A Plague Tale: Requiem - A Harrowing Masterpiece
An emotional odyssey rife with poignant storytelling, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals.
last updated Jan 16, 2024
If this game doesn't prove that gaming is an art, I don't know what will.
The Nitty-Gritty of Survival
A Plague Tale: Requiem doesn't just drop you into its grim world; it throws you deep into the grimy, rat-infested trenches of a survival horror fairy tale. The gameplay is a slick blend of stealth, resource management, and heart-pumping quick thinking, offering players a plethora of tools and powers that feel straight out of an alchemist's fever dream. Every new chapter adds layers of complexity to the mix, with clever puzzles that often make you think outside the siege engine. But let's be real - our heroes could have used some common sense seasoning in their decision-making stew; let's just say if 'gratuitous danger' were a spice, they'd be over-flavoring every broth they touch.
A Soundtrack for the End Times
This game knows how to serenade your ears with a soundtrack that's a mixtape of hope and horror. The symphony of footsteps, whispers, and clangs contribute to an audial experience that's as refined as a wine from Amicia's family estate. Moments of tension are bolstered by crescendos that nearly make your heart jump out of your chest and into the rat swarm, while peaceful interludes let you soak in the medieval melancholy. Complementing the score, the voice acting is so passionate and raw that you'll find yourself whispering 'oof' in response to Amicia's emotional outbursts. And the sound design? Eargasmic doesn't even begin to cover it.
A Feast for Your Eyeballs
Graphically, no lie, this game's visuals are so impressive it almost feels like a crime to blink and miss a single detail. From the muck and mire of the streets to the stunning vistas that'll make your screenshot key wear out, every frame is a grim yet beautiful portrait of a world on the brink. Performance-wise, this game runs smoother than Hugo's escape plans - assuming you've got the rig to handle its appetite for GPU power. Real-talk, though, even on a setup that doesn't require you to mortgage your soul, the visuals maintain a degree of fidelity that would make a mirror jealous. Just remember to turn off chromatic aberration unless you enjoy the vibe of a smeared painting.
The Journey Not Just The Destination
Character development in 'Requiem' is like watching wine age - it just gets better with time. Amicia and Hugo aren't just sibling avatars; they're your mates on a morally garbled quest, showing growth and grappling with ethical pickles that'll leave you questioning your own virtue compass. This game isn't a one-and-done deal; it beckons you for a second run through the gauntlet, promising unveils and 'aha!' moments that will make your second bout against the horde feel just as fresh. But a heads-up: sometimes those grotesque little furballs disguised as enemies magically find you post-escape, making stealth more thrilling as much as occasionally infuriating.
Connective Tissues, or Lack Thereof
We've gotta talk bugs - not the beady-eyed kind that like cheese a little too much, but the pesky software glitches. They're rare, like a well-done steak in medieval times, but when you encounter one, it's like finding a bone in your stew. Most of 'Requiem' is flawless, but watch out for the occasional hiccup, like the vanishing boss that could either be an ethereal ghostly encounter or a full-on 'come back, I wasn't done with you!' moment.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Asobo Studio
Publisher
Focus Entertainment
Release Date
October 17, 2022
The Verdict
A Plague Tale: Requiem is a bewitching tale that dances on the line between beauty and brutality. It tells a story so rich and compelling that you'll feel every ounce of the de Rune children's strife within your own bones. With its impeccable design and near-flawless execution, this game isn't just a sequel; it's a transcendence of its predecessor. It will elicit laughter, screams, and tears, often all at once. If this game doesn't prove that gaming is an art, I don't know what will. Despite the occasional glitch and perhaps an ending that not all will agree with, it is an absolute must-play. The requiem may have been sung, but its melody will resonate with you long after the credits roll.
