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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

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

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 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

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 has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, who highlight its emotional depth and engaging narrative. Reviewers such as Game Informer and Screen Rant commend the game for its compelling portrayal of the bond between siblings Amicia and Hugo, set against the grim backdrop of 14th-century France during the Black Death. Critics like AusGamers and Digital Chumps appreciate the unique narrative that intertwines historical elements with personal struggles, creating a rich atmosphere that captivates players. Many reviews emphasize the emotional weight of the story, with GamingTrend noting that the narrative is "absolutely gripping" and "like a tightly-written novel," showcasing the effective character development and the harrowing journey the siblings undertake. However, not all reviews are as favorable, with some critics pointing out significant shortcomings in the story's execution. For instance, Cubed3 and Slant Magazine argue that the plot lacks engagement and depth, criticizing the character development and the simplistic progression of events. Critics like Trusted Reviews and Cultured Vultures echo these sentiments, suggesting that while the story has potential, it ultimately feels underbaked or fails to explore deeper themes. The lack of multifaceted characters is another common critique, as seen in the reviews from Gaming Age and GRYOnline.pl, which highlight that the antagonists and supporting characters often lack the depth needed to elevate the narrative further. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of A Plague Tale: Innocence, with many praising its emotional storytelling and immersive atmosphere. While there are notable criticisms regarding character development and narrative depth, the majority of reviewers, including those from GameSpot and The Digital Fix, find the story to be a compelling and heartfelt experience that resonates with players. The emotional journey of Amicia and Hugo, along with the historical context, creates a unique blend that many critics believe sets the game apart, making it a worthwhile experience despite its flaws.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

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 range of opinions from critics, with several praising its unique blend of stealth mechanics, puzzle-solving, and narrative integration. Critics like GameGrin and Game Revolution highlight the engaging stealth elements and the effective use of environmental interactions, such as manipulating light to navigate through swarms of rats. The crafting system, as noted by CGMagazine and IGN Italia, adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to utilize various projectiles and abilities creatively. Additionally, the game’s focus on character dynamics, particularly the relationship between Amicia and Hugo, enhances the overall experience, making it feel more immersive and emotionally resonant. However, a significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with the linearity and simplicity of the gameplay. Critics such as M3 and Hey Poor Player point out that the game feels predetermined and lacks challenging puzzles, which can detract from the overall experience. Many reviews, including those from PC Invasion and New Game Network, echo concerns about the repetitiveness of stealth mechanics and the straightforward nature of problem-solving scenarios. The lack of player agency, as mentioned by TrueGaming and Cubed3, leads to a sense of frustration, as players often find the solutions to puzzles too obvious and the gameplay too scripted. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while A Plague Tale: Innocence successfully combines storytelling with stealth and puzzle mechanics, it ultimately suffers from a lack of depth and challenge. The game is praised for its narrative and emotional weight but criticized for its linear gameplay and simplistic mechanics. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Digitally Downloaded emphasize that the gameplay, while solid and engaging at times, often feels constrained and fails to fully capitalize on its potential for creativity and exploration. This mixed reception indicates that while the game has its merits, it may not satisfy players looking for a more open-ended and challenging experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of A Plague Tale: Innocence have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who have praised the game's impressive visuals and artistic direction. Many reviewers, such as VG247 and Gameplanet, highlighted the stunning environments and attention to detail, noting how the game effectively captures the grim atmosphere of medieval France. The use of light and shadow, particularly in scenes featuring the iconic swarms of rats, was commended by Gamersky and Softpedia, who remarked on how these elements enhance the overall narrative experience. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Gamer.no emphasized the game's photorealistic approach, which immerses players in its dark and oppressive world, while GameCrate noted the level of detail that creates a strong sense of place throughout the game. However, despite the overall acclaim, there are several criticisms regarding certain aspects of the graphics and animation. Reviewers such as RPG Site and Easy Allies pointed out issues with stiff animations that can detract from the emotional impact of the story. Additionally, PlaySense and Jeuxvideo.com mentioned that while some environments are visually appealing, others lack sharpness and can appear average. Several critics, including Metro GameCentral and Press Start Australia, echoed concerns about character models and animations feeling stilted at times, which can disrupt the immersion intended by the game's striking visuals. In summary, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of A Plague Tale: Innocence, with many praising its artistic execution and atmospheric depth. While there are valid critiques regarding animation quality and character model variety, the game's ability to create a hauntingly beautiful world, as noted by critics like DualShockers and GameSpot, showcases a commendable achievement for a mid-sized studio. Overall, the visual experience contributes significantly to the game's narrative and emotional resonance, making it a standout title in its genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

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

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 garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the game's ability to create an immersive and atmospheric experience. Reviewers like The Games Machine and Eurogamer Italy highlighted how the soundtrack, composed by Olivier Deriviere, effectively evokes a medieval ambiance, utilizing strings, percussion, and various instruments to enhance both tension and calmness throughout gameplay. Critics such as Meristation and GameGrin emphasized the strong voice acting and how it complements the emotional depth of the narrative, while others like New Game Network and GameSpew noted the exceptional sound effects that contribute to the game's chilling atmosphere, particularly the haunting screeches of the rat hordes and the impactful musical cues that signal danger. Overall, the consensus is that the audio elements significantly elevate the storytelling and emotional engagement of the game. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out a few drawbacks regarding the sound design and voice acting. For instance, PCWorld mentioned that while the French voice acting is superb, the English version can feel stilted at times. Additionally, GameWatcher noted issues with lip-syncing, which can detract from the immersion during cutscenes. While the majority of critics praised the voice performances, The Daily Dot mentioned instances of stiffness in the dialogue, suggesting that not all interactions hit the mark. These criticisms, however, are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. In summary, the overall sentiment among critics is highly favorable, with most reviewers considering the sound design and music of A Plague Tale: Innocence to be exceptional. Critics like IGN and The XboxHub emphasized how the audio elements not only enhance the horror and tension of the game but also contribute significantly to its emotional weight. The combination of a haunting score, strong voice acting, and immersive sound effects has led to a consensus that these elements are among the standout features of the game, making it a memorable experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

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 significant praise from critics, particularly for the performances of the main characters, Amicia and Hugo. Reviewers from CGMagazine and Daily Star highlight the quality of the voice acting, emphasizing the emotional depth and connection between the two protagonists. Critics like Gamer.no and Digital Chumps commend the performances for enhancing the narrative, with the voice cast effectively conveying a range of emotions. The authenticity of the French accents also received positive mentions, with InsideGamer.nl and Games.cz noting how this choice adds to the game's immersive experience. Overall, many critics, including Gameplanet and VG247, agree that the voice acting elevates the storytelling and character development, making it a standout feature of the game. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics have pointed out inconsistencies and shortcomings in the voice acting. DarkStation describes it as "serviceable" but the weakest aspect of the game, while Push Square criticizes the wooden delivery that undermines the story's impact. Other reviews, such as those from The Digital Fix and Trusted Reviews, mention issues with believability and awkward character interactions, suggesting that while the main cast performs well, some secondary characters lack the same level of quality. Critics like VideoGamer also express concerns about the English version feeling forced, which detracts from the authenticity that the French voice acting provides. The overall consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in A Plague Tale: Innocence has its flaws, particularly in certain character performances and the English dubbing, it is largely seen as a strong point of the game. Many praise the emotional resonance achieved by the main characters, with notable performances from Charlotte McBurney and Logan Hannan receiving widespread acclaim. Critics like M3 and TheXboxHub emphasize that the voice acting contributes significantly to the emotional narrative, making the bond between Amicia and Hugo believable and relatable. Ultimately, the voice acting is viewed as a commendable aspect of the game, with a few caveats regarding consistency and execution in some areas.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance: Across all platforms, "A Plague Tale: Innocence" demonstrates a commendable level of technical performance, particularly on PS5 and PC. Critics like GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe noted that the PS5 version operates at a solid 60 frames per second, enhancing the overall visual experience and control responsiveness. The game’s ability to render a large number of rats without significant performance drops was highlighted by critics such as We Got This Covered, showcasing a technical achievement in handling complex scenes. On the PC front, reviewers like Gameblog.fr and GameWatcher praised the flawless performance and stability, with smooth gameplay throughout the experience. Even on PS4, while there were some minor issues, many critics, including Everyeye.it and Meristation, acknowledged the game’s stable frame rates and overall strong technical foundation. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance: Despite the overall positive reception, several critics pointed out technical shortcomings across all platforms. On PS4, issues such as screen tearing, occasional frame drops, and animation glitches were noted by critics like Hobby Consolas and InsideGamer.nl, suggesting a lack of polish in certain areas. The PS4 version also faced criticisms regarding character movement and AI bugs, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com and COGconnected. On Xbox One, while some reviewers, like GameSpew and XboxAddict, reported smooth performance on Xbox One X, others highlighted freezing issues and long loading times, particularly when transitioning between chapters, as noted by Gamers' Temple. The PC version also faced minor issues, including texture pop-ins and occasional bugs that disrupted gameplay, as mentioned by The Daily Dot and GamingTrend. Overall Consensus: The consensus among critics is that "A Plague Tale: Innocence" offers a generally strong technical performance across all platforms, with the PS5 and PC versions standing out for their smooth gameplay and impressive visuals. However, the PS4 and Xbox One versions exhibit more pronounced technical issues, such as frame drops and animation glitches, which detract from the experience but do not render it unplayable. Critics like Meristation and Push Square emphasized that while the game has its rough edges, the overall experience remains engaging and enjoyable. Ultimately, the game is recognized for its artistic achievements and storytelling, even if it occasionally falls short in technical execution, particularly on older hardware.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

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 highlight several positive aspects that may entice players to revisit the game. Critics such as Cultured Vultures and PlayStation Universe point out the presence of hidden collectibles and secret areas, which can encourage players to explore the game further on subsequent playthroughs. Additionally, TheSixthAxis mentions that the game features three sets of collectibles, providing an incentive for those who enjoy thorough exploration. DualShockers emphasizes the emotional depth of the narrative, suggesting that players who appreciate the story and atmosphere may find value in replaying the game to relive those impactful moments. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's overall replayability. Many reviews, including those from Everyeye.it, Gameplanet, and GRYOnline.pl, note the linear structure of the game, which limits player choice and exploration. Critics like Shacknews and SpazioGames highlight the lack of side activities and alternate paths, suggesting that once the game is completed, there is little motivation to return. Furthermore, several reviewers, including Hobby Consolas and Game Over Online, mention that the game’s short length—typically around 10 to 15 hours—combined with its singular narrative and minimal difficulty options, further diminishes its replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while A Plague Tale: Innocence offers a compelling narrative and some collectible elements that may encourage revisiting, its linear design and limited gameplay mechanics significantly restrict replayability. Critics such as Meristation and TrueGaming note that the game is primarily designed for a single playthrough, and despite the emotional and atmospheric experience it provides, many players may not feel compelled to engage with it again after completing the story. Thus, while there are redeeming qualities that could entice some players back, the general sentiment leans towards a recognition of the game's limitations in terms of replay value.

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 surrounding A Plague Tale: Innocence is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its compelling narrative, emotional depth, and stunning visuals. Reviewers like Gameblog.fr and BaziCenter highlight the game's captivating story and beautiful graphics, emphasizing its ability to create a powerful emotional experience. The sibling relationship at the core of the game is frequently noted as a strong point, with critics such as GameStar and RPG Site commending the believable and engaging dynamics between the characters. Additionally, the atmosphere and immersive sound design have been recognized as significant contributors to the game’s overall impact, with publications like GameSpot and DarkStation noting how these elements enhance the storytelling. However, there are notable criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and technical performance. Several reviewers, including PlaySense and Cubed3, pointed out that the game falls short of expectations, with gameplay that can feel linear and at times unfulfilling. Critics like Push Square and Gaming Age mentioned that while the game offers a unique experience, it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who are less fond of escort missions and stealth mechanics. Additionally, some reviewers noted issues with pacing and a lack of polish, suggesting that the game could benefit from more refinement in its gameplay elements. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that A Plague Tale: Innocence is a worthwhile experience that successfully delivers a memorable narrative adventure. Many reviewers, including Meristation and Press Start Australia, regard it as a standout title in the current gaming landscape, praising its originality and emotional resonance. While some shortcomings in gameplay and technical aspects were acknowledged, the majority of critics agree that the game’s strengths in storytelling, atmosphere, and character development significantly outweigh its flaws, making it a highly recommended title for fans of narrative-driven experiences.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

214 reviews found

100

Screen Rant

PlayStation 4

May 13, 2019