Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand Update Review

Atlas Fallen received lukewarm reception initially, with commendations for its combat mechanics and vast landscapes but disapproval for technical shortcomings such as performance glitches, bugs, and sluggish campaign progression. Additionally, it was reproached for its superficial RPG elements and failure to fulfill player anticipations for a comprehensive experience. Nevertheless, the latest Reign of Sand update has markedly ameliorated the game by rectifying these defects, enriching the campaign, honing the combat system, and boosting performance, thereby rendering it a more refined and gratifying experience.

The “Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand” update introduces numerous enhancements that greatly improve the game’s overall experience. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the principal updates.

Atlas Fallen was released on August 10, 2023. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Reign of Sand, a free add-on, is now available on all platforms.

A New Voice

The “Reign of Sand” update has brought substantial enhancements to the campaign, improving both engagement and narrative flow. The story now has a sharper focus, with a strong emphasis on character evolution and plot development. The addition of new voice acting, particularly by Ben Starr, has provided the characters with more depth and emotional resonance, making the dialogues more enthralling. Furthermore, the pacing of the campaign has been optimized, facilitating a swift and uninterrupted entry into the adventure. The introduction of Rifts, which offers a gateway to a new realm replete with challenges and corruption breaches, is an impressive feature.

The game still grapples with its fair share of issues, particularly concerning quest design, NPC interactions, and character animations, which can occasionally appear disjointed and potentially disrupt the immersive experience.

Portal to a Realm Unknown

The world map has undergone substantial improvements, offering more intricate and diverse terrains. The recent update introduces fresh regions for discovery, each characterized by distinct topographies and obstacles. The sandy expanses and venerable ruins have received a visual enhancement, boasting refined textures and lighting effects that animate the environment. Moreover, the incorporation of additional side missions and concealed treasures motivates players to delve into every nook of the map, rendering the world more vibrant and interactive.

Even with significant updates, the game struggles to maintain a consistent level-design in a lifeless and empty world. Nevertheless, the near-perfect traversal system and sand gliding mechanics manage to keep the gameplay engaging. The only missing element in traversal is the addition of a grappling hook.

The enemy design has undergone a significant overhaul, presenting new types of adversaries that demand varied strategies for defeat. The combat mechanics have been enhanced for improved responsiveness and fluidity. Newly introduced Essence Stones provide expanded customization options for combat styles, allowing players to adapt their abilities to their individual playstyles. Furthermore, the update introduces a New Game+ mode, which presents further challenges and incentives for players wishing to replay the game with their previously acquired skills and equipment.

Improved Visuals

“Reign of Sand” has undergone a remarkable visual enhancement. The game now boasts higher-resolution textures, advanced lighting, and intricately detailed character models. The immersive environments are enriched with dynamic weather effects and lifelike shadows, contributing to the overall atmosphere. While the art style has been preserved, the added visual finesse ensures the game shines on the latest generation consoles.

The recent update has significantly enhanced performance optimization. The game now operates more fluidly on current-generation consoles, boasting shorter loading times and diminished instances of frame rate drops. Additionally, the developers have rectified numerous bugs and glitches, contributing to a more stable and pleasurable gaming experience. These improvements are crucial in allowing players to immerse themselves in the game’s visuals and gameplay without being hindered by technical disruptions.

Despite the noticeable micro-stutters during map transitions and certain areas displaying low-polygon textures lacking in detail, the overall enhancement is significantly pronounced when compared to the initial launch version.

Real Talk

Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand marks a substantial improvement over its initial release. The revamped campaign features enhanced voice acting and an expanded world map replete with stunning rifts, corruption breaches, and new wraith monsters, making it a compelling experience to explore. The visual and performance upgrades are impressive, delivering a seamless 60 fps experience with occasional dips. However, some issues persist, such as repetitive quest design, sparse terrains, and a parrying system that lacks consistency.

FINAL RATING: 75/100