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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

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One

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 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its emotional depth and engaging story about siblings Amicia and Hugo amid the horrors of the Black Death. Critics praise its exploration of love and loss, with relatable characters driving player investment. However, some point to flaws in character development and narrative resolution, noting moments of brilliance overshadowed by underdevelopment. Overall, the consensus is that it’s a compelling, story-driven game that stands out in the gaming landscape, despite its imperfections.

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 overall sentiment regarding the story of A Plague Tale: Innocence is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its emotional depth and engaging narrative. Reviewers like Game Informer and IGN highlight the heartfelt survival story of siblings Amicia and Hugo, emphasizing the strong bond between them amidst a grim backdrop of the Black Death and the Inquisition. Critics such as RPG Site and Everyeye.it commend the game's exploration of themes like love, survival, and the loss of innocence, which resonate throughout the gameplay. The storytelling is described as immersive and well-paced, with critics like GameWatcher and Gamer.no noting the genuine relatability of the characters and their struggles, making players invested in their journey. However, not all reviewers were as enthusiastic. Some critics pointed out flaws in character development and narrative resolution. Cubed3 and Trusted Reviews expressed disappointment in the story's simplistic progression and lack of depth, suggesting that it fails to fully engage players. Others, like Cultured Vultures and GamesRadar+, mentioned that while the story has moments of brilliance, it feels underdeveloped in certain areas. The presence of unlikable protagonists, as noted by Cultured Vultures, and unresolved plot elements, as mentioned by GRYOnline.pl, also detracted from the overall experience for some reviewers. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans heavily towards a favorable view of A Plague Tale: Innocence. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and Screen Rant, regard it as one of the more effective story-driven titles in recent memory, with a compelling narrative that captivates players from start to finish. The blend of historical context with supernatural elements, as highlighted by Eurogamer Italy, adds a unique flavor to the story, making it stand out in the gaming landscape. Ultimately, while there are valid critiques regarding character development and pacing, the majority of critics agree that the game delivers a rich and emotionally impactful experience that is worth exploring.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence impresses with its narrative, innovative mechanics like using light against rats, and a strong sibling bond, earning praise for engaging gameplay. However, critics point to linearity, simplistic combat, and low challenge levels, making it feel repetitive. While the emotional depth shines, players seeking complexity might be left wanting more.

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 has garnered a mix of appreciation for its narrative integration and unique mechanics. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Digital Chumps highlight the effective combination of stealth, puzzle-solving, and resource management, praising how the gameplay evolves over time, introducing new abilities that enhance player engagement. The use of light to navigate through hordes of rats is noted as a compelling mechanic, with reviewers such as Hooked Gamers and IGN Italia commending the innovative ways in which rats serve both as obstacles and tools for the player. The emotional bond between the siblings, Amicia and Hugo, is also frequently cited as a strong aspect of the gameplay, with Gameplanet emphasizing the well-executed interplay between the characters. However, several critics express concerns regarding the gameplay's limitations. Reviews from PC Gamer and Gamersky point out that the gameplay can feel linear and lacks depth, particularly in combat mechanics, which may detract from the overall experience. Critics like AusGamers and New Game Network mention that the game leans heavily on hand-holding and often presents obvious solutions to puzzles, leading to a sense of repetitiveness. Additionally, the challenge level is frequently described as low, with many reviewers, including Merlin'in Kazanı and Multiplayer.it, noting that the gameplay does not always match the oppressive atmosphere intended by the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while A Plague Tale: Innocence successfully intertwines its gameplay with a rich story and emotional depth, it suffers from issues related to linearity and a lack of challenge. The game is recognized for its innovative use of environmental mechanics and the emotional connection between characters, as noted by critics like Shacknews and Worth Playing. However, the criticisms regarding simplicity and repetitiveness suggest that while the game is engaging, it may not satisfy players seeking a more complex and challenging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence impresses with its stunning graphics and atmospheric design, capturing the dark beauty of 14th-century France. Critics praise its artistic flair and immersive visuals, particularly the use of lighting and shadow, which heighten tension. However, some technical flaws—like muddy graphics on Switch, stiff animations, and lip-sync issues—detract from the experience. Overall, while imperfections exist, the visual design significantly enhances the game's narrative impact and is a key highlight.

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 overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of A Plague Tale: Innocence is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its artistic direction and atmospheric execution. Reviewers like Worth Playing and God is a Geek highlighted the game's ability to create a visually stunning experience, likening it to a grim painting come to life, while others, such as Game Informer and TrueGaming, lauded the attention to detail in recreating 14th-century France. The use of lighting and shadow, particularly in the depiction of the swarming rats, was noted by multiple critics, including Gamersky and Everyeye.it, as a key element that enhances the game's tense atmosphere. The game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and immersion through its graphics has been consistently recognized, with critiques emphasizing the balance between beauty and horror in its visual presentation. However, not all reviews were entirely favorable, as several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the graphics and animations. NintendoWorldReport described the graphics on the Nintendo Switch as muddy and washed out, while PlaySense and RPG Site mentioned that the visuals lacked sharpness and were marred by stiff animations that detracted from the emotional weight of the narrative. Issues with lip-syncing and character animations were also highlighted by DarkStation and Metro GameCentral, suggesting that while the artistic design is commendable, technical execution in certain areas could be improved. Moreover, some critics like PC Invasion noted unnatural movements of rat swarms, which could disrupt immersion. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers is that A Plague Tale: Innocence boasts impressive graphics and visual design that elevate the gaming experience. The majority of critics agree that the game successfully captures a dark and immersive atmosphere, with many praising its artistic flair and attention to detail. Critics such as Vandal and GamingTrend emphasized the game's ability to create a visually rich world that enhances the storytelling, while others like PlayStation LifeStyle and IGN Italia noted significant improvements over the developer's previous titles. Ultimately, while there are areas for improvement, the consensus is that the game's visual design is a standout feature that contributes significantly to its narrative impact and overall appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence is lauded for its exceptional sound design and haunting soundtrack, which enhance the game's dark atmosphere and emotional depth. Critics praise the music for perfectly syncing with character emotions and gameplay tension, though some voice acting inconsistencies, particularly in English dubbing, detract slightly from the experience. Overall, the audio elements are considered a standout feature, significantly elevating the game's storytelling and immersion despite minor critiques.

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 sound design and music of A Plague Tale: Innocence have received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting the integral role that the score and audio elements play in enhancing the game's atmosphere. Reviewers such as Areajugones emphasized how the soundtrack is fundamental in establishing the tone and rhythm, adapting seamlessly to the characters' emotions and situations. Critics like App Trigger and Gamer.nl praised the haunting score and sound design for effectively setting a pervasive tone throughout the journey, while Game Revolution noted the impactful moments created by the cello notes. The immersive experience is further underscored by the attention to detail in sound design, with elements like whispered conversations and heartbeat sounds contributing to a captivating atmosphere, as highlighted by critics such as VG247 and Impulsegamer. Overall, the music composed by Olivier Deriviere is frequently described as beautiful, moving, and perfectly complementing the game's dark and emotional themes. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics pointed out issues that detracted from the experience. For instance, while the sound design and music were praised, a few reviewers, including Trusted Reviews and GameWatcher, noted inconsistencies in voice acting that could undermine the dramatic impact of certain scenes. Critics like PCWorld mentioned that while the French voice acting was superb, the English dubbing felt stilted. Additionally, Generación Xbox remarked that although the soundtrack may not be memorable, the sound effects and music effectively enhance both tense and relaxed moments. These critiques suggest that while the audio elements are strong, there are areas needing improvement, particularly in voice performance consistency across different languages. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of A Plague Tale: Innocence. Most reviewers agree that the audio elements significantly contribute to the game's immersive experience, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative and the tension of gameplay. Critics like Digital Chumps and PlayStation Universe highlighted how the soundtrack resonates with fear and complements the horror elements, while others noted the emotional depth brought by the sound design. The majority of critics, including those from CGMagazine and VideoGamer, affirm that the audio experience is a standout feature of the game, elevating it to a higher level of storytelling and engagement. Thus, despite some minor criticisms, the sound design and music are regarded as key strengths of A Plague Tale: Innocence, solidifying its reputation as a compelling and atmospheric title.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in A Plague Tale: Innocence is praised for its emotional depth, especially regarding main characters Amicia and Hugo, enhancing the narrative's impact. Critics highlight authentic French accents but note inconsistencies in quality, with some calling it the game's weakest element. While many commend the performances, particularly for conveying emotion, issues with believability and awkward delivery detract from the overall experience, creating a mixed reception.

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 has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly highlighting the performances of the main characters, Amicia and Hugo. Reviewers from CGMagazine and Daily Star praised the quality of the voice acting, noting the emotional depth and connection between the characters, which is central to the game's narrative. Critics like Digital Chumps and Gamer.no emphasized that the voice acting adds significant emotional weight to the story, with Digital Chumps stating it is "exceptional" and enhances the overall experience. The French accents used by the characters have also been commended for adding authenticity, as noted by Gameplanet and Games.cz, which further enriches the historical context of the game. However, not all critiques are favorable. Some reviewers, such as DarkStation and Push Square, labeled the voice acting as the weakest aspect of the game, suggesting that it can be inconsistent in quality. Critics like The Digital Fix pointed out issues with believability in character reactions and awkward dialogue delivery, while others, like Trusted Reviews, mentioned that inconsistent voice acting detracts from the dramatic moments in the game. Additionally, there are complaints regarding the English voice acting feeling forced or lacking expressiveness, as highlighted by InsideGamer.nl and VideoGamer, which could detract from the immersion for players who opt for the English version. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in A Plague Tale: Innocence is predominantly strong, particularly for its main characters, there are notable inconsistencies that some reviewers found problematic. Many critics, including IGN and Twinfinite, recognized the performances as effective in conveying the emotional landscape of the story, yet a segment of the reviews pointed out shortcomings that could hinder the overall experience. The general sentiment is that the voice acting elevates the game's narrative but is marred by occasional lapses in quality, making it a mixed bag that ultimately contributes to the game's emotional depth while also presenting some areas for improvement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence delivers a solid technical performance overall, especially on PS5 and PC, where it shines with smooth frame rates and impressive visuals. However, the PS4 version has minor issues like awkward controls and frame drops, while the Nintendo Switch struggles with long load times and poor visuals, making it the weakest version. Xbox Series X sees enhancements but faces occasional freezing. Despite these flaws, the game remains immersive and engaging across platforms.

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 has received a mixed but generally positive reception across various platforms. On the PlayStation 4, many critics praised the game for its stable frame rates and well-managed adaptive resolution, with Everyeye.it noting that it performs well technically despite minor issues with facial animations. LevelUp and Meristation echoed this sentiment, highlighting the game's ability to handle large swarms of rats without significant performance drops. The PS5 version received accolades for its smooth 60fps performance, with GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe emphasizing improved visuals and responsive controls. On PC, the game was reported to run flawlessly by Gameblog.fr and Game Crate, with smooth performance throughout the gameplay experience, even when dealing with numerous on-screen elements. However, there are notable negatives across platforms. On the PS4, critics like COGconnected and Hobby Consolas pointed out issues such as awkward movement, guard detection problems, screen tearing, and occasional frame drops. InsideGamer.nl and Jeuxvideo.com mentioned rough edges like poor lip-syncing and AI bugs, which detracted from the immersion. The Nintendo Switch version faced significant criticism for its streaming experience, with NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo highlighting long load times and visual issues that severely impacted gameplay. On Xbox One, while GameSpew and Generación Xbox acknowledged smooth performance on the Xbox One X, they also noted issues like freezing and tearing that could disrupt the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while A Plague Tale: Innocence excels in many technical aspects, especially on PS5 and PC, it does have its share of issues that vary by platform. The PS4 version, while generally well-received, suffers from minor technical problems that some critics felt detracted from the overall experience, as noted by Push Square and LaPS4. The Nintendo Switch version, however, appears to be the weakest link, struggling with performance and visual fidelity. In contrast, the Xbox Series X version is praised for its enhancements, with TheXboxHub noting the improved load times and frame rates, further solidifying the game's technical achievements. Critics largely agree that despite these shortcomings, the game remains an engaging and immersive experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

A Plague Tale: Innocence garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise hidden collectibles and engaging narrative as reasons to revisit, but many slam its linear structure and lack of meaningful choices, limiting replay appeal. Overall, it's seen as a one-and-done experience rather than a game worth multiple playthroughs.

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 opinions regarding the replay value of A Plague Tale: Innocence present a mixed but somewhat positive perspective among several critics. Many reviewers highlight the game's hidden collectibles and upgrades as a motivating factor for a second playthrough. For instance, Cultured Vultures points out that the game encourages exploration through its collectibles, while TheSixthAxis mentions that there are three sets of collectibles to discover, which can entice players to revisit the game. Additionally, PlayStation Universe notes the presence of secret areas, suggesting that these elements contribute to a longer-lasting experience than initially expected. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com also mention that the game’s decent length of around fifteen hours, combined with its engaging narrative, provides enough variety to warrant replaying, despite the overall limitations. On the flip side, several critics express concerns about the game's linear structure, which they argue significantly hampers its replayability. Reviews from Gameplanet and Games.cz emphasize the game's linearity, suggesting that it lacks significant side activities or alternate paths, making it less appealing for multiple playthroughs. Critics like GRYOnline.pl and Shacknews echo this sentiment, stating that there is little reason to explore or engage with the game once it has been completed. Moreover, the absence of different difficulty levels or meaningful choices, as noted by Press Start Australia and GamingTrend, further contributes to the perception that replay value is limited. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the idea that while A Plague Tale: Innocence offers some incentives for replaying through collectibles and a captivating narrative, its linear design and lack of diverse gameplay mechanics ultimately restrict its replay value. Critics such as Meristation and TrueGaming highlight that the game is designed for a single playthrough, which may deter players from returning after the initial experience. While some players may appreciate the opportunity to explore missed secrets or try different strategies, the general sentiment suggests that the game is best enjoyed in one complete run rather than through multiple playthroughs.

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 overall sentiment towards "A Plague Tale: Innocence" is largely positive, with many critics praising its compelling narrative, atmospheric design, and emotional depth. Reviewers like Meristation and GameSpot highlighted the game's engaging story and strong character relationships, particularly the bond between the siblings, Amicia and Hugo. The impressive visuals and sound design were also frequently commended, with critics from GameWatcher and Gameblog.fr emphasizing the game's stunning artistic execution. Additionally, the unique blend of horror and fairy tale elements, as noted by SomosXbox, creates a captivating experience that resonates with players, making it a standout title in the genre. However, despite the acclaim, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings that prevent the game from achieving its full potential. For instance, Cubed3 described it as "ultimately unfulfilling," while Push Square criticized the gameplay mechanics for dragging and the story for lacking focus. Critics like Game Informer and PlaySense echoed similar sentiments, labeling the game as "forgettable" and falling short of high expectations. There were also mentions of technical issues, such as voice acting and AI problems, which were highlighted by The Digital Fix and COGconnected, indicating that while the game excels in many areas, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "A Plague Tale: Innocence" is a remarkable narrative-driven adventure that successfully captivates players with its storytelling and emotional weight. While some reviewers, like Trusted Reviews and GameStar, acknowledged that the game has gameplay limitations and could benefit from more polish, the majority found its strengths to outweigh the weaknesses. Critics like Gamer.nl and Digital Chumps encapsulated this sentiment by recommending the game for its rich narrative and immersive experience, ultimately positioning it as a strong entry in the single-player genre and a must-play for fans of atmospheric storytelling.

TL;DR

"A Plague Tale: Innocence" is a highly praised narrative-driven game known for its emotional depth and stunning visuals, particularly the sibling bond between Amicia and Hugo. Critics laud its atmospheric design, blending horror and fairy tale elements. However, gameplay mechanics can feel sluggish, and technical issues detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game's compelling story makes it a must-play for fans of atmospheric storytelling, securing its place as a standout title in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

216 reviews found

100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

May 13, 2019