Asobo Studios delivers a compelling experience from the outset with A Plague Tale: Innocence. The game transports players to 14th-century France, amidst the devastation of the Black Death. Players follow Amicia and her younger brother as they navigate dangers presented by the Inquisition’s forces and hordes of plague-infested rats. Survival hinges on the siblings’ ability to trust and rely on each other.
Early gameplay relies heavily on stealth. Initially, the enemy AI can feel somewhat simplistic. For example, crouching in plain sight sometimes fails to elicit a reaction. This can lead to some initial disappointment with the game mechanics. Enemies exhibit unsophisticated behavior, such as fixating on distractions like a struck pot, remaining oblivious to their surroundings until approached. This issue is also present in the Hitman series, where the lack of enemy awareness regarding environmental disturbances can detract from the experience.
The gameplay evolves as you gain the ability to upgrade your slingshot, enabling offensive combat. This adds depth by providing more options for problem-solving. A particularly striking moment is when extinguishing the torches carried by enemy soldiers results in them being overwhelmed and devoured by swarms of rats.
While the combat system improves, the avatar’s movement remains somewhat restricted. The game is not a true “sandbox” title, as navigation is limited by invisible barriers. Seemingly insignificant obstacles can become impassable, which feels somewhat constrained for a contemporary release and contributes to a more linear feel.
Despite the introduction of new puzzle-solving mechanics, the gameplay loop can become repetitive. Furthermore, certain sections can present excessive difficulty. Detection often results in immediate failure. Later in the game, the ability to temporarily incapacitate enemies becomes available, demanding quick reflexes and tactical awareness to execute successfully. Failure to do so typically results in repeating the sequence.
A Plague Tale: Innocence showcases impressive visuals on the Xbox One X. The environments are meticulously crafted, with stunning lighting and color palettes. The contrast between light and shadow is skillfully implemented, serving both an aesthetic and symbolic purpose. Character models are exceptionally detailed, and the voice acting is commendable. Several emotionally charged scenes evoke a sense of frustration when the characters are unable to prevent tragic events. The game also features moments of intense brutality and morally ambiguous choices that may leave a lasting impact.
The core mechanic of the game revolves around the collaboration with your younger brother, whose behavior is consistent with that of a five-year-old. While generally cooperative, neglecting or frightening him can lead to complications, adding an interesting dynamic to the gameplay. In a familiar fashion, workbenches are distributed throughout the levels, allowing for the upgrading of weapons and equipment.
In conclusion, A Plague Tale: Innocence is recommended. Despite some minor frustrations with certain game mechanics, the compelling narrative, immersive environments, and impressive graphics make it a worthwhile experience. It offers a unique adventure unlike many others currently available.
