’s worth noting that your mileage may vary depending on your hardware, but it’s clear that Mundfish has put effort into optimizing the DLC for a range of systems. The attention to detail extends to the audio design as well, with an atmospheric soundtrack and excellent voice acting that brings the characters to life.
Clocking in at around 4-5 hours for a standard playthrough, Enchantment Under the Sea offers a substantial amount of content for its price point. The $9.99 price tag feels fair given the quality and quantity of new experiences packed into the DLC.
For completionists and explorers, there’s plenty of reason to revisit areas and uncover all the secrets hidden beneath the waves. I found myself spending extra time just taking in the sights and experimenting with different approaches to combat scenarios.
Enchantment Under the Sea doesn’t just stand on its own merits – it also improves the overall Atomic Heart experience. The new mechanics and story elements introduced here retroactively enhance the base game, making me excited to revisit earlier sections with a fresh perspective.
It’s clear that Mundfish has been listening to player feedback and refining their vision for Atomic Heart. This DLC feels like a step forward in many ways, addressing some of the criticisms leveled at the base game while doubling down on what made it unique and compelling in the first place.
After spending time with Enchantment Under the Sea, I can confidently say that it’s a must-play for fans of Atomic Heart and a great entry point for newcomers curious about the game. The combination of stunning visuals, engaging gameplay additions, and an intriguing continuation of the story make for a compelling package.
While not without its flaws – some puzzles may still frustrate, and the story can be convoluted at times – the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. Mundfish has delivered a DLC that not only meets expectations but exceeds them in many ways.
If you’ve been on the fence about diving back into the world of Atomic Heart, Enchantment Under the Sea provides more than enough reasons to take the plunge. It’s a testament to Mundfish’s commitment to their vision and a promising sign for the future of the franchise.
