Every successful action game needs a central gameplay thesis. What’s the crux of it all? What’s the beating heart around which every other mechanic is based? In the case of Atlas Fallen, that heart’s the Momentum Gauge. It’s push-and-pull, a tug-of-war not against your vicious and capable foes, but yourself.
Properly tapping into the Momentum Gauge isn’t simply a matter of pumping it up to max all the time, contrary to how the game itself sort of illustrates things. We’re here to show you the nuances, so get that gauntlet on and let’s get going.
The Momentum Gauge, Explained
On paper, the Momentum Gauge is a simple, elegant thing. In fact, we’ll say the same thing about it in print as well. Here’s the core: as you rapidly deal damage, the Momentum Gauge increases, allowing your attacks to deal that much more damage. Conversely, as the Momentum Gauge increases, you take greater damage from enemies.
In other words, the game is rewarding you for hammering the hurt on Atlas Fallen’s wraiths and other villains, but it’s leaving you in danger of getting dropped in a handful of otherwise-minor hits. Your damage multiplier can skyrocket, but if you don’t play more defensively when it does, you’ll be seeing the game over screen in record time.
Note that there are ways to mitigate this somewhat. Essence Stones exist that can reduce the penalties, or further boost the sort of punishment you’re doling out when the Momentum Gauge reaches its zenith. In this way, the developers arm you with the potential toolkit to take further advantage of the better side of the equation.
Staying Vigilant
That said, you need to think hard about whether it’s worth filling the Momentum Gauge sometimes, especially on higher difficulties. Atlas Fallen’s monsters are often capable of inflicting more damage than one might expect. And if they’re already doing that when the Momentum Gauge is at lower levels or even totally depleted, you can imagine the nightmare some will be when it’s full.
Here’s a basic strategy to roll with. If you’re against no more than two regular enemies, go big, let that gauge pop to the top. If you’re up against more than two, and they’re not drastically beneath you strength-wise, let it build about halfway, then let it fall. The rise-and-fall approach will keep you alive should a hit get past your defenses.
As for elite wraiths, bosses, and the like? Use your best judgment depending on how fast the foe is – thus how swiftly they can turn the tide – and how likely you think you’ll be to have to soak damage. This can and will require some practice, and by the time you’ve figured it out, you may be good enough to have already slain the creatures, but hey, there’s nothing wrong with accidentally winning early.