How do you defend yourself against the robot apocalypse? At least not with pointed hats and magic wands, as the new live-action trailer for Atomic Heart impressively proves a week before the release. Jensen Ackles, known from Supernatural and The Boys, embodies KGB agent and protagonist P-3, who shows a young would-be magician where the hammer (tipped with saw blades) hangs. Anyone who suspects a tongue-in-cheek diss against the recently released – and incredibly successful – Hogwarts Legacy is probably spot on. It’s hardly a coincidence, after all, even the background music sounds like it was recorded directly from the magic castle before Mick Gordon’s powerful bass kicks in. One of the improveable close-combat weapons from the game is used, which, in addition to sweaty shoot-outs, wants to place great value on demanding close-combats.
Atomic Heart: Big controversy before release
Is the funny trailer enough to steer the current discourse on the game in a more positive direction? Since a very convincing preview phase (you can read our preview impressions here), Atomic Heart (buy now €69.41 / €53.99 )like Hogwarts Legacy, has to contend with real controversy.
Specifically, it’s about involvement with Russian gas companies and banks, which some investors in the game are said to be, and how the developers dealt with the game’s Soviet theme and the Ukraine war.
Some commentators are also concerned with the question of whether the profits of the (formerly) Russian studio Mundfish could flow indirectly into Russia’s criminal war of aggression, as well as a dubious clause that is said to have been on the game’s shop website until recently .
The topic has been particularly hotly debated since the publication of one Videos by Ukrainian Youtuber Harenkowhich has already reached 1.6 million clicks and several Video Answers entailed.
In the video, Harenko speculates about possible pro-Russian involvement and encourages his viewers not to buy Atomic Heart. Unlike Hogwarts Legacy and JK Rowling’s anti-trans statements However, the controversy surrounding Atomic Heart has not yet been based on evidence or reliable statements.
We’ll find out what the game’s message is and whether the final product can deliver on what its great trailers promise from February 21, 2023 when Atomic Heart is released for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series and Xbox One. Keep an eye on the website and our YouTube channel for the release so you don’t miss our coverage.
