ATONE is a Norse mythology-inspired, hand-drawn game that blends interactive storytelling and complex puzzles with a rhythm game combat system. Inherit the role of a young warrior named Estra as she journeys through Midgard to unveil the truth behind her father’s death.
Players praise the core rhythm-based combat system, which draws inspiration from Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. During battles, the game presents a series of button prompts that scroll across the screen, synced to the beat of the music. Successfully pressing the corresponding buttons in time with the rhythm is crucial to defeating enemies. Players can adjust the difficulty of these rhythm sections, with a "Story Mode" available for those who want to focus more on the narrative. Reviewers highlight how the rhythm combat seamlessly integrates with the game's excellent musical score, creating an engaging and satisfying combat experience.
In addition to the rhythm battles, the game features a variety of puzzles for players to solve as they explore the world. These range from straightforward brainteasers to more complex challenges that require careful observation and lateral thinking. Players collect "odal power" from combat and environmental puzzles, which can then be used to unlock new areas or retry previous puzzles. While some reviewers mention that a few puzzles can be overly obtuse, the majority praise this component as a fun and integral part of the experience.
Alongside the gameplay loop of rhythm battles and puzzles, the title is highly praised for its engaging narrative and branching storyline. Players take on the role of Estra, a young warrior on a journey to uncover the truth behind her father's death and the fate of the sacred Elder Tree. The narrative is delivered through voiced cutscenes, dialogue choices, and environmental storytelling, with players' choices leading to different narrative paths and multiple possible endings. Reviewers highlight the depth of the characters and the way the story intertwines with the gameplay.
As players progress through the world of Midgard, they are encouraged to thoroughly explore their surroundings. Hidden paths, secrets, and additional narrative content can be discovered by players willing to dive deeper into the game's environments. The non-linear nature of the exploration and the ability to revisit areas using acquired abilities or "odal power" is appreciated, allowing players to uncover the full scope of the world and lore at their own pace.