What if Bioshock and your middle-school U.S. History teacher had a baby? That would be Atomic Heart, an interesting peek into a world ruled by machines and communism. Atomic Heart quite literally throws you face-first into the retro-futuristic aesthetic of an alternate-history Soviet Union. The deep reds, rusted copper, and grizzly metal gears all around can keep anyone’s Thought neuro-connector fixated on Atomic Heart’s story and environment, so missing a few things during a playthrough is naturally biological.
Hidden environments, secret Russian language, and historical references are all begging to be discovered by the keen eye in Atomic Heart. The question is, will you take a second to stop, look around, and smell the motor oil?
7 Hidden Soviet Symbols
Atomic Heart is set in an alternate version of the Soviet Union, where players can find hidden Soviet symbols scattered throughout the game. By taking the time to observe these symbols, you may gain a deeper understanding of the game's political and historical context. The sickle and hammer, for example, represent the idea of the unity between the workers and peasants that was central to Marxist ideology. This symbol was also featured prominently on the flag of the Soviet Union, and it is often associated with Soviet communism.
If you take the time to notice these symbols, you may gain a deeper understanding of the game's political and historical context. Come across other potential historical symbols in the game? Take a second to maybe Google them, and you may find out something neat. Furthermore, if you come across other potential historical symbols in the game, you're encouraged to research and learn more about them. This approach not only enhances Atomic Heart's educational value but also encourages you to engage with the history and consider the real-world implications of the game's themes. Overall, Atomic Heart's use of Soviet symbols and its encouragement of historical research offers players a unique and thought-provoking experience that goes beyond the usual action RPG fare.
6 Abandoned Secret Labs
It’s important to search every nook in cranny. Atomic Heart features several abandoned secret labs that you can explore. These labs contain hidden secrets and Easter eggs that provide more insight into the game's lore and story.
Some of these secrets may be difficult to find, so if you enjoy exploring, you may want to spend some extra time in these areas. Just be sure to keep an eye out for strangely-placed door locks - they usually lead the way to something good. As you explore these secret labs, be sure to keep an eye out for strange door locks. These are often a sign that there is a hidden secret or Easter egg nearby, and can lead you to some of the game's most exciting discoveries. Overall, exploring the secret labs in Atomic Heart is a rewarding and satisfying experience that adds an extra layer of depth and immersion to the game's world.
5 Russian Language References
If you are familiar with the Russian language you may notice several references to it throughout the game - it’s quite literally all over. These Russian references are listed everywhere, including posters, graffiti, and many other landmarks.
While not necessary to understand the game's story, these references add a layer of authenticity to the game's world and add a bit more context to things if you have the patience to translate it
4 Multiple Endings
Be wary of your choices. Atomic Heart features multiple endings, depending on the choices you make throughout the mechanical journey in Atomic Heart. If you're not careful, you could have missed this opportunity to trigger the “good” ending right before the fight with Sechenov.
When Granny Zina asks you about fighting Sechenov and answers “Whatever, lady…why don’t you show me what’s in that arsenal of yours?” you'll be given what is considered the "good ending." Selecting the other dialogue option results in a different ending, so you’ll have to try both options if you want to see what the game's endings are like. To experience all the game's endings, you must explore the different dialogue options through many playthroughs. This encourages you to experiment with different approaches to gameplay, leading to a more immersive and engaging experience. The variety of endings also offers an opportunity for discussion and debate among players, as they compare their experiences and opinions on the game's story.
3 Hidden Collectibles
No journey through a robot-infested wasteland goes without stumbling over a few shiny collectibles. Players who explore the world of Atomic Heart thoroughly will find various hidden collectibles throughout the game. These collectibles include vinyl records and cassette tapes that contain hidden messages and clues about the game's world and story.
Finding an extra cassette tape through the use of your handy-dandy scanner is always rewarding. Finding all of these collectibles can be challenging but rewarding for players who enjoy a good scavenger hunt. Of course, finding all of these collectibles can be a challenge. You will need to make lots of use of your scanning tool and explore every nook and cranny of the game's world to locate them all. But if you enjoy a good scavenger hunt, the rewards are well worth the effort. Atomic Heart's collectibles add an extra layer of depth and immersion to the game's world. By taking the time to find them all, you can unlock additional content and gain a deeper understanding of the game's story and characters. If you enjoy exploring every inch of a game's world, Atomic Heart's collectibles offer a satisfying and rewarding experience.
2 Interactive Objects
Atomic Heart features several objects that you can interact with. These objects include typewriters, radios, and televisions that provide more backstory and context to the game's world. Extra lore and hidden to-be-discovered deep cuts await you, so make sure to take the time to interact with these objects.
Had a question about a certain bit of background on a character? Chances are you may get your answer through the bits of content peppered all over Atomic Heart. Stumbling across a secret typewriter will help you gain a deeper understanding of what's going on.
1 The Role Of Robots
Say hello to Mr. Roboto during your playthrough, you know, just to check if they’re okay. Robots play a significant role in the game's story, and players who pay attention to their behavior and interactions may uncover more about the game. In Atomic Heart, robots don’t just function as mindless sentinels; instead, they have unique personalities and backstories that players can learn more about by observing them. If you’re not being chased by a giant mechanized worm, take a load off some time and observe these robots once in a while.