Dive into the Underwater World of Atomic Heart’s New DLC: Enchantment Under the Sea

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In the style of BioShock, the first-person shooter game titled “Atomic Heart”, boasting a one-of-a-kind Soviet-futuristic ambiance, has garnered significant post-launch attention since its debut in 2023. Recently, developer Mundfish unveiled DLC 3, immersing fans of “Atomic Heart” even deeper into the game’s world.

In the world of Atomic Heart, developer Mundfish has rolled out several additional content packs (DLC) that align with both endings of the main game. The first DLC, Annihilation Instinct, dropped on August 2, 2023, followed by Trapped in Limbo on February 6, 2024. The latest expansion, Enchantment Under the Sea, was launched on January 28, 2025. To shed light on the fascinating underwater landscape that this DLC will unveil to players, hinted at only briefly in the core game, Game Rant recently spoke with Atomic Heart’s game director Robert Bagratuni. Please note: This interview was conducted a few days before the DLC’s release, and the transcript has been condensed for clarity and conciseness.

Atomic Heart’s January DLC Explained

Developing DLC For Atomic Heart

How has the development process for creating the Enchantment Under the Sea DLC, which is the third expansion released after Atomic Heart, changed over time as they continue to add post-launch content?

As a member of this dynamic gaming team, though we may be newcomers with our first project being Atomic Heart, we’ve grown leaps and bounds during the main game development, transforming into a professional and imaginative powerhouse. With each new DLC, we seize the opportunity to expand our knowledge and master innovative technologies, fueling our creativity to experiment and enhance the gaming experience. For instance, this has enabled us to craft DLC #3 with a more cinematic, dynamic feel, immersing players in an underwater action adventure they won’t forget. Our approach is constantly evolving, becoming bolder yet more accountable, as we raise our own bars and strive to meet the ever-rising standards of the gaming industry. After all, we are gamers at heart, always keeping tabs on the latest trends and advancements in our beloved world of games. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a final product that not only entertains the global gaming community but captivates us just as much.

Q: How does the scope of Enchantment Under the Sea compare to the other two DLCs released thus far?

We’re confident that we’ve crafted Enchantment Under the Sea DLC #3 to be the most engaging and immersive yet. Expect it to take around 5-6 hours to finish. It features a breathtaking underwater locale, new weapons, glove skills, and even a novel movement ability. Moreover, you’ll encounter fresh characters, unravel an intriguing narrative, and witness the evolution of relationships between familiar faces. We’re certain you’ll enjoy this journey!

As a game developer working on Atomic Heart, I can honestly say that one particular piece of fan feedback has significantly impacted our ongoing development. This input, whether it was praise for an aspect we got right or criticism pointing out something we could improve, resonated with us and motivated us to keep pushing forward. It’s the fuel that keeps our creative engine running!

In our eyes, our community is priceless as it’s their support that helped Atomic Heart gain global acclaim. Consequently, every piece of feedback from them carries immense significance to us and we meticulously analyze each one. For instance, during the summer, we rolled out an update introducing crucial accessibility elements, enabling more players to immerse themselves in the game. While it wasn’t initially launched with the game, it was a key aspect of our plans from the start. However, it was through fan feedback that we became aware that, during the development of certain puzzles, the unique needs of some players were overlooked. Unfortunately, this was a shortcoming on our part as we aim to create content that can be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

With this latest update, we’ve chosen to grant players the option to move past certain sections when needed, enhancing their overall enjoyment of the game. It’s our fans who have enabled us to introduce such flexibility into the game. Rest assured, we will always strive to hear and act upon their feedback to further enhance gaming experiences in the future.

Enchantment Under The Sea’s New Features

A: Apart from the newly revealed features concerning weapons or abilities, could there be any additional novel mechanics that enthusiasts might anticipate in the upcoming release?

Sure thing!

A: Indeed, it’s fascinating that numerous individuals are keen on examining similar aspects between Atomic Heart and BioShock, which undeniably gives us a great deal of pride. Nevertheless, we were determined to create an experience that wouldn’t simply rehash what has already been explored and would align with the core essence of the Atomic Heart universe. To achieve this, we endeavored to design gameplay segments and enemies that would make players feel like they were truly embarking on a crucial underwater mission, where they encountered unforeseen perils beneath the waves. The underwater environment, as is well-known, instills fear in many people for good reason. It’s an enigmatic, unexplored territory with conditions unfavorable to human life, governed by sea creatures that, in our imagination, can take on terrifying forms.

For instance, players will encounter an underwater area requiring them to navigate under challenging conditions, which we might term “high-pressure” situations. Our goal was to craft a convincing environment that immerses players in the depths, filled with mystery and danger. Unseen threats could be lurking nearby, while the player’s movements and abilities are limited.

Question: Could you point out some of the new opponents hinted at in the DLC that you find particularly interesting?

One illustration is the MOR-4Y, an enormous, lethal sea-dwelling robot. Our sneak peeks and previews show that MOR-4Y is akin to a predator, with the ability to obliterate robots that once posed significant danger to the player. As Qui-Gon Jinn put it, “There’s always something bigger,” and players will have to confront this reality directly.

How Enchantment Under The Sea Develops Atomic Heart’s Sci-Fi Soviet World

Question: What changes or developments has the atomic punk, Soviet-futuristic style of Atomic Heart’s DLC undergone since its initial release, given it drew a large number of fans?

Back in 2007, our art director, Artem Galeev, initially sketched out the design for the entire universe of Atomic Heart. The overall idea is rooted in modern eclecticism – a blend of familiar Soviet Union imagery with futuristic technology and a new world, leading to a unique retro-futuristic mix of alternative history. And, as before, the method used to design the setting remains the same.

In our passion for dystopian works penned by authors like Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, and the Strugatsky brothers, we aimed to present something new rather than replicate existing work. With Artem Galeev’s particular fondness for DLC #3’s setting in mind, we wanted to draw inspiration from James Cameron’s cinematic vision, specifically his portrayal of liquid power in films like “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” and “The Abyss”. This led us to create the idea of a jelly-like polymer. Our intention this time was to design locations that evoke the thrilling atmosphere of adventure movies, where fast-paced action unfolds, and characters must adapt swiftly in an unconventional environment to survive and accomplish their objectives.

Is it known if any Soviet artists, architects, or creative individuals served as influences for the design concepts behind Atomic Heart and Enchantment Under the Sea specifically?

In our usual practice, we collaborate with unique talents that contribute to making the world within “Atomic Heart” even more vibrant, engaging, and visually stunning. On this occasion, we’ve opted for a fresh approach that will not only influence the design of the upcoming DLC but also enhance our collaboration with these gifted individuals. This time around, we’re thrilled to announce that the renowned sci-pop influencer Kyle Hill has joined our team and lends his likeness and voice to one of the new DLC characters—Nikolai. Working with Kyle was a delightful experience due to his extraordinary personality. However, what truly stands out is his captivating scientific content, which is both fascinating and educational. In the past, Kyle has shown appreciation for our game, even creating an intriguing video about the scientific advancements in “Atomic Heart,” including “Cold Fusion.

After engaging in a conversation with him, I found myself eager to collaborate with this individual in some way or another. As we delved into creating the DLC #3 for Atomic Heart: Enchantment Under the Sea, it became clear that he was an ideal candidate for our new character Nikolai – a brilliant roboticist from the Academy of Sciences. His enthusiasm mirrored that of Kyle, making him quick to accept our proposal. We all felt that we’d found a remarkable match.

He brought Nikolai’s appearance to life and did an outstanding job with voice acting, ensuring the character resonated authentically. It’s been a pleasure working with such a talented creator who has enriched us with valuable insights. He even offered some scientific advice for future projects! I can’t wait for everyone to experience our collaboration when they play Atomic Heart: Enchantment Under the Sea DLC #3, as I believe it will be appreciated by all.

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2025-01-28 20:15