Atone:
Heart of the Elder Tree
Review

Atone: Heart of the Elder Tree (2023) is a traversal narrative game set in a Norse-inspired world where combat is a rhythm rather than a reaction challenge. You explore the world as Estra a young warrior on a quest through Midgard to discover the truth behind her father’s death. It stands out for its branching story, rhythm-action combat and an inviting world to explore.

The Gods have abandoned Midgard, a once prosperous land that is now tainted by unknown forces. Worse, the sacred life-giving Elder Tree is under attack. As you journey to save the tree you discover characters who slowly reveal your family's past and the looming darkness spreading across the land. Each interaction offers decisions that affect the course of your journey and the branching story. Not everyone is honest so you need to discern fact from fiction and decide the right path.

As you progress there are puzzles to solve that grant you new abilities and reveal hidden passageways. You need to take care as making too many mistakes can close off a direction of progress permanently. Although you can often avoid violence there are battles you need to take on. These are played out as a rhythm-action sequence where timing your interactions result in attacks.

The result is a game that invites exploration and multiple play-throughs. You are aware your choices and success in puzzles affect the options you have in future situations. This and the unusual rhythm-based combat make this an ideal way to get started with an action adventure.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Atone: Heart of the Elder Tree 10 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 7 months ago.