Atomic Heart, coming from Mundfish, received a new trailer as part of the Xbox-Bethesda showcase during E3 2021. The new one-minute trailer showed off some fresh Atomic Heart gameplay, and gave players a better idea of what the world will look like. Atomic Heart is set in an alternate 1960s Soviet Union where a robotic uprising has started. Players will have to fight off a wide variety of mechanical monsters in its open world. While this isn't the first look players have had at Atomic Heart, it's perhaps one of the best looks at the title yet.
During the Xbox and Bethesda showcase at E3, Atomic Heart was confirmed to launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one. While no exact launch date was revealed, this could be a big win for developer Mundfish. This is the Russian studio's first game, and being a part of Xbox Game Pass could get some exposure for the title. The latest news and footage of Atomic Heart has been heartening for gamers excited about the title, especially when compared to its first reveal and the news that followed.
Atomic Heart's Reveal and Subsequent Rumors
With its initial trailer 2018, some gamers compared Atomic Heart to BioShock due to its unique take on history and horror-influenced setting. The first gameplay trailer, for some fans, seemed too good to be true. Rumors began circling that Atomic Heart's development was in trouble, though this was never confirmed. As part of the same rumors, a supposed leaker suggested that the gameplay footage wasn't as legitimate as it was made out to be. The insider implied that the gameplay was largely not representative of its actual state. Despite all the rumors related to its development and its initial trailer, no official comment from the developer was released.
In 2019, a new trailer for Atomic Heart surfaced, and gamers largely agreed that it looked to be more reflective of what can be expected of its gameplay. The 10-minute trailer exhibited a range of enemies and weaponry in Atomic Heart's chaotic setting. Fans were pleased to see a more realistic peek at the game, and most considered it to be impressive looking, despite the footage being from a pre-alpha stage. Since this 2019 gameplay trailer, Mundfish has been revealing more news on the game a bit more consistently, much to the relief of gamers excited for the horror shooter.
Atomic Heart in 2021
Thanks to more recent Atomic Heart gameplay trailers and information trickling out from the developer, fans have a better idea of what to expect from the game. The wild-looking first-person shooter is confirmed to have an in-depth photo mode, raytracing, and no loading screens on next-gen consoles. While its exact release date has yet to be publicly revealed, fans are excited to see how it's coming together as it gets closer to completion.
Atomic Heart has been subject to a lot of rumors about its reportedly difficult development period, but with a steadier stream of news about the game, fans are more encouraged about the game than ever. Its debut on Xbox Game Pass is big news for the developer, and it could indicate that a release date announcement is finally drawing nearer.
Atomic Heart has undergone quite a change since its debut trailer. Gossip surrounding the legitimacy of the trailer from a supposed insider possibly hurt the game in the short term. Fans' confidence in the game and the developer was shaken for some time, until the more recent trailers since 2019. The gameplay shown since then has had a more legitimate feeling to it, much to the delight of gamers.
With concrete news of Atomic Heart's photo mode, raytracing, and new gameplay, Mundfish's debut is one to watch for sci-fi and horror fans. No release date has been made official, but fans are looking forward to hearing more on the title, which looks like it's getting closer to being finished.
Atomic Heart is currently in development for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.