TOP 15 games similar to Atomic Heart

 

On February 21, 2023, the long-awaited release of Atomic Heart took place - a game from Russian developers, in the existence of which many players did not believe until the very release. Atomic Heart has incorporated many features from popular projects. Experienced players will easily understand from which game this or that gameplay element was taken. In this top, we have collected 15 games that inspired the developers of "our answer to BioShock" in one way or another. Or 15 more games to play if you're into Atomic Heart.

Attention! The material contains plot spoilers from Atomic Heart.

1. BioShock Trilogy

• Genre: action shooter
• Developer: Irrational Games
• Year of release: 2007
• Publisher: 2K Games

One has only to look at the gameplay footage of Atomic Heart, the cult BioShock immediately comes to mind. Yes, the Mundfish studio game really looks like a legendary series - the Atomic developers were clearly inspired by the creation of Irrational Games and game designer Ken Levine.

The projects are similar not only in visual style (we are exploring a beautiful and detailed futuristic world that has stepped far ahead in terms of technical progress), but also in mechanics. And all the "advertising" of Rapture and Colombia partially resembles propaganda posters from the times of the USSR.

In BioShock, the hero was given additional abilities from the injection of plasmids. Atomic Heart has a similar system, only here the abilities can be obtained a little differently, but they are also indispensable during the passage. By the way, at the beginning of development, the ability system was as similar as possible to what we see in BioShock, but then it changed. You won't be able to get through Atomic Heart without a weapon, but BioShock can be defeated with only additional abilities.

In addition, Bioshock shows a dystopian society, free from the rest of the world, as well as what happened to it, and Atomic Heart, in turn, a parallel world, which is also in many ways a utopia. The plots of both games talk about freedom from capitalism and the joys of socialism. In both projects, there is a genius who tried to create something perfect, and in both stories, of course, they started out for health, and ended with a disaster, in the midst of which the main character falls.

2. Wolfenstein series (The New Order and The New Colossus)

• Genre: action shooter
• Developer: Machine Games
• Year of release: 2014
• Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios

Another series that comes to mind while playing Atomic Heart is Wolfenstein, namely the parts that were created by MachineGames.

The series also tells about an alternative reality, only in this reality Germany won in World War II. The protagonist (and then his children) try to correct this injustice and successfully fight the Nazis in order to overthrow their regime.

The games are similar not only in that the plot takes place in an alternative version of reality with a completely changed history but also in general presentation. There are similar mechanics - the same study of locations, similar narrative elements, and even the atmosphere of the game is very close. Atomic Heart is especially similar to The New Colossus. More specifically, some locations where you can "get lost" and improve your weapons.

3. Prey

• Genre: shooter
• Developer: Arkane Studios
• Release year: 2017
• Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios

The next game in line is Prey. The plot takes place in the future on the Talos 1 space station. Given that enemies can appear almost anywhere, after a while you start looking for a catch everywhere.

If compared with Atomic Heart, then, of course, futurism catches the eye. Yes, the action of Atomic Heart takes place in the past, but in a very technologically advanced, and therefore the atmosphere is similar. Yes, and the visual component too. We will also add here gameplay chips like the "stun" from energy weapons, the ability of the glove and the concrete gun, as well as the machine for creating items from garbage and the repair station Eleanor. Plus, both games have a similar ecosystem with developed mechanics for the interaction of opponents.

Many more players were completely delighted with the music in Atomic Heart - and for good reason! And the same situation with Prey, the composer in both projects is one - Mick Gordon. Tracks from both games can sit firmly on your playlist for a long time.

4. You Are Empty

• Genre: shooter with horror elements
• Developer: Digital Spray Studios, Mandel ArtPlains
• Year of release: 2006
• Publisher: Atari

You Are Empty is a shooter released in 2006, the plot of which takes place in… an alternative reality, in the USSR of the 50s. At the very least, this already leads us to think about the similarity of the games, because the events of Atomic Heart take place at about the same time, also in an alternate reality. And the games are similar in weapons and genre.

The plot of You Are Empty goes to the post-apocalyptic, it is based on experiments to create the perfect person. Of course, something went wrong, and the ideal Soviet man did not work out, but the hordes of monsters turned out. The reason is experiments to create a superman using polymers.

5. Singularity

• Genre: Action shooter with elements of horror
• Developer: Raven Software
• Year of release: 2010
• Publisher: Activision

And another alternate reality game is Singularity. Outwardly, it looks darker than Atomic Heart, the action takes place on an abandoned scientific complex, which was previously battered by a man-made disaster.

Of the population at the station, only creepy monsters that you need to fight. And, of course, what is a game about the Soviet Union without busts of Stalin, various propaganda posters, and other such decors.

Perhaps the game is worth passing at least because of its atmosphere. Plus, it's interesting to compare how the Soviet Union is shown in Atomic Heart and in Singularity.

6. Marauders

• Genre: multiplayer tactical shooter
• Developer: Small Impact Games
• Release year: 2022
• Publisher: Team17
• Multiplayer: yes

The plot of Marauders takes you to the 90s in a parallel reality, where the First World War is still going on. The conditions became so harsh that many of the inhabitants of the planet simply decided to leave it and start exploring space. And what is the development of the Universe without space pirates? Heh, maybe Maradeurs is a sequel to Atomic Heart? After all, there scientists are trying not only to conquer space but also to master and green the Moon, using the power of science and polymers.

Actually, the players take on the role of "space Jack Sparrow" and, together with their comrades-in-arms, fight with opponents, attack other ships, and extract valuable materials.

7. Escape from Tarkov

• Genre: multiplayer survival shooter
• Developer: Battlestate Games
• Release year: 2017
• Publisher: Battlestate Games
• Multiplayer: yes

And this is our favorite multiplayer project Escape from Tarkov, which combines an action-RPG with elements of survival. The action takes place in the fictional city of Tarkov in the aftermath of the collapse of the USSR.

Players have a hard time because no one can be trusted. Even the one who just covered your back can put a bullet in the same back. In addition, there is also radiation, and not only real people turn out to be enemies.

In general, it is the atmosphere and, possibly, the loot system that can be compared with Atomic Heart.

8. Metro 2033 Series

• Genre: shooter
• Developer: 4A Games
• Year of release: 2010
• Publisher: THQ

Particularly similar is the last part of Metro subtitled Exodus. According to the plot, the Third World War led to a catastrophe - after the use of nuclear weapons, the survivors moved underground and began to live in the subway tunnels, while the climate changed on the surface, monsters began to dominate. In the tunnels, however, there are also enough of them. People have to live in communes, and even in such conditions, local skirmishes and wars continue.

As in Atomic Heart, we are again dealing with an alternative history branch. And let the events of Metro 2033 unfold in modern Russia, the atmosphere of the USSR is very well felt in the game. In general, the games are similar not only in atmosphere and spirit but also in their approach to exploring the world.

This is especially evident in Exodus, where the protagonist not only leaves the subway but also leaves Moscow to find a place suitable for life. In addition, the game has open locations that are optional for exploration, but you can find supplies there. The systems for customizing weapons, stealth, and shooting are also similar. And if we return to the plot, then in both projects the original ideology for which the main character is fighting turns out to be a complete lie, and the protagonist was simply led by the nose.

9. Dying Light Series

• Genre: action adventure
• Developer: Techland
• Year of release: 2015
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Another series in our top is Dying Light. Both parts are famous not only for the crowds of zombies but also for the most beautiful views, parkour, and combat system.

Yes, there are no zombies in Atomic Heart, but the loot and quest systems are very similar. There are also similarities in combat. You can mutuzize opponents with various weapons - from an ax (which should be pumped) to futuristic guns. Dying Light is more melee based, with firearms being used as an aid. In Atomic Heart, the system has been improved, and fighting is more convenient and fun. In addition, platforming and parkour play an important role in both projects.

Also in both games it is worth looking at your feet, looking for and collecting all sorts of things. What seemed unnecessary in the normal world will become useful in games. In addition, the weapon crafting system and the ability to add all sorts of buffs in the form of fire, lightning, and other things are similar.

10. Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village

• Genre: action horror
• Developer: Capcom
• Release year: 2017
• Publisher: Capcom

Comparing Atomic Heart with the Resident Evil series, the similarities can be found precisely in the last two parts, namely Biohazard and Village.

So, how are the projects similar? For starters, the horror component. Unexpected moments when the enemy, monsters, or robots attack in Atomic Heart, as well as all those moments that make you wince. In addition, games have a similar save system, where those saves still need to be found.

And I would like to remember the combat system. Combat and weapon upgrades are similar in order to smash opponents even more effectively. It is necessary to save ammo, and finding them is not so easy. Also, the place in the inventory is limited and it is necessary to determine what is worth taking with you, and what to get rid of or put in a box (repair cabinet) to use later.

11. Rage 2

• Genre: shooter
• Developer: Avalanche Studios, id Software
• Release year: 2019
• Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios

Rage 2 is a post-apocalyptic shooter created by the same studio that gave the world the legendary Doom. In the first part of Rage, a terrible catastrophe destroyed the familiar world, but in the second part, everything is slowly being restored, albeit slowly.

Rage 2 is liked by many for the chaos that can be arranged in the game. And in terms of dynamics, the gameplay has something in common with Atomic Heart. Plus, additional abilities that are needed for passing and surviving are similar. Also in both games, the battles come quickly and suddenly, there is enough action. But the world, though open, but empty. There are vehicles, towers, outposts, testing grounds, and more.

12 Generation Zero

• Genre: co-op shooter
• Developer: Avalanche Studios
• Release year: 2019
• Publisher: Avalanche Studios
• cooperative: yes

Back to an alternate reality! Only in Generation Zero do we find ourselves not in the USSR, but in Sweden in the 80s. The difference from other games is that in Generation Zero you can play not only one but also in a company of up to four people.

The enemies in Generation Zero are the robots that attacked the country. In Atomic Heart, as you know, we also fight with pieces of iron that are out of hand. In both games, robots are really tough opponents that deal a lot of damage and are hard to take apart. Also remember the loot system, the open (and boring) world, and weapons in general. In addition, both games combine stealth and shooter.

13. Doom Eternal

• Genre: RPG shooter
• Developer: id Software
• Release year: 2020
• Publisher: id Software
• Multiplayer: yes

Some similarities with Atomic Heart can be found even in Doom Eternal, a relatively fresh part of the reboot of the legendary series. Hordes of demons are trying to take over the earth, and the main character, as expected, needs to stop them.

When compared to Atomic Heart, the main similarity is the pace of the game. In both projects, the action is over the top, and all the action unfolds quickly enough, and the fights themselves are very hot. In addition, there are arenas with crowds of enemies that need to be shredded to cool music. The soundtrack for both projects was composed by Mick Gordon.

It's also worth mentioning that in Atomic Heart and Doom Eternal, movement is life. If you stand still, the hero will quickly be killed. Plus, Doom Eternal also has parkour, but, like in Atomic Heart, it is needed rather for show.

14. Portal 2

• Genre: adventure platformer
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Year of release: 2011
• Publisher: Valve

Recall, in the context of our topic, the legend - Portal 2. Of course, you might think that the projects have nothing in common, and indeed Portal 2 takes place in a laboratory, in a confined space. But still, the games have similar features.

First, players have to solve puzzles. Action-action, and you also need to make your brain work. And even though the P-3 from Atomic Heart does not have a portal gun, there are special training grounds that are similar to the Portal 2 laboratories.

In addition, as in Portal 2, the main character has a companion glove that helps in passing, prompts and just makes jokes so that the hero does not feel lonely.

15. Terminator: Resistance

• Genre: shooter
• Developer: Teion
• Release year: 2019
• Publisher: Reef Entertainment

Last on our list is the shooter Terminator: Resistance, in which players find themselves in the world of the future. Doomsday has happened, and bloodthirsty robots rule the Earth.

The main character, of course, must destroy artificial intelligence and return power to people. To do this, you will have to fight robots that are programmed to kill the main character and protect Skynet.

Actually, the game is connected with Atomic Heart not only by the line with robots but also by the fact that here you also need to explore the game world, improve equipment, and upgrade abilities.

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This is our list of games similar to Atomic Heart. What do you think? What games have you already played, and which ones are you interested in? What would you add from yourself? Write in the comments.