I remember seeing one trailer for this game and I didn’t care too much for it. However, A Plague Tale: Innocence recently hit Xbox Game Pass and I thought I would give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the game was. A Plague Tale: Innocence isn’t one of the best games I played, but it exceeded my expectations. While the game is quite short and doesn’t have any replay value, it is still a game I am happy to have experienced.
*Note: I always try to avoid spoilers in my reviews.
The Darkest Days
A Plague Tale: Innocence takes place in Europe, 1348. During this time The Black Death or Bubonic Plague was starting to peak. The game’s use of real world and fantasy is what makes the story so compelling. A Plague Tale follows the adventures of Amicia and her younger brother, Hugo. Hugo is infected with a special disease that is getting increasingly worse. They are on the run from the Inquisition, who are also looking for Hugo because of his disease.
A Plague Tale sets up the world and characters very well. Making you care for most of the cast that you run into. The world is grim and filled with death, such was the time. But the fantasy elements start kicking in when hundreds of rats start causing havoc. As the story unfolds, everything begins to unfold nicely, with only some small unanswered questions.
Interesting characters will also accompany the protagonists throughout the game, while some will try to kill you. The voice acting is great, I wouldn’t say it is top-notch, but they are very convincing.
Let It Whip
A Plague Tale’s gameplay is straightforward, and it sort of has similarities to Tomb Raider. But with rats getting in the way oftentimes. Early on Amicia will have to sneak past guards, this is achieved by throwing rocks to hit metal objects or throwing pots. But shortly after her sling will be able to use different types of creations to take out enemies.
The sling is the only and main weapon that is available throughout the game. You will be using it for everything. Even more importantly you will use it to sling rocks and break chains. I have no idea how a small pebble can break a metal chain, but that’s how the whole game will work.
This can be annoying sometimes, especially when enemies get in closer and you are trying to wind up an attack, but get killed instead. If an enemy gets close and attacks, your character will die in one hit. The way the mechanics of the game works I think this is great. The game isn’t hard by any means but dying instantly adds a sense of urgency and realism.
However, as the game progresses, if you have enough crafting materials you can save yourself from dying, by knocking an enemy out with some type of gas.
Upgrade On The Go
Speaking of crafting, crafting and upgrading and in this game is extremely simple and streamlined. Crafting works a lot like the Tomb Raider games. Simply open up the menu and hold the button to begin crafting that ammo type. Assuming you have enough materials that you find throughout the world. Upgrading your equipment is effective and simple, but not necessarily needed.
Workbenches can be found throughout the levels, you can use these to upgrade your sling and material space. However, the materials needed to upgrade your items are the same for crafting, so choose carefully. I never fully upgraded an item, some I didn’t upgrade at all.
Why Did It Have To Be Rats?
The Inquisition will be your main enemy, while the hordes of rats will be your main obstacles. The rats are almost a living character in themselves. Once the hordes of rats are introduced, they will be bothering throughout the rest of the game. The only way to combat the rats is with light. In most instances, rats can be used to take out the opposition.
Many enemies will carry torches and lanterns while walking through rat-infested areas. Do you know what that means? Use the sling to make them drop the lantern or extinguish the fire and watch the rats devour your enemies. It is always a satisfying sight to see the rats horde onto an enemy and constantly tear away at them. I’m not a sick person I swear, they deserve it.
A Plague Tale features some small puzzles. Some of these involve using light to guide or trap the rats somewhere else. While the puzzles are a welcoming break from sneaking and killing enemies, they are not complicated and can be figured out within a minute or so.
No One Left Behind
There is someone always with you during your adventures. If your little brother is with you will act as his protector. You can tell him to hide and stay put or enter small holes to help with opening a door. Most of these options are mandatory throughout the story.
Later, you will meet other companions, one will be able to pick open doors and chests, while another will be able to take down heavily armored enemies that a rock won’t work on.
Speaking of armored enemies, some tactics are required for these guys. You will be required to use acid to make them take their helmet off and then hit them in the head with a rock. While others will only be able to be defeated by luring them to rats. Adding a little bit of difficulty makes the game a bit more fun.
Summary
In short, A Plague Tale: Innocence is a good game with a fantastic narrative, characters, and story. Honestly, I think people should play it just for the story. The game is short and offers very little replayability after beating it, making it worth a rent at most, but still something you should experience.
Originally published at https://gamingnitemare.com on March 1, 2020.
