Item: Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal DLC#4
Rating: 4.6
Author: Gamohol

Atomic Heart is back with the DLC to end the first part of the surprise hit with the upcoming sequel, Atomic Heart 2. Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal is definitely a cinematic conclusion, and while it sets up the future, did it do right by the present? That’s what we’re going to be talking about in today’s review.

Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal DLC Review: A Strong Conclusion to the First Part

The Witcher 3’s DLCs remain my personal metric when it comes to measuring how good a DLC is, and while Blood on Crystal does not reinvent the wheel, it’s still a very strong DLC. It’s a definite conclusion to the first arc and resolves the CHAR-les / P-3 storyline.

Blood on Crystal feels like an important update to the game and not just side-content. It’s clear that Mundfish learned from their previous DLCs and did everything they could to make this update as strong as it is.

My time with the game wasn’t extremely long or short; I felt that it was just right. The DLC is roughly around 8-10 hours in length, which feels like a mini-campaign rather than a side mission. If anything, I also feel like it could be a full campaign on its own, but that would be too generous. Instead, it’s definitely a great addition to the Atomic Heart franchise.

Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal New Features and Gameplay Enhancements

Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal features multiple new locations such as the Wave Platform and the Crystal Complex. As usual, Atomic Heart’s art direction is spot on. The new locations offer a fresh flavor to the already great Atomic Heart.

Another aspect of the DLC that I enjoyed is the new enemy types. Polymorphs, as they are called, change elemental forms that require even the most grizzled series veterans to adjust their playstyle. It also keeps the game from feeling stale from all of the combat.

This DLC is 100% a love letter to the fans of Atomic Heart. It gives everything that the fans want and more.

What Could Have Been Better: Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal Critique

Obviously, this game is meant for fans of Atomic Heart who have already played through the base game and the prior DLCs. It’s the culmination of all of that. People who jump right in might not appreciate this DLC because of their lack of understanding of the events surrounding P-3.

Of course, Atomic Heart’s prior flaws are still around. The pacing is a bit weird at times but not as bad as when Atomic Heart first dropped. But at this point, this is more of a nitpick rather than an honest critique anyway.

Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal Final Thoughts and Verdict

Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal is the definitive conclusion to Atomic Heart Part I. If this is the current state of the franchise, then fans of the series and those who are looking for a new franchise to bite into can confidently come and wait for Atomic Heart Part II with excitement.

STREAMER SCORE

Performance
Streamability
Audience Engagement
Replayability

4.6

Summary

Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal delivers a satisfying conclusion to the first part of the Atomic Heart saga with new content, a strong resolution to key plotlines, and improved gameplay elements. Despite some pacing issues and its focus on existing fans, this DLC is a great addition to the franchise.