Asobo Studio’s A Plague Tale: Requiem delivers a captivating sequel that surpasses its predecessor, Innocence, in nearly every aspect. While the original title pleasantly surprised many in 2019, Requiem arrives with heightened expectations, and thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint. This review explores the enhanced gameplay, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals that make Requiem a must-play action-adventure experience.
Requiem expands upon the foundation laid by Innocence with a noticeably larger budget, resulting in significant improvements across the board. The most striking enhancement is the sheer scale, particularly evident in the breathtaking rat swarms. Tens of thousands of rodents flood the screen, creating visceral and terrifying sequences that dwarf anything seen in the previous game. Beyond the rats, the environments are richer, textures are finer, and the lighting is strikingly realistic. While a higher frame rate would have been appreciated, the locked 30fps doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
plague-tale.jpgThe overwhelming rat hordes, a defining feature of Innocence, are amplified in Requiem. Amicia, Hugo, and their companions face not just swarms, but veritable tidal waves of rodents. These sequences, reminiscent of set pieces from franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us, showcase Asobo’s ambition and creativity, adding a thrilling, cinematic quality to the gameplay.
Requiem delves deeper into the characters of Amicia and Hugo, set months after the events of Innocence. The narrative centers around their quest to find a cure for Hugo’s mysterious affliction. While this plot thread remains consistent throughout the 15-hour runtime, the compelling character development is where Requiem truly shines. Amicia’s struggles and vulnerabilities are portrayed realistically, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. She’s not a flawless hero, and her imperfections add depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.
a-plague-tale-requiem.pngThe supporting cast is equally well-developed. New characters are introduced, each with their own motivations and personalities, making them easy to connect with. The antagonists are equally compelling, although their motivations can sometimes feel a little underdeveloped, especially in the early hours of the game.
One potential drawback is the gameplay, which can become repetitive at times. Amicia’s arsenal of stealth tactics and items, while initially engaging, is largely unlocked early in the game. As a result, combat encounters can start to feel predictable. While Asobo attempts to introduce new mechanics throughout the chapters, the core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged.
plague-tale-requiem.jpgHowever, the rat-infested puzzle sections offer a refreshing change of pace. Navigating these perilous environments requires careful planning and execution, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. While the puzzles themselves aren’t overly challenging, the constant threat of being consumed by the rodent horde creates a palpable sense of tension and excitement.
Despite its minor flaws, A Plague Tale: Requiem is a standout title in a year where narrative-driven action-adventure games are becoming increasingly rare. Asobo Studio demonstrates its mastery of the genre, delivering a compelling sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way. The enhanced visuals, engaging narrative, and thrilling gameplay make Requiem a must-play experience. Hopefully, this isn’t the last we see of this captivating universe.
A Plague Tale: Requiem is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This review was conducted on an Xbox Series X based on a copy provided by the publisher. Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
