80
MONSTER
A Plague Tale: Innocence, on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, tells the grim story of two siblings fighting together for survival in the darkest hours of History. This new video game from Asobo Studio sends you on an emotional journey through the 14th century France, with gameplay combining adventure, action and stealth, supported by a compelling story. Follow the young Amicia and her little brother Hugo, who face the brutality of a ravaged world as they discover their purpose to expose a dark secret. On the run from the Inquisition's soldiers, surrounded by unstoppable swarms of rats incarnating the Black Death, Amicia and Hugo will learn to know and trust each other as they struggle for their lives against all odds.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
86
A Plague Tale: Innocence is widely praised for its emotional storytelling and the powerful bond between siblings Amicia and Hugo amidst the Black Death in 14th-century France. Critics laude its gripping narrative and character development, likening it to a well-crafted novel. However, some reviews cite shortcomings in plot engagement and character depth, suggesting it feels underdeveloped in certain aspects. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally regarded as a compelling and heartfelt experience, making it a standout title worth playing.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
86
Positive Reviews (80-100)
90%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
9%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
A Plague Tale: Innocence is widely praised for its emotional storytelling and the powerful bond between siblings Amicia and Hugo amidst the Black Death in 14th-century France. Critics laude its gripping narrative and character development, likening it to a well-crafted novel. However, some reviews cite shortcomings in plot engagement and character depth, suggesting it feels underdeveloped in certain aspects. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally regarded as a compelling and heartfelt experience, making it a standout title worth playing.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
76
A Plague Tale: Innocence impresses with its storytelling, stealth mechanics, and character dynamics, drawing praise for its emotional depth and creative gameplay elements. However, critics are divided, citing linearity, simplistic puzzles, and a lack of player agency as major drawbacks. While engaging at times, the gameplay often feels overly scripted and repetitive, leading to a mixed reception that suggests it may not satisfy those seeking a more challenging and open-ended experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
76
Positive Reviews (80-100)
47%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
53%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
A Plague Tale: Innocence impresses with its storytelling, stealth mechanics, and character dynamics, drawing praise for its emotional depth and creative gameplay elements. However, critics are divided, citing linearity, simplistic puzzles, and a lack of player agency as major drawbacks. While engaging at times, the gameplay often feels overly scripted and repetitive, leading to a mixed reception that suggests it may not satisfy those seeking a more challenging and open-ended experience.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
89
A Plague Tale: Innocence impresses critics with its stunning visuals and atmospheric design, effectively capturing the grim essence of medieval France. While praised for its artistic direction and photorealism, some reviewers noted issues with stiff animations and inconsistent environmental sharpness that can hinder immersion. Overall, it’s celebrated as a visual triumph that enhances the game's narrative, marking a strong achievement for a mid-sized studio.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
89
Positive Reviews (80-100)
90%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
10%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
A Plague Tale: Innocence impresses critics with its stunning visuals and atmospheric design, effectively capturing the grim essence of medieval France. While praised for its artistic direction and photorealism, some reviewers noted issues with stiff animations and inconsistent environmental sharpness that can hinder immersion. Overall, it’s celebrated as a visual triumph that enhances the game's narrative, marking a strong achievement for a mid-sized studio.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
86
A Plague Tale: Innocence excels in sound design and music, earning high praise for its immersive atmosphere. Olivier Deriviere's medieval soundtrack, strong voice acting, and chilling sound effects heighten emotional engagement and storytelling. Minor critiques on English voice acting and lip-syncing exist, but they pale in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive reception. Overall, the audio elements are deemed exceptional and a key highlight of the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
86
Positive Reviews (80-100)
91%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
9%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
A Plague Tale: Innocence excels in sound design and music, earning high praise for its immersive atmosphere. Olivier Deriviere's medieval soundtrack, strong voice acting, and chilling sound effects heighten emotional engagement and storytelling. Minor critiques on English voice acting and lip-syncing exist, but they pale in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive reception. Overall, the audio elements are deemed exceptional and a key highlight of the game.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
81
The voice acting in A Plague Tale: Innocence shines, especially from leads Amicia and Hugo, enhancing the emotional depth and storytelling. Critics praise the authentic French accents and the performances' impact; however, some find inconsistencies and wooden delivery in secondary characters and the English version. Overall, it’s a strong feature of the game, celebrated for its emotional resonance despite a few flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
64%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
36%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
The voice acting in A Plague Tale: Innocence shines, especially from leads Amicia and Hugo, enhancing the emotional depth and storytelling. Critics praise the authentic French accents and the performances' impact; however, some find inconsistencies and wooden delivery in secondary characters and the English version. Overall, it’s a strong feature of the game, celebrated for its emotional resonance despite a few flaws.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
78
"A Plague Tale: Innocence" impresses with strong technical performance, especially on PS5 and PC, achieving smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. However, the PS4 and Xbox One versions suffer from issues like frame drops and glitches. While not unplayable, these shortcomings impact the experience. Overall, the game shines in artistry and storytelling, despite technical flaws on older platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
45%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
55%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
"A Plague Tale: Innocence" impresses with strong technical performance, especially on PS5 and PC, achieving smooth gameplay and stunning visuals. However, the PS4 and Xbox One versions suffer from issues like frame drops and glitches. While not unplayable, these shortcomings impact the experience. Overall, the game shines in artistry and storytelling, despite technical flaws on older platforms.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
59
A Plague Tale: Innocence offers hidden collectibles and an emotional narrative that can entice some players to revisit it. However, many critics argue its linear structure, lack of side activities, and short playtime (10-15 hours) severely limit replayability. Overall, while it provides a compelling experience, most agree it's best enjoyed once, with little motivation to return after the initial playthrough.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
59
Positive Reviews (80-100)
3%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
81%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
16%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
A Plague Tale: Innocence offers hidden collectibles and an emotional narrative that can entice some players to revisit it. However, many critics argue its linear structure, lack of side activities, and short playtime (10-15 hours) severely limit replayability. Overall, while it provides a compelling experience, most agree it's best enjoyed once, with little motivation to return after the initial playthrough.
Overall Verdict
80
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
83%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
17%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a critically acclaimed narrative-driven adventure celebrated for its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and strong sibling relationship at its core. While gameplay mechanics are criticized for being linear and sometimes unfulfilling, and technical issues are noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Critics deem it a standout title in gaming, recommending it for its compelling story and immersive atmosphere despite some gameplay shortcomings.
80
MONSTER
Reviews
214 reviews found100
Screen Rant
May 13, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a near-perfect game that successfully combines horror, action, survival, combat, and storytelling. It is a reminder of the importance of single-player story-based games.
Read full review
98
Ragequit.gr
May 22, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised as a well-crafted interactive narrative that offers a profound emotional experience, deserving of recognition in the gaming industry.
Read full review
96
Impulsegamer
Jun 4, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining game with flawless storytelling and characters.
Read full review
95
XboxAddict
Jun 17, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A stunning and fantastic game that is a must-play.
Read full review
95
GameSpace
May 14, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A strikingly lovely and soul-withering grim experience that is highly recommended for adult players
Read full review
94
Gamers' Temple
May 14, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Final Rating: 94% - This is a plague tale that you'll want to hear.
90
Gamer.no
May 27, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A Plague Tale: Innocence is described as a captivating experience that transcends traditional gaming boundaries, offering a rich narrative and emotional depth that makes it stand out as one of the most engaging games in recent times.
Read full review
90
Pure Nintendo
Aug 24, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A Plague Tale: Innocence - Cloud Version is an incredibly well-written, well-designed immersive game that blends stealth, survival, and puzzles in a rich historical setting with an intense story of family, war, and magic.
Read full review
90
Eurogamer Italy
May 16, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a high-quality single-player experience that deserves support from players who appreciate well-crafted games.
90
Gameblog.fr
May 13, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A Plague Tale: Innocence is a masterpiece, with a captivating story, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design. It is highly recommended for fans of the medieval setting and atmospheric games.
Read full review