This review contains spoilers
I can't even remember how many years it's been since the last time I finished a game and thought: "wow, this is definitely one of the best games I've ever played". A Plague Tale: Requiem isn't perfect, but it's close. The storytelling in this game is nearly flawless. While some story choices might feel frustrating sometimes, each decision and event has a clear reason for happening.
The opening chapters are slow-burning. While the pacing might drag at times, with repetitive missions and Lucas as a less engaging companion, these sections are crucial. They introduce a cruel but necessary thought into the player's mind: Hugo's presence brings destruction, and his death could be the only way to save countless lives.
Keeping Amicia accompanied only by Lucas was, however, a missed opportunity during the opening chapters. Having Béatrice, Amicia's mother, by her side would have added dynamism and emotional weight. Witnessing Amicia's transformation firsthand could have significantly developed Béatrice's character, and amplified the impact of her death, which felt lessened due to her limited screen time.
The game dramatically improves when Arnaud replaces Lucas. He and Sophia were fantastic surprises, well-developed characters whose unique abilities genuinely helped the game's progression. The "special ability" of the supporting characters was very well-worked on from that moment on, and I often had the feeling of "damn, how I wish Arnaud/Sophia were here, it would make this moment so much easier". It's a shame Lucas wasn't developed enough to inspire the same feeling. Overall, the new characters far outshine those from the first game. However, even with Arnaud and Sophia, I missed a third new companion, that could have added even more depth.
The narrative's brilliance lies in its subtlety. Without any character having to say it explicitly, the player was slowly building the cruel idea that Hugo needed to die. The developers also took a bold risk by setting nearly half the game in La Cuna, especially considering the story's global impact. Fortunately, it paid off.
Technically, there's room for improvement with the game. In the first half, I experienced noticeable frame rate drops. The background NPC animations were distractingly repetitive. Climbing animations lacked variety, suggesting a lack of polish. Additionally, the limited facial expressions and poor lip-syncing made emotions difficult to read. Amicia's crying and laughing looked too similar. Lastly, the stealth mechanics felt simplistic; I could often run and lock doors to escape on normal difficulty, making it feel a bit unrealistic.
A Plague Tale: Requiem has earned a special place on my list of all-time favorite games. This series has so much to unpack! I'm eager to dive deeper into the intricate details and craft theories about what the future holds. It's been ages since a game left me this excited!
The opening chapters are slow-burning. While the pacing might drag at times, with repetitive missions and Lucas as a less engaging companion, these sections are crucial. They introduce a cruel but necessary thought into the player's mind: Hugo's presence brings destruction, and his death could be the only way to save countless lives.
Keeping Amicia accompanied only by Lucas was, however, a missed opportunity during the opening chapters. Having Béatrice, Amicia's mother, by her side would have added dynamism and emotional weight. Witnessing Amicia's transformation firsthand could have significantly developed Béatrice's character, and amplified the impact of her death, which felt lessened due to her limited screen time.
The game dramatically improves when Arnaud replaces Lucas. He and Sophia were fantastic surprises, well-developed characters whose unique abilities genuinely helped the game's progression. The "special ability" of the supporting characters was very well-worked on from that moment on, and I often had the feeling of "damn, how I wish Arnaud/Sophia were here, it would make this moment so much easier". It's a shame Lucas wasn't developed enough to inspire the same feeling. Overall, the new characters far outshine those from the first game. However, even with Arnaud and Sophia, I missed a third new companion, that could have added even more depth.
The narrative's brilliance lies in its subtlety. Without any character having to say it explicitly, the player was slowly building the cruel idea that Hugo needed to die. The developers also took a bold risk by setting nearly half the game in La Cuna, especially considering the story's global impact. Fortunately, it paid off.
Technically, there's room for improvement with the game. In the first half, I experienced noticeable frame rate drops. The background NPC animations were distractingly repetitive. Climbing animations lacked variety, suggesting a lack of polish. Additionally, the limited facial expressions and poor lip-syncing made emotions difficult to read. Amicia's crying and laughing looked too similar. Lastly, the stealth mechanics felt simplistic; I could often run and lock doors to escape on normal difficulty, making it feel a bit unrealistic.
A Plague Tale: Requiem has earned a special place on my list of all-time favorite games. This series has so much to unpack! I'm eager to dive deeper into the intricate details and craft theories about what the future holds. It's been ages since a game left me this excited!