A few months after the events of Innocence, Amicia and Hugo go on their biggest adventure yet in A Plague Tale: Requiem.
A Plague Tale: Requiem is finally here, three years after the first game. Going back to 2019’s A Plague Tale: Innocence, in the year 1348, whilst on the run from soldiers and also having to face deadly swarms of rats, Amicia discovers Hugo’s mysterious illness as it unleashes. Eventually, she’d learn that she could use it as an advantage, but at the same time, learn more about her brother’s powers and what it holds. With all of that, they save their mother from the leader of the inquisition, Vitalis and overpower him. It had a great and emotional plot. Especially, a fitting ending.
Although, it had a story that is one to remember, the mechanics, on the other hand, was quite limited. A player’s primary source of weaponry was the use of a sling. But it wasn’t as trustworthy as the use of stealth or having her brother Hugo possessing rats to eat the living flesh. Despite that, the game had received mostly positive reviews, and rightfully so.
But with A Plague Tale: Requiem, there is an expectation that you are given more options to combat against enemies, amongst other things. This game would have to give the player a better experience overall. And with the price this game is offering, you can’t go wrong. Xbox players will have more to brag about, because it’s available on Xbox Game Pass, and simply installing the game will do.
Currently running on 30 frames per second. That is quite low, especially for a current-gen console game. However, there is a huge upside. Despite the low frame rates, the game is playable, the performance still managed to keep its amazing outlook, and you are still getting a current-gen feeling. So, unless you are fixated on frame rates, this shouldn’t pose a threat to your experience with Requiem whatsoever.
A Plague Tale: Requiem takes you a few months after the events of the predecessor. Hugo speaks about reoccurring dreams he has about an island, in which he explains calls to him. Amicia is still trying to come to terms with Hugo’s supernatural gift, which has proven to be a blessing and a curse. And they enter a bigger and more dramatic adventure. And, of course, the plague and the rats are more aggressive.
Hugo’s curse is said to be better disciplined. But one day, to their surprise, the powers that had been slumbering inside Hugo had awakened. Horrifyingly, this has unravelled their living nightmare. To save her brother from his tribulation, once and for all, Amicia has been placed in a very difficult challenge to have faith in her brother’s dreams and head over to the perplexing island he speaks about. But they cannot do it alone. Like the last game, they would need to form allies they can trust. And without them, no doubt, you will not get very far.
It’s impressive that A Plague Tale: Requiem’s story is considerably better than the first one. Plus, it has a longer duration than Innocence. Honestly, this is very likely going to be one of the most thrilling quests you will come across in recent years. Of course, you will go through a range of emotions because the game has done enough to have that sort of impact on a player.
But also because there are many exciting things you experience as the game progresses. Ranging from intense fighting soldiers to fleeing lethal armies of rats to mounting on crossbow supporting turrets. Without question, you are sure to endure a wild ride.
Yes, the game is still circled around stealth. But after Amicia’s experiences from the previous game, she has become stronger, faster, and smarter. So, there is no surprise that with Requiem, you have an increased selection of weapons to use to battle enemies. Moreover, with her heightened resilience, you now have the complete freedom to choose between striking your targets or taking them down inconspicuously. How players control situations has a greater influence on her newly developed skills
A Plague Tale: Requiem summons you to use your critical thinking and situational awareness skills to eliminate or evade enemies and rats in many different and creative ways by offering more tools and equipment to use to your advantage. And one of the most remarkable additions to the game is countering enemies. Especially with their very own tools against them. You now have workstations to craft and upgrade your weapons, abilities, gear, and so on.
And with the developers introducing new and improved mechanics, you can be much more resourceful to escape from even the most obscure situations. Not to mention, now that they’ve added quick time events to the game, your reaction timing is also tested. Although the combat system has improved, it is still a little uncoordinated and just less repetitive. To add to the frustration, the developer still hasn’t applied the functionality to dodge enemy attacks.
In A Plague Tale: Requiem, Hugo has now acquired a profound connection with the rats, which means that he can do more with them. Such as taking down a group of soldiers in one area at a time. Of course, you can still have the rats do your dirty work; sometimes, they are needed the most. However, doing so only threatens her brother’s well-being. This is how you can learn to use his powers with caution. But because playing mainly as Amicia feels and plays better, you wouldn’t have to rely on the rats as often as you might have in the predecessor.
It’s incredible that the developer has taken their already limited gameplay to the next level by expanding on it to make Requiem a far more exhilarating and action-packed journey. Let’s not forget about the plethora of puzzles you will have to solve. Some are more difficult than others. And there are a few that one might perceive to be frustrating, but again, this is where your brainpower is put to the test. Furthermore, you’d get that great sense of relief after completing them.
And throughout A Plague Tale: Requiem, you will be glancing at stunningly designed environments that possess a fine level of detail and unveils a concoction of picture-perfect views and unsightly areas, equalling an exceptionally natural domain. Additionally, the sounds, noises, climate change, and music were the cherry on top. Moreover, the game’s cast produced stellar voice acting that not only had the players build a strong relationship with the characters but also matched the supposed languages and accents of medieval times.
As well as interacting with objects, people, doors, and many other areas to progress through the game, get awesome animations, have conversations, or play enjoyable mini-games if you have time on your hands. And getting Hugo to proceed through confined spaces. Or, if you need help in certain situations because you have enough on your plate, you can now order others to interact with certain things. Not only is this a fine addition, but you are not the only one doing the hard work.
A Plague Tale: Requiem delivered a much more evolving adventure, coupled with enhancements in almost every aspect that gifted a more exciting and terrifying experience and felt like playing in a movie. Although, the combat system had the game lose a few excellent points, despite its upgrade. Nonetheless, this game is a few levels above its predecessor.
A Plague Tale: Requiem is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo Switch. Also, follow our website for the latest video game reviews.
