Atlas Wept Review (PC)

The RPG genre represents one of the best genres in gaming. It's your ultimate fantasy playground, where you unravel your epic story and save a kingdom, town, or city from peril. Besides receiving a customizable character, you also step in their boots by making decisions that shape your adventure. This level of immersion dips you into the virtual world, delivering a grandiose experience. Titles such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VII and Ultima are cut from the same cloth, with each being unique in its own way. 

We certainly won't see the end of the RPG genre anytime soon. 2024 has a neat lineup of upcoming games that will go head-to-head for the GOTY title at the end of the year. I won't be surprised if Atlas Wept makes the cut. The new retro-inspired RPG from Kbojisoft features a humanist theme amidst peculiar mysteries and dangerous journeys, the perfect ingredients for an ideal adventure. So, will Atlas Wept sweep other RPG contenders this year? We bring you an exclusive review outlining the game's peaks and pitfalls. Sit tight as we unpack the Russian dolls in our Atlas Wept review. 

To Be Human or Not To Be

More often than not, the screen-free advocates or the digitally detached individuals (lack of a better word) criticize video games for their gore and violence-oriented nature. The industry has received quite some backlash, with some parents believing gaming negatively affects their children. If you are one of the naysayers or know someone who is, Atlas Wept will undoubtedly give you or them a change of heart. 

The game's narrative tailors its theme around empathy and sincerity, featuring innocent souls as the protagonists. Two groups of defiant children set off on perilous journeys to uncover ancient truths while building on the foundations of human ethics. Dezi and Charlie are on a quest to find the mystery behind an evil force corrupting people's minds. The force is replacing people's personalities and desires with complacency. The once-spirited individuals are now nothing more than stagnant beings content with their present situations and oblivious to the dangers that lie ahead. Of course, this is the right recipe for an evil takeover. The duo set off on their heels to understand what's behind the sinister force and the fate of humanity.

On the other side, Hal and Lucy's narrative takes center stage. Their quest links them up with a friendly robot-like dog, Gigi. Gigi is missing a few pieces, and its existence is another can of worms of mystery. Hal and Lucy help their new friend retrieve its missing pieces. However, they discover this involves a wild ride into a dark-filled odyssey. Their quest will uncover some of the secrets of the world's history. Atlas Wept wears the fundamentals of an exciting RPG on its sleeves, where you alternate between the two groups and uncover the storyline that binds them. 

A Timeless Encounter

If you are a fan of retro-inspired classics, you may have come across Mother, also known as Earthbound Beginnings. The 1989 RPG by Ape and Pax Softnica was ranked the sixth best-selling game of 1989 in Japan, mostly because of its striking similarity to the Dragon Quest series. The game uses a random encounter combat technique featuring animated creatures and animals. Atlas Wept borrows a few elements from this indie classic, thwarting you on familiar ground while adding a few twists. As you uncover and learn about the intricate mysteries of society, you must also survive the oddities you'll occasionally encounter. 

From a top-down perspective, this game uses modified turn-based combat to tackle adversaries. The enemies are presented as insects on the map. Approaching one activates the battle sequence. The creature will no longer appear harmless but will be a magnified bug that screams light terror. In fact, at best, they are adorable with a touch of weird and evil. Maybe Bug, one of the enemies, is a magnified ladybug with fangs, and Quapilo is a blue butterfly. You won't find any horrifying bosses or zombified creatures. You'll occasionally come across mutated humanoids with Stonehenge-like faces and hands for legs. But that's as terrifying as your enemies can get.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Essentially, every character takes turns to unleash an attack. Melee attacks are the lay of the land, where you can choose from various attack options on the menu. You can strike the enemy with a baseball bat, tennis racket, or ram Gigi's mechanical face on them. The game also lets you weaken your opponent's physical power, increasing their vulnerability. 

Moreover, you can also dodge your foe's attacks that fire as bullet curtain waves. The hits you take translate into damage that chips away at your health. However, if you miss all the hits, you can cancel the attack. Taking more damage will activate your panic bar, slowly draining out. Thankfully, you also get the option of healing or strengthening your teammate. If you fail to do so, your character will KO. 

As an offensive strategy, the idea is to get your enemy into a stunned state where they can't fight back. Next to their health bar is a stun bar. This bar fills up after every damage they receive, making them vulnerable to melee damage. 

Despite featuring a simple turn-based mechanic, Atlas Wept gives you options for customizing your characters. By collecting stamps, you can upgrade their abilities and stats. But choose where you place your stamp carefully because you can't reverse this action. 

Innocent Rebellion

I find the developer's choice to spotlight children in exploring profound human themes particularly commendable. In our contemporary world, rife with humanitarian crises, children stand out as the embodiment of innocence, possessing an innate ability to distinguish between right and wrong. It appears that this very aspect of childhood wisdom may have been a wellspring of inspiration for the solo developer, Kbojisoft. The main characters in the game, young children with an adventurous spirit, step into the role of protagonists with a natural inclination for exploration and discovery.

These young characters emerge as protagonists with an innate inclination for adventure. Lucy, originating from a Sunken City in South Orin, represents the resilience of those affected by displacement and turmoil, serving as a poignant symbol of hope amidst adversity. On the other hand, Hal, described as a reliable child from the same town, adds depth to the narrative with his dependable nature, potentially reflecting the strength found in solidarity within communities facing shared challenges. The deliberate ambiguity surrounding their backgrounds adds an air of mystery, encouraging you to unravel the intricacies of their pasts as they embark on the journey, fostering a sense of curiosity and emotional engagement with the characters.

The Good 

Atlas Wept builds upon the foundation of Earthbound Beginnings in terms of its gameplay and clever dialogue. Its zany story arcs are sure to tickle your funny bone. Although it may appear simple with its pixelated look, there is more than meets the eye beneath the surface. Additionally, the game features a diverse environment with changing landscapes. You’ll traverse between snowy mountains, mossy caverns, isolated train stations and underground temples. These environments encourage the exploration of the game's full map.

In addition to its turn-based combat system, Atlas Wept also includes a bit of action, which may surprise veterans of the retro-indie classic. However, it is a pleasant addition that enhances the gameplay loop. The game also features an intriguing gallery of bizarre but somehow cute animals, which adds to the excitement. While you may be tempted to show mercy to these creatures, doing so will cost you your life.

Moreover, the game's soundtrack is reminiscent of the retro decade, reviving 8-bit audio technology. The music ranges from bubbly to catchy, depending on your actions, and stands the test of time. The game will take you back to your prime arcade era.

Verdict 

Although this review may seem like a documentary, the true brilliance of Atlas Wept lies in its human-centered themes. Similar to Earthbound, which has significantly influenced subsequent games, Atlas Wept keeps the ball rolling while adapting the narrative to a modern audience. While the gameplay may appear to be a constant loop, switching between the two groups adds a layer of variation. In addition, the use of children as protagonists to explore human themes adds a poignant touch, engaging players emotionally. Plus, the game's diverse environments, quirky characters, and nostalgic 8-bit soundtrack provide a rich and enjoyable gaming experience.

Moreover, the game embraces its vintage gameplay style with challenges and occasional shifts in balance. It rewards you with a captivating narrative and an oddly transcendent wave of nostalgia. The developer describes the game as a love letter to classic RPGs, but I say it is more of a penned manuscript for the generation that is to come. Rarely do you find an RPG that gives you a fun experience while digging deep into your moral compass, and Atlas Wept does this exceptionally well. While the developers could have improved the pace of battles, it's important to remember that the game isn't solely focused on leveling up and defeating enemies.