A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019) and its sequel A Plague Tale: Requiem (2022) are story-driven action-adventure games developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Entertainment. Set in a grim reimagining of 14th-century France, both titles blend stealth, survival, and emotional storytelling. The games follow the de Rune siblings, Amicia and Hugo, as they navigate the devastation of the Black Death, Inquisition forces, and supernatural afflictions.
System Compatibility
| Title | Platforms Available | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Innocence | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Cloud), PS5 | Smooth 60fps on PS5 and Xbox Series X; playable cloud version on Switch |
| Requiem | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud) | Demanding on PC; strong visuals and ray tracing on current-gen |
Production
- Developer: Asobo Studio (France-based)
- Publisher: Focus Entertainment
- Engine: Proprietary engine for Innocence, moved to more advanced graphics tech in Requiem
- Music composed by Olivier Deriviere, praised for haunting, minimalist orchestration
- Production values increased significantly in Requiem, especially in visual fidelity and level complexity
Plot and Game Objectives
A Plague Tale: Innocence
- Set in 1348, players control Amicia, a teenage girl protecting her younger brother Hugo, who suffers from a mysterious illness.
- The story follows their escape from the Inquisition and survival through plague-ridden villages.
- Objectives revolve around stealth-based traversal, environmental puzzles, and protecting Hugo from threats.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
- Continues the story, expanding Hugo’s powers and the scope of the journey.
- The narrative becomes darker and more mystical, delving deeper into the Macula affliction and its consequences.
- The goal is no longer mere survival but seeking a cure amid growing supernatural dangers.
Combat System and Game Mechanics
| Mechanic | Innocence | Requiem |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Core mechanic, using distractions | Expanded, more varied enemy types |
| Combat | Limited to slingshot, alchemy tools | Crossbow and more direct combat |
| Crafting | Basic alchemical ammo | Improved with more combinations |
| Rat Control Mechanic | Environmental hazard | Hugo can partially control rats |
| Pacing | Tense and slow | More cinematic, with combat spikes |
- Both games discourage direct confrontation. Combat is often a last resort.
- In Requiem, Amicia can fight back more convincingly, though stealth remains central.
Arms and Armour Featured
Despite being stealth-heavy, both games incorporate period-appropriate medieval weaponry and armour through enemy soldiers, with visual realism as a design focus.
Focus on Swords
- Swords are mostly used by enemies, including knights and Inquisition troops. Amicia does not wield a sword in either game.
- The sword types are typically arming swords or falchion-style blades, fitting the mid-to-late 14th-century French setting.
- Heavily armoured knights wear chainmail or early plate, often paired with kite or heater shields.
- Armour-clad enemies require environmental or alchemical strategies to defeat, reflecting a design decision to keep combat grounded and desperate.
Critical Acclaim
| Game | Praise Highlights | Criticism Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Innocence | Strong narrative, character chemistry, atmosphere | Repetitive mechanics in second half |
| Requiem | Visuals, voice acting, expanded environments | Occasional pacing issues, demanding system specs |
- Both games received high praise for storytelling, sound design, and visual atmosphere.
- Requiem in particular was noted for being more ambitious, though some players missed the tighter scope of the first game.
Legacy
- The series helped Asobo Studio gain international recognition beyond their work on Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- Set a benchmark for narrative-focused AA games with high production values.
- Frequently cited as a reference for how to balance historical inspiration with supernatural fiction.
Where to Play
| Platform | Innocence | Requiem |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam, Epic) | Available, often discounted | Available |
| PlayStation | PS4 and PS5 versions (Innocence remastered for PS5) | PS5 only |
| Xbox | Xbox One and Series X/S | Series X/S only |
| Nintendo Switch | Cloud-based versions only | Cloud-based version |
| Game Pass | Both titles included at various points | Requiem launched on Game Pass |
A Plague Tale: Innocence and Requiem stand as a rare example of narrative-driven historical fiction in gaming that resists traditional combat systems in favour of emotional tension, atmosphere, and character growth. While grounded in a stylised medieval France, their approach to storytelling and design marks them as distinct from other sword-focused titles.
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