A Plague Tale: Requiem Review

Fighting The Lingering Darkness .

Read Time 10 minutes

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“ ...Sometimes you gotta turn back and face your fears head-on... ”

The world is on the brink of collapse, with darkness creeping in from every corner, and the only light comes from a young girl's determination to save those she loves. A Plague Tale: Requiem picks up where its predecessor left off, but where the first game was about escape, this one is about survival against all odds.

This time around, Amicia and Hugo de Rune leave behind the war-torn landscapes of France in search of solace along the Mediterranean. But the siblings can't really catch a break, and as always, the world around them continues to erode from inside out by more insidious forces that seem to shadow the poor children's every move. The stakes feel higher, and what was once a tale of fleeing from danger is now a story of running towards the inescapable and facing it head-on.

Speaking of which, Hugo's condition worsened a lot as his powers continued to grow following the events of the first game, and the kid has now become a ticking time bomb, representing severe danger to himself and those around him—family or otherwise. As for Amicia, she's no longer just the big sister trying to protect her younger brother, and must now adapt to fulfill her responsibility as a protector, facing a harsh world where every path seems to lead to suffering and a constant struggle to do what's right.

At a glance, Requiem refines the formula that made its predecessor legendary: stealth, puzzle-solving, and bursts of brutal combat, all wrapped in an atmospheric veil of unrelenting tension. The environments are nauseatingly richer, the characters act less like cardboard cutouts, and it truly feels like the developers set out to make history with how much passion they poured into every scene.

Despite a few occasional missteps, mainly in the pacing department, A Plague Tale: Requiem is an exceptional experience. It is a game full of clashing aspects—beauty and ugliness, love and hate, control and chaos to name a few. It invites players to step into a world where innocence is fleeting and survival demands a heavy price.

Now, folks, be prepared for we'll explore together the harrowing world of Amicia and Hugo for a second time (yay!), but, before we proceed, don't forget to cover up your face, unless the stench of decay doesn't annoy your nostrils.

Developer: Asobo Studio

Publisher: Pullup Entertainment

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Platforms: PS5, Xbox S. X/S, PC

Genre: Action, Adventure, Stealth

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Survival Comes at A Hefty Cost: When Sacrifices Must Be Made .

In modern day and age, few games make as strong an impression in their opening moments as A Plague Tale: Requiem. As soon as the game's introductory sequence ends, you're thrust into a world brimming with beauty—where the sight of jaw-dropping Mediterranean vistas accompany our journey, offering a stunning contrast to the unspeakable horrors that unfold within the land's bowels. In its opening hours, Requiem invites players to feel as if they're walking through a dream, where the charm of a picturesque setting serves to momentarily mask a looming threat.

Suffice to say, the game wastes little time hinting at the encroaching darkness hiding beneath the surface. And I mean this quite literally, as we see the plot unceremoniously move from 0 to 100 at a startling speed. Perhaps sooner than expected, the oppressive sight of death returns to haunt us, and corpses rotting in open skies become commonplace at a somewhat early turning point in the story, allowing that awful sense of unease we thought was left behind in the past to penetrate us once more.

While the first few chapters feel like a casual introduction, the narrative takes a somber turn as you dive deeper into the mysteries behind Hugo's powers. Although his abilities to control rats are majorly intriguing, they're also deeply unsettling due to their supernatural origins, and the game does an excellent job with the portrayal of the burden that these powers place on those around him—hence why a cure is desperately needed.

Needless to say, the bond between Amicia and Hugo continues to take center stage, and it's hard not to be moved by their resilience despite their soul-shattering reality. As Amicia steps further into the role of protector, her evolution from a caring sister to a hardened survivor is a subtle but powerful shift—one that catches you off guard as you realize just how far she's come from the girl who'd usually flee from danger in the first game. There's a depth to their relationship that's not commonly seen in games, with the narrative constantly forcing Amicia to mature as she adapts to the quest emblazoned upon her.

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As we venture through the world, it slowly reveals its layered beauty and lurking horrors, from the whisper of wind through the trees to the distant scurrying of rats in the dark.

Zooming out, the game has a story ripe with possibility, and its dedication to immersion is evident in the way every scene gives off major cinematic vibes. Not to mention, even the sound design itself also works tirelessly to support this atmosphere, instilling a gut-wrenching sense of dread at every turn.

While the game's world may appear familiar to those who played the first installment, it's clear that Requiem pushes things to entirely new heights in multiple aspects. You don't need to glance at the screen twice to understand what I'm talking about here—the environments we explore are larger, more diverse, and far richer in detail. Whether you're exploring its colorful fields or passing through murky, rat-infested caverns, every area is as breathtaking as they come, blending top-tier world-building to create serene landscapes that clash with the grim marks left by the plague's presence. Every corner feels meticulously crafted, and there's an undeniable sense of scale and grandeur in the many paths and trails we set foot on.

However, this larger scope does come with its own set of challenges. Like I mentioned before, the game's pacing can occasionally slow down in areas, particularly during stealth-heavy sequences. To contextualize a bit more, these moments can stretch on a bit too long at times, and while they often drag the momentum down, they're sufficiently balanced by thrilling action sequences or emotional moments that quickly return the focus to the stakes at hand.

Overall, A Plague Tale: Requiem offers a delightful journey from top to bottom that stays with you long after you've finished it. It's a game that doesn't just aim to entertain but to make you feel the crushing weight placed on the main character's shoulders—and let me tell you, it ain't easy to watch even as a spectator. Despite some minor slip-ups now and then, the game's emotional depth, intricate world-building, and complex characters more than make up for anything I could complain about, leading to an insanely compelling experience.

The Weight of Every Step Forward: Fleeting Light, Endless Dark .

When all hope is lost, sometimes the only choice left is to fight with tooth and nail. And when the world seems intent on breaking us, then a fierce act of defiance is only reasonable. Not to mention, the less we have left to lose, the more dangerous we become, right? Yet, contrary to expectations, A Plague Tale: Requiem isn't a game that relies solely on brute force—it instead thrives on tension, precision, and the feeling of being just one singular miscalculated move away from complete and utter disaster.

Much like its predecessor, stealth remains the backbone of the experience in Requiem, as it generally serves as the safest, most reliable option, but for those willing to take risks, a more aggressive approach is now a viable alternative. Of course, Amicia is by no means a warrior, and while she has more tools at her disposal this time around, survival still demands a healthy dose of intelligence over blind aggression. That means players need to think before they act, observe their surroundings, and choose their battles carefully in order to avoid finding an undesirable fate.

That said, encounters also benefit from Requiem's more flexible approach, allowing players to freely choose how they want to tackle obstacles, whether through distractions, environmental hazards, or direct confrontation—to clarify, there's no right or wrong, just whatever works well enough in the heat of the moment. Similarly, enemy AI has also seen improvements over its predecessor, resulting in foes that are a lot more observant and reactive than ever before... which, I must say, isn't always a good thing.

Moving on, despite the game's increased flexibility, certain elements still feel slightly rigid in their structure. While exploration and encounters encourage adaptability, puzzles, for instance, often feel overly guided, given that braziers and climbable ledges are placed with such crazy precision that they practically spell out the solution before you even have a chance to think for yourself. Instead of areas using natural obstacles, they're filled with a bunch of carefully placed 'stepping stones,' which, from my point of view, detracts slightly from the satisfaction and sense of achievement that should come with getting across areas unharmed.

Approach unseen and strike those who stand in your path before they have a chance to react, as one single moment of hesitation could leave you exposed to a deadly outcome.

Another neat change Requiem introduces is an evolution to one of its key systems. If you're not too concerned with playing the hero and prefer to see the world burn regardless of the consequences, then I've got awesome news for you, as the alchemy system is here yet again to allow us to access special ammo types that can be used in Amicia's sling for explosive and highly results. Personally, I'll admit it was kind of a letdown that they didn't explore the potential of combining ingredients a bit more, but hey, at the very least we're given a couple of extra options as to what we can create, like the newly added flamables, pyrite and tar, which, along with a couple other things, make good enough additions in my book.

On the other hand, players also have plenty of room for customization through weapon and equipment upgrades. The crafting mechanic returns, allowing for meaningful improvements to Amicia's arsenal, from increasing the potency of alchemical projectiles to reducing the noise emitted by her sling on every shot. Now, if I'm being completely honest, although these improvements aren't as substantial as I'd have hoped, at the end of the day, they still add a welcome layer of customization, aiding our journey in a tangible way.

Meanwhile, on the side, let's not forget that the game dials up its signature rat-based mechanics, as their connection to Hugo starts to take on a slightly more integral role. In short, they're no longer simply an accessory or an obstacle to avoid, becoming more of a weapon that we can use in pivotal moments by harnessing their raw, overwhelming power. But of course, as we learn over time, the game doesn't shy away from reminding you how dangerous it can be to dabble with this 'ally' we understand so little about, adding even more tension to the use of this untamed power.

On the surface, A Plague Tale: Requiem plays very similarly to its predecessor, sometimes to a fault but at least it attempts to refine nearly every aspect it 'recycles'. It builds upon what worked, introduces new mechanics, and heightens the oppressive atmosphere that defines the series without trying to reinvent itself or change what didn't need changing. Though it may not stray far from its roots, I personally feel like Requiem adds enough depth and variety to make the experience feel fresh, proving that sometimes, a couple of small updates here and there are everything that a good sequel needs.

Bloody Hands, Whispers in the Dark: Nowhere To Hide or Escape .

In real life, every action has consequences—that much is certain. But in a fantasy world as cruel as this one, does it really matter? Well, about that, In A Plague Tale's case, the answer is an unshakable yes. Here, player choices are far from mere window dressing; they shape the experience, particularly when it comes to relationships. As said before, the game really isn't shy about reminding you that there are consequences to everything we do, echoing the idea that every naughty action, no matter how small, carries substantial weight.

Take a more brutal path and you'll notice those around Amicia, whether they're friends, foes, or neutral figures, begin to question her humanity, seeing the toll that so much violence has on her psyche. Likewise, those who opt for a more peaceful approach will witness moments that reflect a more compassionate side of her character. In this regard, Requiem creates a narrative that feels responsive to the player's actions, underscoring the importance of being mindful of the 'ripple effect' of being overly careless.

On that note, the game excels at reflecting the impact of your decisions on the plotline itself, with moments that force you to reckon with the emotional aftermath of your actions, be it in how you decide to handle an encounter, or the difficult decisions Amicia must make to protect her family and friends. And because Requiem is fundamentally about companionship and leaning on each other for support in an unforgiving world, seeing how much all this trauma affects those around us hits especially hard.

Shifting topics a bit, but still on the subject of trauma, another familiar face that makes a comeback in Requiem is Lucas, the steadfast apprentice of Lady Béatrice de Rune (Amicia's mother) and our valuable companion in the search for a cure to Hugo's affliction. The young boy returns as a vocal presence, and his role as both a supportive ally and moral touchstone becomes even more pronounced through constant, annoying finger-pointing.

What guides our steps ahead is always on the horizon, never without a hand to hold or a weight to bear—a journey where every choice lingers, shaping the bonds we nurture.

Fact is, even Lucas' judgmental attitude toward the player serves a purpose beyond being grating for the sake of it. His tendency to call out Amicia’s amid her fits of rage may seem misplaced, but in truth, it's a deliberate part of the game's inner framework. In other words, he is a moral compass of sorts, and thus behaves like a conscious reminder of what's at stake when you embrace brutality and start to delight yourself in throwing rocks too hard at the enemies' faces. And while I won't deny that his disapproving remarks can be bothersome, his presence ultimately adds necessary friction to the story, acting as an opposition to Amicia's growing ruthlessness with each passing second.

Ethical dilemmas aside, that passive judgment from Lucas actually ties into Requiem's broader mechanics as well. Instead of relying on a traditional skill tree, the game tracks your playstyle and adjusts Amicia's abilities accordingly. That is to say, our actions don't just affect how characters react to us—it also determines which perks and abilities we unlock. This system encourages players to develop Amicia's skills in a way that feels tailored to their favored playstyle, allowing for a kind of natural twist to emerge in place of the mechanics we're used to dealing with.

From a distance, this can appear restrictive, especially when it feels like the game nudges you toward certain decisions early on. Fortunately, Requiem avoids locking you into a particular playstyle, offering enough flexibility as the game progresses to explore different paths without feeling punished for your choices. This means you're never kicked out of the game's full potential, even if you lean into a specific approach early on, which is always great.

Ultimately, the game's strength lies in its ability to weave these various mechanics into a cohesive whole. The underlying systems work hand in hand with the narrative, reinforcing the emotional beats and moral complexities that define the experience. And although they may not always be groundbreaking, they still work seamlessly together to create an experience that feels both engaging and deeply memorable.

Final Thoughts: Bound by Suffering, Together Against the World .

Every journey must end, but some roads are paved with more blood, sorrow, and sacrifice than others. A Plague Tale: Requiem is a story of endurance in the face of overwhelming darkness; a tale that grips you with its unrelenting tension and refuses to let go. A majestic tale you truly don't want to miss, where every choice, every confrontation, and every decision feels like it carries the weight of survival itself.

While not every aspect of the gameplay is flawless, Requiem still manages to come out on top and prove itself as a worthy successor, improving on the foundation laid by its predecessor in nearly every way. From its refined mechanics to its gorgeous visuals that breathe life into environments, each element has been treated to a meticulous dedication to creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Although there are a few shortcomings here and there, the game never disappoints or falters, offering a well-paced and emotionally gripping ride from beginning to end. The balance between moments of high tension and calmer scenes ensures the game remains engaging and varied throughout its entire length, even when it strays into areas that could have been a letdown in less capable hands—a testament to Asobo Studio's impeccable attention to detail, which ensures Requiem stands out as far more than 'just another' narrative-driven adventure out in the world.

Despite some of my earlier comments, its slow burn and moments of introspection never feel like filler; instead, they amplify the stakes, giving players ample room to process the harrowing journey without losing track of where they stand. As such, Requiem offers a satisfying close to the siblings' story—one that feels appropriately bittersweet, as they've crossed a threshold from cozy survival to something far more complex and profound. And whether this will be the final installment remains unknown, but if this is truly the last we see of the pair, it is a farewell that does them proper justice.

If you were brought into this review after playing A Plague Tale: Innocence, then this sequel is an easy recommendation. Its world is absurdly rich with detail, its gameplay is more nuanced, the characters we meet are more realistic, and its story of immense struggle is one that lingers long after the credits roll. An undeniably worthwhile journey, offering an epic exploration of survival, sacrifice, and the bonds that hold us together in moments when the whole world sort of falls apart.

The narrative is gripping, with intense character moments and moral dilemmas that add to the experience.

Stunning visuals bring the world to life, creating a jaw-droppingly immersive experience.

Environments feel grander, balancing beauty and horror in a way that heightens the atmosphere.

Player actions influence relationships and character interactions, adding depth to the experience.

Some sections, particularly stealth-heavy areas, can slow the momentum.

Puzzles feel overly guided, and solutions are often too obvious, making challenges less rewarding.

Foes are more reactive and intelligent, making encounters more dynamic and tense.

The main gameplay loop remains largely unchanged, with the exact same mechanics as before.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

A visually stunning and emotionally gripping sequel that refines its predecessor's strengths while pushing its world and characters to new heights. With a haunting atmosphere and powerful storytelling, it delivers a journey that lingers long after the credits roll.