Hmpf. I really tried to enjoy this game, but my experience is very different from the reviews i have read.
The art style isn't interesting. Anything looks like SciFi toys from the 50s, composed from spheres and cubes. Kinda low brow by intent it feels. Does not work for me.
Sadly the story isn't interesting either. Previously i've expected a trashy action game, and then was surprised it's an actual narrative shooter. My favorite genre of the past, so that's why i wanted it.
But the story is bland, and does not raise any questions on technology, society, or even morals. Till yet at least. Feels low brow by intent as well.
Not excited about the gameplay either. Movement isn't great. Melee combat feels most interesting, but it's ruined with some QTE mechanics. Printing 'Mash E key!' on screen does not work for me, because then i have to look at the keyboard and search for where that damn key is - no joke. But that's not the primary reason i dislike QTE. My reflexes are poor, so i prefer continuous gameplay where i can plan ahead and push buttons when i think it's time, not when the game dictates it to me.
Not enough ammo to talk about shooting.
And like with any game, i completely ignore 'abilities' and related skill trees.
Mixed feelings about the graphics. Main problem: GI is terrible. No bouncing or color bleeding, everything looks desaturated with harsh blacks in the shadows.
Many games have this problem. I've played DUSK recently. I thought: I love shooters, but no DUSK. No. It looks too shitty. But then i changed my mind, and it's awesome and really fun. Finished and loved it.
Now, due to the lighting issues, Atomic Heart does not really look better to me than DUSK. No joke either.
Idk, but i feel like being done with it after 2-3 hours. No motivation or interest builds up, and i spend too much time with getting lost in corridors and rooms which look like all the others before.
Probably i'll miss some things. So i keep those games installed for some time to eventually play them later again. But even if i try, i'll have forgotten all the special abilities button combos and quirks, so that never works.
That's the same experience i get from 90% of AAA games. : /
But there's always some unexpected Indie pearls. Will go back to Signalis, which really is good. : )