Ironic time to play A Plague Tale
I am writing
this article while shut in during the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s a creepy
time to be playing a game that revolves around a disease pandemic. Now that I
am surrounded by the real fear of out of control disease, I have a new
appreciation for the unique atmosphere of A Plague Tale: Innocence.
The
game is set in 16th century France during an outbreak of break.
There is a thread of fictional history that is an undercurrent of much of the
game. The antagonist is a corrupt and mystical leader of an inquisition seeking
the power of the plague. You play as the protagonist, a young woman trying to
protect her little brother who happens to be the key to the supernatural power.
The power is linked to the rats spreading the plague.
A
Plague Tale is part Hellblade, part Tomb Raider, and part Assassin's Creed. It's
an interesting twist on the post-apocalypse world, but instead of zombies there
are hordes of rat. This is basically a linear puzzle game. It uses many
standard gaming techniques, such as item collecting and crafting. There is
combat with the primary weapon being a sling. The sling is another unique
twist, as the game makers could have easily used a bow instead. Combat is
generally very easy, as the sling hones itself in on the target and is
frequently a one hit kill.
The
puzzles require manipulating sources of light to trap rats and keep them at
bay. These puzzles are a little reminiscent of Tomb Raider, except that they
are much easier and less elaborate than Lara Croft’s challenges. And there’s no
parkour. This game reminded me of Hellblade in a lot of ways. It’s a relative
short story with a young woman protagonist. The combat mechanics are very
simple. And themes are dark. Hellblade
is a lonely trip through madness and Innocence is not.
The
game was fun and enjoyable to play. But I found the dark themes somewhat
disturbing. Even though the game is not difficult, it is very tense at times.
Geek Cred
Good immersive story. Unique setting with novel game mechanics.
Beautiful rendering of middle age France.
Geek Crud
Stealth feels like an Assassin’s Creed rip-off. Linear.
Short.
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