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MONSTER

A Plague Tale: Innocence

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of A Plague Tale: Innocence
Item: A Plague Tale: Innocence
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Stealth, Drama, Single Player

AvailableMay 13, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4

DeveloperAsobo Studio

Overview

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.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence masterfully weaves sibling bond and medieval horror into a haunting tale of survival, lauded for its emotional weight and atmospheric depth, though marred by uneven characters, predictability, and unresolved twists.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of A Plague Tale: Innocence is widely praised for its emotional depth, atmospheric setting, and focus on the bond between siblings Amicia and Hugo. Critics consistently highlight the game’s ability to immerse players in a dark, historically rich medieval world, blending the Black Death, the Hundred Years’ War, and supernatural elements into a compelling narrative. For instance, Everyeye.it and IGN commend the game for its engaging exploration of sibling relationships against a grim backdrop, while Jeuxvideo.com and VG247 note the strong character development and twists that keep players invested. The narrative’s emphasis on survival, moral dilemmas, and themes of lost innocence resonates with many reviewers, such as SpazioGames and Gamersky, who praise its emotional weight and historical reverence. Additionally, GameSpot and Eurogamer Italy laud the story’s ability to balance horror with hope, creating a poignant tale that avoids romanticizing suffering while maintaining tension and urgency. However, several critics point to narrative flaws, including uneven character development, predictable plot points, and underdeveloped antagonists. Cubed3 criticizes the simplistic progression and lack of engagement, while Trusted Reviews and TrueGaming note that the story feels “underbaked” or suffers from inconsistent writing. VideoGamer and PC Invasion mention heavy-handed moments, one-dimensional villains, and unresolved plot threads, such as unclear antagonist motivations or abrupt shifts in tone. Gamer.nl and The Daily Dot also highlight issues like moral ambiguity in the protagonists’ actions and a slow-paced middle act, which some find detracting from the overall experience. These critiques suggest that while the game’s premise is strong, its execution occasionally falters in areas like pacing, character nuance, and narrative cohesion. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers regard A Plague Tale: Innocence as a standout story, with its strengths in atmosphere, emotional resonance, and historical context outweighing its flaws. TheXboxHub and GameSpew praise the writing and character dynamics, while Gaming Age and Hobby Consolas acknowledge its conventional yet well-executed approach to sibling survival. Even critics who point out weaknesses, like JeuxActu and GamesRadar+, concede that the game’s small details and immersive world-building make it memorable. The consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for the narrative’s ambition and emotional impact, with many reviewers agreeing that the story’s strengths—particularly its focus on family bonds and historical authenticity—create a compelling, if imperfect, experience. As Eurogamer Italy notes, the game’s originality and courage in tackling complex themes solidify its place as a notable entry in narrative-driven gaming.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praise for its tense stealth, clever puzzles, and emotional storytelling, but criticized for rigid linearity, repetitive mechanics, and clunky combat—a focused, atmospheric experience with missed potential for innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of A Plague Tale: Innocence receives praise for its engaging stealth mechanics, creative puzzle-solving, and unique integration of environmental hazards like swarms of rats. Many critics highlight the game’s emphasis on strategic evasion and resource management, with reviewers like Slant Magazine noting the satisfaction of using tools to overcome AI-driven challenges. The use of a slingshot as a primary weapon and the dynamic interplay between Amicia and her brother Hugo add emotional depth, while Windows Central and TheDigitalFix commend the well-designed stealth segments and clever puzzles that keep players immersed. The game’s focus on protecting Hugo and navigating dangerous environments is seen as a strength, with GameStar and LaPS4 appreciating how the mechanics adapt to the story’s tone. Additionally, GamesRadar+ and Vandal praise the evolving tools and dynamic gameplay that prevent monotony, even if they acknowledge the game’s reliance on familiar formulas. However, several critics criticize the game’s linear structure, lack of player agency, and repetitive design. Cubed3 and Hey Poor Player argue that the gameplay feels overly scripted, with limited freedom and a heavy hand-holding approach that diminishes challenge. AusGamers and New Game Network point to frustrating hard-fail scenarios and predictable solutions, such as using pots to distract guards or lighting torches to repel rats, which they describe as “obvious” and “repetitive.” The combat system also faces criticism for being simplistic or clunky, with BaziCenter noting shortcomings against bosses and AusGamers calling it “frustrating.” Additionally, GameCrate and Push Square mention occasional frustrations with mechanics, while VG247 observes that some gameplay elements feel derivative of Naughty Dog’s titles. The lack of meaningful choices or open-ended exploration is a recurring complaint, with New Game Network lamenting the “A to B” nature of the experience despite its creative moments. Overall, critics largely agree that A Plague Tale: Innocence delivers a compelling blend of stealth and puzzle-solving, driven by its atmospheric storytelling and unique use of environmental threats. While GamingTrend and Cultured Vultures praise its engaging mechanics and replayable elements, the consensus leans toward acknowledging its limitations in innovation and player freedom. The game’s strengths—such as its emotional narrative and well-crafted stealth sequences—are balanced by criticisms of linearity and repetition, with New Game Network and Cubed3 representing opposing views on its design philosophy. Despite these mixed reactions, the majority of reviewers recognize its value as a focused, atmospheric experience that prioritizes storytelling over open-world experimentation, even if it occasionally falls into formulaic patterns.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed A Plague Tale: Innocence for its hauntingly beautiful, meticulously crafted visuals and immersive medieval atmosphere, with praise for its stunning art direction and eerie light/shadow effects—though technical flaws like muddy graphics and stiff animations on some platforms were noted as minor drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised A Plague Tale: Innocence for its visually striking and immersive design, highlighting its ability to create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. Many lauded the game’s attention to detail, with reviewers like Jeuxvideo.com noting "well-crafted graphics and lighting" that immerse players in its dark, medieval world. The art direction was frequently described as "stunning," with Destructoid praising "luscious forests, warmly lit churches, and dark slums," while GameGrin and Xbox Tavern admired the oil-painting-like style and emotional resonance of the environments. The game’s use of light and shadow, such as the "velvety brew of damp moonlight" described by VideoGamer, effectively conveyed its grim tone, and the rat swarms were noted for their technical and unsettling realism, with Gameplanet calling them "fascinating" despite occasional flaws. Critics like PCWorld and Worth Playing emphasized the game’s unique visual identity, blending medieval aesthetics with a painterly quality that evoked comparisons to classic art. However, some critics pointed out technical and stylistic shortcomings. NintendoWorldReport, playing on Nintendo Switch, criticized "muddy and washed-out" graphics and "stiff animations," while PlaySense found the visuals "average" with a lack of sharpness. Issues like pop-in, blurry effects, and inconsistent textures were mentioned by InsideGamer.nl and PC Invasion, though these were often framed as minor flaws rather than deal-breakers. RPG Site and Easy Allies noted that stiff animations and limited character variety occasionally undermined emotional impact, while XGN and Push Square highlighted areas where facial expressions or rat movements felt unnatural. Despite these critiques, many acknowledged that the game’s visual ambition and atmospheric storytelling outweighed its technical imperfections. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that A Plague Tale: Innocence delivered a visually compelling experience despite some minor issues. While platforms like PS5 and PC saw improvements in detail and performance (as noted by Multiplayer.it and GamingTrend), even the PS4 version received praise for its "gorgeous" environments and "terrifying" world-building, as highlighted by Slant Magazine and VG247. The game’s ability to balance beauty with horror, coupled with its meticulous art direction, earned it widespread acclaim. Critics like GameCrate and Generación Xbox emphasized that the visuals were a key strength, proving that A Plague Tale: Innocence remains a standout title in terms of visual design, even if not without its technical quirks.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics hailed A Plague Tale: Innocence’s haunting score and sound design as a masterclass in atmosphere, with Olivier Derivière’s string-heavy compositions amplifying tension and melancholy. The medieval-inspired soundtrack, praised for its "molded" gameplay integration and eerie realism, was called a "modern take on Medieval music," while PS5 3D audio deepened horror. Minor gripes—stiff voice acting, lip sync issues—were overshadowed by universal acclaim, with outlets like IGN and Destructoid calling the audio essential to the game’s emotional punch.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of A Plague Tale: Innocence for their immersive and atmospheric contributions to the game’s narrative and emotional depth. Reviewers consistently highlighted Olivier Derivière’s score, which relies heavily on string instruments like cellos and violins to amplify tension and melancholy. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com and The Digital Fix noted how the strings create an anxious tone, while VideoGamer described the music as “molded around the gameplay” with “cellos and shivering strings” that heighten urgency. The soundtrack’s ability to mirror the game’s medieval setting and dark themes was also lauded, with TheSixthAxis calling it an “excellent modern take on Medieval music.” Additionally, sound effects like the rats’ screeches and characters’ labored breathing were praised for adding realism and immersion, as noted by GameWatcher and Windows Central. The PS5’s 3D audio implementation further enhanced the experience, with PlayStation Universe emphasizing its role in “enhancing the horror of the game’s setting.” While most reviews were positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws. Trusted Reviews criticized inconsistent voice acting, which occasionally undermined the drama, and GameWatcher noted disappointing lip sync issues despite the overall strong sound design. The Daily Dot mentioned that while dialogue was engaging, the voice acting could feel “stiff at times,” and Vandal pointed out that the Spanish version only included subtitles, though this pertains more to localization than audio quality itself. Additionally, a few reviewers, like Worth Playing, observed that the music occasionally leaned into foreboding tones that might feel overwhelming, but these critiques were rare compared to the widespread acclaim. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all highlighting the sound design and music as integral to the game’s success. The score’s emotional resonance, combined with meticulous attention to audio details like 3D spatial effects and atmospheric soundscapes, created a cohesive and immersive experience. IGN, VG247, and Destructoid all emphasized how the soundtrack and sound design elevated the narrative, while GameGrin and DarkStation called the music “fantastic” and “phenomenal,” respectively. Even with minor criticisms, the overwhelming praise for the audio elements underscores their significance in shaping A Plague Tale: Innocence’s haunting and emotionally charged atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Plague Tale: Innocence’s voice acting is emotionally resonant, with standout performances from Amicia (Charlotte McBurney) and Hugo (Logan Hannan), praised for authenticity and chemistry. French accents add historical flair, while the English dub, though occasionally stilted, remains solid. Critics laud its narrative depth, but some note uneven delivery, awkward animations, and minor technical flaws—issues that pale against widespread acclaim for its immersive, character-driven storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in A Plague Tale: Innocence is widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, particularly in portraying the bond between the two main characters, Amicia and Hugo. Critics like CGMagazine, Daily Star, and Destructoid highlight the nuanced performances that bring the protagonists to life, with Digital Chumps calling it "exceptional" and Digitally Downloaded noting it exceeds expectations for a B-tier game. The French accents are frequently lauded for adding historical and cultural authenticity, as noted by COGconnected, Games.cz, and InsideGamer.nl, while the English dub is also commended for its quality, though some critics like PCWorld find it "stilted." Notable performances include Charlotte McBurney’s portrayal of Amicia, praised by Gameplanet and Game Over Online, and Logan Hannan’s believable child-like delivery for Hugo, highlighted by New Game Network and GamingTrend (PC). The interplay between characters feels natural, with PCGamesN emphasizing the "natural" dialogue and RPG Site noting the strong characterization of their relationship. However, some critics point to inconsistencies and technical shortcomings in the voice acting. Push Square criticizes the "wooden" delivery as undermining the story, while The Digital Fix and Trusted Reviews note unconvincing character reactions, overlapping dialogue, and awkward animations that detract from immersion. The English version faces specific criticism, with VideoGamer pointing out a "faux-French lilt" and PCWorld calling the English voice acting "stilted." Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and IGN mention some soldier characters being less convincing, and GRYOnline.pl notes a lack of expressiveness in animations. While these issues are relatively minor compared to the overall praise, they highlight areas where the voice acting occasionally falls short of its potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is that A Plague Tale: Innocence features strong, emotionally resonant voice acting, particularly for the main characters and French dubbing. While there are occasional criticisms about the English version and minor technical flaws, these are overshadowed by the widespread acclaim for the performances. New Game Network and TheXboxHub emphasize that the voice acting "elevates" the story, with BaziCenter and Gameblog.fr praising the age-appropriate casting and immersive quality. Despite some mixed feedback, the majority of reviewers agree that the voice acting is a standout element, contributing significantly to the game’s narrative impact and emotional weight.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence shines technically across most platforms, with stellar visuals, stable frame rates, and smooth performance—especially on PS5 and Xbox Series X—but struggles with glitches (screen tearing, texture pop-in, loading hiccups) on older hardware, notably Nintendo Switch. Minor flaws exist but rarely disrupt gameplay, underscoring its strong core despite hardware limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of A Plague Tale: Innocence across its platforms is largely praised, with notable strengths in visual fidelity, frame stability, and optimization. On PS4, Eurogamer Italy highlighted "top-notch lighting," while Everyeye.it noted stable frame rates and adaptive resolution management. Meristation and Multiplayer.it emphasized the game’s ability to handle intense scenes with large rat swarms without significant performance drops. The PS5 version saw universal acclaim, with GamingTrend praising its "mostly solid 60fps" and Push Square calling it a "rock-solid 60 frames-per-second." On PC, critics like Cubed3 and Gameblog.fr lauded the "flawless" technical performance, while We Got This Covered praised the game’s ability to render numerous rats without framerate issues. The Xbox One X version was similarly well-received, with GameSpew noting smooth performance and Vandal calling it "technically impressive." Even the Xbox Series X saw improvements, with COGconnected and TheXboxHub highlighting faster load times and enhanced immersion. Despite these positives, several technical issues were reported across platforms. On PS4, critics like Hobby Consolas mentioned screen tearing and frame drops, while InsideGamer.nl pointed to "poor lip-syncing" and animation flaws. LaPS4 noted "blurry textures," and Gameplanet cited occasional engine and voice actor hiccups. The PC version faced minor issues like texture pop-in (GamingTrend) and a clunky interface (GameOver Online), though these were deemed non-disruptive. On Xbox One, GameGrin reported freezing and framerate problems, while Gamers’ Temple criticized long load times. The Nintendo Switch version struggled the most, with NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo citing "subpar streaming experience," "muddy visuals," and frequent loading issues. Even on Xbox Series X, some critics like XboxAddict noted minor frame rate inconsistencies, though these were rare. Overall, the consensus among critics is that A Plague Tale: Innocence delivers strong technical performance across most platforms, with only minor flaws detracting from the experience. The PS4 and PC versions received mixed but largely positive reviews, acknowledging occasional glitches while praising their visual and mechanical polish. The PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades significantly improved performance, with smoother frame rates and faster load times. While the Switch version faced notable limitations, especially in its cloud-streaming format, the core technical foundation of the game was consistently praised. Critics like GameGrin (Xbox One) and We Got This Covered (PC) acknowledged that while "technical issues exist," they rarely impacted gameplay meaningfully. The game’s ability to balance atmospheric storytelling with functional mechanics across platforms underscores its broader appeal, even if some hardware-specific challenges remain.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence offers compelling narrative depth and atmospheric storytelling, with collectibles and evolving mechanics tempting repeats, but its rigid linear design, lack of choices, and minimal post-game content severely limit replayability, making it a one-time experience for most.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews of A Plague Tale: Innocence highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its replay value, despite its linear structure. Critics like Cultured Vultures and DualShockers emphasize the game’s hidden collectibles, upgrades, and evolving puzzle-platforming mechanics involving rats, which encourage players to revisit the experience. PlayStation Universe notes the presence of numerous collectibles and secret areas, extending the campaign beyond its initial playthrough. Additionally, TheSixthAxis points out three distinct sets of collectables, while Twinfinite mentions that replaying allows for exploring different strategies. The game’s narrative depth, emotional storytelling, and atmospheric environments—highlighted by DualShockers and Jeuxvideo.com (PC)—also serve as incentives for players to experience the story again, even if the core gameplay remains unchanged. However, the consensus on replay value is tempered by significant criticisms regarding the game’s linear design and lack of meaningful choices. Multiple critics, including Games.cz, GameSpace, and GRYOnline.pl, argue that the absence of side activities or branching paths limits opportunities for repeated engagement. Meristation and The Daily Dot note that a single ending and repetitive gameplay mechanics reduce incentives to replay, while BaziCenter and Cubed3 suggest the game is designed for a single playthrough. New Game Network and SpazioGames explicitly state that the lack of moral choices, difficulty levels, or post-game content diminishes replayability. Even Xbox Tavern acknowledges that while collectibles offer some motivation, additional incentives would have improved the experience. Overall, the critics present a mixed but balanced view of A Plague Tale: Innocence’s replay value. While some praise its narrative, collectibles, and unique gameplay elements as sufficient to warrant a second playthrough, others criticize its linear structure, lack of diversity in mechanics, and minimal post-game content. Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) and Jeuxvideo.com (PC) note that the game’s 15-hour runtime and varied gameplay offer "enough variety to encourage replaying," but most agree it falls short of high replay value. The game’s strengths lie in its story and atmosphere, while its limitations—particularly its rigidity and lack of player agency—prevent it from being a highly re-playable title. Ultimately, the consensus leans toward moderate replayability for fans of its narrative and exploration, but not for those seeking extensive post-game content or branching paths.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised A Plague Tale: Innocence for its evocative storytelling, atmospheric design, and emotional resonance. Many highlighted its gripping narrative, which centers on survival and familial bonds, as a standout feature. GameSpot lauded it as an “emotive and atmospheric game that tells a powerful story of survival,” while JeuxActu commended its “attention to detail and immersive storytelling.” The visual presentation was universally acclaimed, with Cubed3 calling it “visually stunning” and Meristation noting its “flawless storytelling and characters.” Critics like GameGrin and TheXboxHub emphasized the game’s ability to create a haunting, memorable experience through its dark medieval setting and innovative use of environmental hazards, such as the plague-ridden rats. The emotional weight of the story, particularly the bond between protagonists Amélie and her brother, resonated deeply with reviewers, with Screen Rant hailing it as a “near-perfect game” that exemplifies the power of single-player narratives. However, several critics pointed to gameplay mechanics and structural issues as significant drawbacks. PC Invasion criticized the “shallow gameplay” and “slow, predictable missions,” while Push Square noted that “gameplay mechanics drag” and the story “lacks focus.” The linear nature of the experience was a recurring complaint, with Vandal describing it as “limited by its linear nature” and TrueGaming citing “linear gameplay and inconsistent writing.” Others, like Game Informer, called it “forgettable,” while JeuxActu mentioned “unintuitive controls” and “AI that could be improved.” The game’s reliance on stealth and puzzle-solving, though praised for creativity, occasionally felt repetitive or frustrating, as noted by TheXboxHub and Digital Chumps. Additionally, some critics, including GameSpot and TrueGaming, pointed to one-dimensional villains and predictable plot twists, which slightly undermined the narrative’s impact. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with many deeming A Plague Tale: Innocence a strong entry in the adventure genre. COGconnected noted its enduring appeal, stating it “still holds up two years later,” while IGN Italia called it a “significant step forward for the developer” and highly recommended it. Critics like GameGrin and TheXboxHub emphasized that minor flaws—such as technical issues or repetitive gameplay—did not detract from the game’s emotional depth or artistic merits. Even reviewers who acknowledged its shortcomings, such as PC Invasion and Game Informer, conceded that the game’s strengths in storytelling and atmosphere made it a worthwhile experience. Ultimately, the majority of critics agreed that A Plague Tale: Innocence is a compelling, beautifully crafted title that, while not perfect, succeeds in delivering an unforgettable narrative-driven journey.

TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence dazzles with haunting storytelling, emotional depth, and atmospheric brilliance, crafting an unforgettable journey through survival and familial bonds. While its shallow gameplay, repetitive mechanics, and linear structure falter, the game’s artistry and narrative power ultimately shine, making it a compelling, if imperfect, masterpiece.

MONSTER

Reviews

216 reviews found

100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

May 13, 2019