A really impressive sequel across the board. I have no idea how large Asobo Studio is or what type of backing they have, but out of all the Naughty Dog imitators, they manage to get the closest to them. There are some genuinely stunning set-pieces here and the visuals in general are gorgeous and are an unfathomable jump from Innocence.
The combat encounters are, similarly, much improved. One of the biggest issues the original had was the rigidness of the encounters where it seemed like there was one and only one solution to them. That's not completely gone, especially when the rats come into play, but Requiem definitely lets you spread your wings a little more. The areas are wider, the AI is a lot smarter and you’re actually allowed to use your arsenal to the fullest.
The story’s a bit exhausting to get through because it’s constantly depressing and bleak but that means it did a great job at what it wanted to do (ala The Last of Us Part II). The performances are once again excellent across the board and I actually really bought Amicia and Hugo’s relationship this time around. The supporting cast is also insanely better, partly due to them being adults and accompanying you for more than just a chapter or two. The ending’s very predictable (maybe that’s the point?) but I still thought it was incredibly effective. The plot isn’t without its issues, though. There’s a large chunk in the middle of the game where it feels like it’s going around in circles (you literally circle back to one of the locations like three times) and the lore still feels kind of underbaked, which is a shame.
I was pleasantly surprised that this ended up being a duology. The game leaves room for potential future titles, but it’s very clear that Hugo and Amicia’s story is over. It’s incredibly refreshing and I’m glad they went out with a bang. Asobo Studio is definitely on my radar now and I really can’t wait to see what they do next.
The combat encounters are, similarly, much improved. One of the biggest issues the original had was the rigidness of the encounters where it seemed like there was one and only one solution to them. That's not completely gone, especially when the rats come into play, but Requiem definitely lets you spread your wings a little more. The areas are wider, the AI is a lot smarter and you’re actually allowed to use your arsenal to the fullest.
The story’s a bit exhausting to get through because it’s constantly depressing and bleak but that means it did a great job at what it wanted to do (ala The Last of Us Part II). The performances are once again excellent across the board and I actually really bought Amicia and Hugo’s relationship this time around. The supporting cast is also insanely better, partly due to them being adults and accompanying you for more than just a chapter or two. The ending’s very predictable (maybe that’s the point?) but I still thought it was incredibly effective. The plot isn’t without its issues, though. There’s a large chunk in the middle of the game where it feels like it’s going around in circles (you literally circle back to one of the locations like three times) and the lore still feels kind of underbaked, which is a shame.
I was pleasantly surprised that this ended up being a duology. The game leaves room for potential future titles, but it’s very clear that Hugo and Amicia’s story is over. It’s incredibly refreshing and I’m glad they went out with a bang. Asobo Studio is definitely on my radar now and I really can’t wait to see what they do next.
UpmostJarEl
3 months ago