«Plague Tale: Requiem» is a gripping drama hampered by monotonous gameplay

Guards again?! If this keeps up, I’ll have more bodies on my conscience than those murderous rat swarms. I could sneak by, but that just makes things unnecessarily difficult. All I want to know is how the story continues. As with the 2019 first part, therein lies the strength of «Plague Tale: Requiem.» Unfortunately, Studio Asobo didn’t limit itself to that.

I’ve played the PC version for a little over ten hours and have no intention of stopping. According to the developer, the game lasts between 18 and 20 hours. Making it almost twice as long as its predecessor.

A fascinating world and captivating story

«Plague Tale: Requiem» follows on virtually seamlessly from its predecessor «Plague Tale: Innocence.» Siblings Amicia and Hugo de Rune are once again journeying through 14th century France. Together, they’re searching for a cure for Hugo’s mysterious blood disease. It’s somehow connected to the local rat infestation. And we aren’t talking about a few naughty basement rats nibbling on supplies here. The biggest threat in «Plague Tale: Requiem» comes in the shape of gigantic hordes of man-eating rats with blood red glowing eyes. They flood everything in their path like a tidal wave. Impressive and terrifying at the same time. Those who don’t die from the attacks usually perish to the plague those pests carry.

Hugo and Amicia are on the run. Not only from the Black Death, but from the French Inquisition as well. They’ve got it in for Hugo because of his connection to the rats. The siblings are heading for a mysterious island, hoping to find Hugo’s only salvation. Their path leads them through the most diverse places in the south of France. The story grips me from the start. I just have to know what’s behind this plague, what that shady order has to do with it and if I can save Hugo after all. I even care about the fates of their companions. The fact that the journey jumps from one location to the next like in «Uncharted» – only with a bit more corpses and rats – additionally motivates the explorer in me.

The significantly upgraded graphics with their beautiful lighting effects create a wonderful atmosphere. Again and again, I’m amazed by picturesque coastal towns, colourful village festivals and dreamlike landscapes, with rays of sunshine peeking through the cloudy sky. An eerie beauty is added by the plague-ridden neighbourhoods and catacombs littered with bloated corpses. On top of that, there’s a great soundtrack. It can be relaxing, simple tunes accompanying me as I stroll across a field of flowers. Then again, it can raise my pulse with an ominous throb as I stalk through a devastated residential neighbourhood. Audiovisually, «Plague Tale: Requiem» is a stunner.

My only criticism in regards to presentation concerns the voice acting. No matter whether its German, English or French, it just can’t completely convince me. Amicia often lets out exaggerated moans and groans, and Hugo sounds extremely whiny in all languages. In the end, I stuck with French, as I did with the first part. This suits the setting best. The development studio is French, so the voice actors sound the most natural.

Gameplay trying its best to distract from the story

Unfortunately, I have to say that «Plague Tale: Requiem» doesn’t just consist of sightseeing and a gripping plot. Your progress is constantly stymied by soldiers, rats or small puzzles. None of it is particularly original or varied. Amicia has picked up a few skills. She doesn’t just start fires with her trusty slingshot, she can also put out flames, produce fireballs or throw out bait to distract rats. The greatest danger still comes from those rodents. Wherever there’s light, rats won’t dare to go. I need to exploit this weakness regularly to find a way through the black masses. Sometimes by lighting fires and tar pits or by extinguishing the torches of guards, leaving them defenceless against the rats.

When I don’t feel like sneaking, I go on the attack. After all, there’s no helmet that can help against my new crossbow. As the game progresses, more attack options are added and equipment can also be improved. But even then, the encounters are neither challenging nor interesting. The process is always identical and repeats itself far too often.

Additionally, the numerous switch puzzles just prevent me from exploring the plot and discovering the world. Shooting a grappling hook with your crossbow to knock down doors or beams? That quickly became boring in «Uncharted 4». And it can’t be that, in 2022, I still have to push cubes around to climb a wall. Especially when even a four-year-old could overcome that obstacle without help. Can I please have a puzzle skip feature in all my games, like in the recently released «The Last of Us Part 1»?

Verdict: less would be so much more

I wish Asobo had relied more on the story and exploration. The world of «Plague Tale» alternates between gloomy scenes of sickness with musty corpses and idyllic Mediterranean landscapes, where it feels like you’re on your summer vacation. The highlight for me so far is the middle part of the game. There, «Plague Tale» deviates from the otherwise linear path and lets me explore a sprawling island with surprising freedom. The ratio between action, puzzles and stealth is perfect here for once. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the rest of the game. Most of the time, I repeat the same moves over and over again: navigate through seas of rats, take out guards or solve undemanding puzzles. It’s more work than fun. The fascinating and beautifully designed world still won’t let me go. Amicia, Hugo and their friends have already grown on me, and I won’t rest until I get them to their destination safely.

«Plague Tale: Requiem» was provided to me by Plaion. The game is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

Video games

EUR40,60

Focus Home Interactive A Plague Tale: Requiem (XSRX)

Xbox Series X, DE

2

Video games

Focus Home Interactive A Plague Tale: Requiem

Playstation, DE

7