Mundfish's CEO and Atomic Heart's Game Director Robert Bagratuni answered questions from the largest Japanese magazine Famitsu. Check out the interview below to find out some details about the upcoming DLC#3 and more!
1) Hi! Looking back at the two DLCs that have already been released, what do you think of them now?
We always strive to develop the world of Atomic Heart, adding more depth and variety to it with new mechanics, locations or storylines. And we really love both released DLCs - each of them was an opportunity for us to experiment and find new ways to entertain players. Of course, not all of them worked perfectly, but this is an integral part of experiments that allow you to find something really cool and unusual. We are grateful to the players for their support and listen carefully to absolutely all their opinions - they motivate us to move forward and help us understand what needs to be improved and what is already working great. We created DLC#3 with the same approach, which will pleasantly surprise players, because we will not exaggerate if we say that we tried to make it the most exciting one so far.
2) Tell us what the theme of DLC#3 will be?
We can say that the main theme of DLC#3 is "return". And this word here has several meanings at once: the return of players to their favorite gameplay, as well as the return of the characters to what was lost. This motive will be key both in the plot and in the general atmosphere of the DLC.
3) Can you share any details about the setting and story of DLC#3? The previously released teaser showed a giant robot dancing on the streets of the airborne city of Chelomey, engulfed in flames. Are there any hidden hints?
The story will continue after the DLC#2, at the end of which P-3 returns from Limbo, so now all the action will take place solely in the game’s real world again. New adventures will take players to new amazing locations, as well as to familiar territories that have changed beyond recognition. The Chelomey Complex is one such place, and as you can see, it's not possible anymore to calmly walk there, enjoying the surroundings. Talking about hints, there is the obvious one on the surface: to achieve the goal, you will have to sweat. For example, even though this huge dancing robot was previously friendly, now it poses a great danger to P-3.
4) Tell us, will there be any new mechanics in DLC#3, as there were in DLC#1 and #2?
We always try to give players fresh emotions, and with DLC#3 our main focus was to make sure that players constantly receive new experiences. So, in addition to new weapons and abilities, players can expect other new gameplay elements, including new ways to interact with the environment and more. And we are very excited to finally implement them, since we started thinking about some of them a long time ago and are incredibly happy that we finally have the opportunity to bring them to players in DLC#3.
5) Do you plan to release any new features along with the release of DLC#3?
We're not ready to reveal all the details yet, but yes, we have something interesting in store for players. We hear various wishes from players about how they would like to enrich their gameplay, so we are currently working on a solution that could provide some flexibility in this regard.
6) Are there any specific points you'd like players to focus on while playing DLC#3?
Our goal has always been to evoke emotions in players. In the main game, there were many contrasting moments that made players feel joy or sad, and in DLC#3, we want to give them the opportunity to experience such emotions again. Therefore, we want players to focus on the characters and their relationships this time, as DLC#3 will have many interesting and emotional interactions between them.
7) Any news on DLC#3 release date?
At this stage, we confirm that the DLC will be released soon. The team is working hard to complete it, and we are confident that the additional time spent on development will allow us to create the experience that all our players and fans deserve. We’ve already started sharing information about DLC#3 more actively, so we advise everyone to stay tuned not to miss new details!
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Atomic Heart is coming back soon with the long-awaited DLC#3! Not only new exciting locations await you, but also familiar ones. Check out the teaser, which will show the first look at one of them. 🔥
The Chelomey Complex, the pride and symbol of Facility 3826, has changed beyond recognition after the robot uprising. 🤖 Where you could walk around peacefully before, a huge robot is now in charge, and this time it poses a serious threat 💀:
What other places do you think P-3 will visit? Share your thoughts and stay tuned!
Publisher Sale is live!🤩 Dive into the world of Atomic Heart with up to 62% off on Steam - don't miss out! Special deals are also available for the Atomic Pass, DLC 1, and DLC 2.
STEAM Sale is on!🔥 Dive into the world of Atomic Heart with discounts of up to 62% on Steam! Special deals are also available on the Atomic Pass, DLC 1, and DLC 2.
In the world of Atomic Heart, Dr. Sechenov plays a key role. As the director of Facility 3826, he is the embodiment of breakneck progress and ambitious projects. His name is associated with the creation of robotics, neuropolymers, and the Kollektiv Neural Networks 1.0 and 2.0. Sechenov is one of the most enigmatic and multilayered characters of the game. A former neurosurgeon, he became a pioneer in polymeric technology and the Kollektiv system by forming a team of eminent scientists around him. His work ushered in revolutionary changes to the science and technology of the game's alternative world.
Early sketches of the Atomic Heart universe were drawn up by Mundfish cofounder and art director Arthur "Artep" Galeev well before development began. Since then, the concept of Sechenov has undergone several changes. After all, he was originally supposed to be the main antagonist. Here is how Artep himself tells the history of Sechenov's making:
"When we were coming up with an antagonist in the context of Belka's travels through Limbo (see "The History of Creation: Limbo"), the initial idea was based on the image of a scientist striving for the progress of humanity at any cost, regardless of the potential sacrifices. So, back in the early 2000s, Mr. Sponge, who lives in Limbo, was created. A capitalist scientist on par with Thomas Edison or Benjamin Franklin. At the time, I made a lot of sketches for this character and notes about him. He possesses untold wealth and opportunity, and he invests it all in scientific research and the creation of design offices around the world.
His office looks like the cross-section of a sponge. This design is also used for Sechenov's office in the high-rise Chelomey in the game. The sponge represents a natural fractal structure with a huge surface area that highlights the "capacity" for opportunities. Valuable artifacts are kept in the office, which is also reflected in the game. In Sechenov's cabinet, you can see part of his collection in the form of a turbojet and supersonic Concorde, which only serve as decoration and collect dust."
The image of the sponge and its scientific are inexhaustible for Artep. And the mad scientist who lives within this structure continues to inspire our art director with new ideas and adventures. For him, there is no direct vertical hierarchy in their system, since the entire structure entangles itself not only vertically, but horizontally as well—exactly like a sponge.
After some time, Artep concluded that the image of Mr. Sponge needed to be translated into the real world. This is how Sechin came to be, combining the features of a capitalist and a scientist. But closer to the start of the game's development, Sechin morphed into the head of Facility 3826 Sechenov, a direct analogue of the scientist.
Why are money and science Sechenov's essential, fundamental components? Behind the scenes of his activities lie the economic factors that ensured the success of his corporation, a hybrid of capitalism and socialism, both a state-run and market economy. In order to avoid political controversy, Sechenov possesses outstanding economical and political ability as both a capitalist and a socialist. This allows for people of any economic or political system to find something familiar in him. As a result, he is confident that any means of motivation is acceptable if it leads to progress, quality of life improvements, and the exploration of the planet and space.
Sechenov's character is inspired by Gary Oldman's role as Dr. Norton in 2014's Robocop—a charismatic, composed character. The embodiment of the mind, style, and secrecy, simultaneously exuding self-confidence. Sechenov can be seen as the Soviet Steve Jobs, the outstanding innovator. Sechenov's appearance was outlined in an old trailer where P-3 talks to his silhouette, but his final appearance and voice were developed later.
Sechenov is a constant contradiction. His noble intentions and desire for technological advancements collide with the devastating consequences of his actions. He is skilled at obscuring the truth, but at the same time never lies, which gives players the opportunity to decide whether he's good or evil.
The story of Atomic Heart is in many ways intertwined with Sechenov himself. His uncompromising pursuit of his goals makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the game. If you play the game again, listening carefully to his remarks, we believe you'll understand his motives and the consequences of his actions even better. After all, he's already said more than enough…
☀️ Summer Sale is here! Explore the world of Atomic Heart with discounts up to 62% off on Steam! Special offers also apply to the Atomic Pass, DLC 1, and DLC 2. Don't miss out — offer is available till July 11, 10 AM (PST).
How did it all start? 🤔 We’re glad to share our Dev Diary, giving you a look at the journey that led to the creation of #AtomicHeart! Check it out, and thanks for your support 🫀
Added a list of achievements for Trapped in Limbo DLC 2*:
Apple Pie 3826 Collect 3,826 apples in the Trapped in Limbo DLC.
Conservationist Get a gold coin without shooting the Pchela.
The Casino Isn't Always in the Black Get ALL items from the slot machine.
Slashing Through the Limbo Waves Complete the Plateau of Responsibility without dying.
Conqueror of Annapurna Complete the Tower of Memory without dying.
Conqueror of Chomolungma Complete the Cliff of Perseverance without dying.
Daring as a Bullet is Sharp Complete the Avenue of Speed without dying.
Don't Mess With the Major Complete the Trapped in Limbo DLC without dying.
Gold Rush Collect 76 gold coins.
Overkill Secret achievement: description hidden.
*After installing the update, some achievements may be unlocked automatically during the first launch if their conditions have already been met.
MAIN - PC ONLY
Added Ray Tracing (beta) support in 3 modes**:
Performance
Quality
Balanced
**Requires a graphics card supporting DXR with at least 12 GB of memory for proper operation. When these modes are activated, the enabled Fidelity FX Super Resolution setting is automatically disabled. When this mode is enabled, the player’s character is not reflected in mirror surfaces.
Sound and localization
Fixed issues with missing sound/music in various places in Annihilation Instinct DLC 1.
Fixed various text display issues in the main game, as well as in Annihilation Instinct DLC 1 and Trapped in Limbo DLC 2.
Gameplay and stability
Fixed a rare bug that caused the game to freeze during the separation of the BEA-D swarm in Annihilation Instinct DLC 1.
Fixed a bug where loading an autosave that occurs after moving from a location with a recombination schematic to an elevator causes a crash outside the game world in Annihilation Instinct DLC 1.
Added highlighting for disappearing platforms in the arena with RAF-9 Engineer (Rafik) in Trapped in Limbo DLC 2.
Changed the number of apples that are awarded to the player for participating in the gun range in Trapped in Limbo DLC 2.
Fixed various graphical bugs, rare errors and crashes, and improved the overall stability of the game.
OTHERS - PC ONLY
Fixed crashes that occurred when disabling the Fidelity FX Super Resolution setting.
Removed the ability to assign multiple actions to one key at once.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLVING SOME ISSUES
We cannot provide support if the Atomic Heart game client has been modified by any third-party software. If this happens, you should uninstall this software and reinstall the game.