Info about A Plague Tale: Innocence:

Official game description:
Buzz
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About the Game
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Follow the grim tale of young Amicia and her little brother Hugo, in a heartrending journey through the darkest hours of history. Hunted by Inquisition soldiers and surrounded by unstoppable swarms of rats, Amicia and Hugo will come to know and trust each other. As they struggle to survive against overwhelming odds, they will fight to find purpose in this brutal, unforgiving world.  
1348\. The plague ravages the Kingdom of France. Amicia and her younger brother Hugo are pursued by the Inquisition through villages devastated by the disease. On their way, they will have to join forces with other children, and evade swarms of rats using fire and light. Aided only by the link that binds their fates together, they will face untold horrors in their struggle to survive. As their adventure begins… the time of innocence ends.

Release date: May 14, 2019

Categories: Action-Adventure, Stealth Gameplay, Narrative Adventure, Puzzle Solving, Environmental Storytelling, Linear Progression, Atmospheric Horror, Historical Simulation


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Exceptional narrative and characters (weight 0.99): The game is widely praised for its emotionally powerful, well-written story and deeply developed characters with relatable motivations. Players frequently highlight the strong emotional engagement and memorable character arcs, particularly the protagonist’s growth.
- Outstanding voice acting and audio (weight 0.82): The voice acting, particularly for Amicia and Hugo, is widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. The soundtrack and sound design are also noted for enhancing the game’s atmosphere and tension.
- Stunning visuals and art direction (weight 0.55): The game’s graphics, art style, and atmospheric environments are consistently described as beautiful, immersive, and timeless. Players appreciate the detailed landscapes, lighting, and Renaissance-inspired aesthetics that enhance the dark medieval setting.
- Engaging gameplay balance (weight 0.48): The game strikes a strong balance between stealth, puzzles, and narrative, with well-paced chapters and varied mechanics. Players enjoy the simplicity of controls and the strategic depth of encounters, which keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Unique stealth and light mechanics (weight 0.42): The game’s innovative use of light vs. rats for stealth and puzzle-solving is a standout feature. Players enjoy the strategic depth, tension, and creativity of these mechanics, which are well-integrated into the narrative and gameplay loop.
- Strong sibling bond (Amicia and Hugo) (weight 0.23): The relationship between Amicia and Hugo is a central emotional driver, praised for its realism, depth, and heartwarming dynamics. Players frequently highlight the sibling bond as a key reason for their emotional investment in the story.
- Optimized and polished performance (weight 0.2): The game is highly optimized, running smoothly on various hardware with minimal bugs or crashes. Players appreciate the technical polish, especially given the game’s custom engine and detailed visuals.
- Historical and educational themes (weight 0.19): The game’s setting during the Black Death and medieval Europe is praised for its historical immersion and educational value. Players appreciate the realistic portrayal of the plague, societal responses, and cultural authenticity.

Common complaints:
- Repetitive and linear gameplay (weight 0.65): Players frequently criticize the game for its repetitive mechanics, particularly in stealth and combat, as well as its linear design, which limits exploration and variety. This issue is especially pronounced in the second half of the game.
- Bugs and technical issues (weight 0.23): Numerous players report game-breaking bugs, crashes, and immersion-breaking glitches, particularly in later levels and boss battles. Some bugs force restarts or prevent story progression, significantly impacting the experience.
- Frustrating character dynamics (weight 0.19): Hugo, a key character, is widely criticized for being annoying, unrealistic, or undermining prior character development. His actions, such as abandoning treatment or betraying Amicia, frustrate players and disrupt immersion.
- Overly simplistic puzzles (weight 0.11): Puzzles are often described as too easy, hand-holdy, or repetitive, with weak guidance that can confuse players. Some puzzles are unintuitive or rely on trial-and-error mechanics, leading to frustration.
- Rat mechanics and discomfort (weight 0.09): The game's reliance on rats is polarizing. While some players find them disgusting or irritating, others note technical issues like unintelligent swarm behavior or bugs in rat-based puzzles.
- Poor enemy variety and AI (weight 0.08): Enemies lack variety and exhibit inconsistent or scripted AI, leading to predictable gameplay. Some levels force single-path solutions due to enemy awareness or unrealistic behaviors.
- Frustrating boss fights (weight 0.07): Boss battles, particularly the final one, are criticized for being poorly designed, uninteresting, or frustrating due to mechanics like rat-based wave attacks or inconsistent difficulty.
- Low difficulty and lack of settings (weight 0.07): The game is often described as too easy, with no difficulty settings to adjust challenge. This leads to repetitive or forced mechanics, such as time tests, that feel out of place.
- Overly scripted gameplay (weight 0.04): The game is criticized for being too scripted, with unnatural character movements and forced mechanics that reduce player freedom and replayability. This includes overpowered tools like the sling, which make stealth feel optional.

Gameplay feedback:
- Unique rat-light puzzle mechanics (weight 0.31): Rats serve as a core gameplay element, with mechanics involving light manipulation to repel or control them. This creates environmental puzzles and dynamic interactions, distinguishing the game from traditional stealth titles.
- Puzzle-solving under tension (weight 0.2): Puzzles are integrated into stealth and survival scenarios, often requiring quick thinking under pressure. Examples include light-based challenges, spatial reasoning, and rat manipulation.
- Evolving gameplay mechanics (weight 0.16): New mechanics, tools, and strategic elements are introduced throughout the game, keeping gameplay engaging. This includes unlocking abilities, alchemy systems, and boss battles with unique challenges.
- Slingshot as primary combat tool (weight 0.15): The slingshot is the main weapon, used for combat, distractions, and puzzle-solving. Players appreciate its versatility, including crafting different projectiles and upgrading its capabilities.
- Medieval plague setting (weight 0.15): The game’s setting during the Black Plague enhances its thematic weight, blending historical context with survival and stealth mechanics. Players note its educational and atmospheric value.
- Linear but structured progression (weight 0.14): The game follows a linear narrative and level design, with chapter-based progression and scripted sequences. While restrictive, it ensures a focused and cinematic experience.
- Simple yet effective combat (weight 0.1): Combat is straightforward, relying on the slingshot and crafted items, with stealth often being the preferred approach. Some players find it repetitive but appreciate its simplicity.
- Exploration with limited freedom (weight 0.09): While the game encourages exploration, it remains linear, offering slight variations in gameplay style. Players can revisit chapters but lack open-world freedom.

Performance notes:
- Stable FPS with minor drops (weight 0.12): While the game generally maintains stable FPS, some players experience drops in high-render scenes or during asset loading. Adjusting settings or using workarounds like V-Sync can mitigate these issues.
- Hardware requirements vary (weight 0.1): The game runs well on humble or older PCs but can require high-end hardware for ultra settings. Some players note that it performs better on certain GPUs (e.g., RTX 4060) or struggles with specific configurations (e.g., AMD GPUs).
- FPS-related workarounds needed (weight 0.06): Players often need to enable V-Sync, limit FPS to 60, or adjust GPU settings to avoid issues like physics bugs (e.g., braseros physics at >60 FPS) or graphical glitches. These workarounds are widely recommended.
- Ultrawide and launch issues (weight 0.04): The game lacks support for 32:9 ultrawide resolutions, and some players encounter launch failures due to fullscreen optimization or Windows date settings. These issues are niche but impactful for affected users.
- Controller and input bugs (weight 0.04): Some players report issues with Xbox controllers or button inputs, as well as technical bugs like chapter achievements not popping correctly. These problems are less frequent but affect gameplay experience.
- Motion sickness and niche issues (weight 0.03): A few players experience visually induced motion sickness, while others note hardware-related issues (e.g., rat swarm rendering) that are fixable but require specific adjustments. These are less common but noteworthy.
- Custom engine efficiency (weight 0.01): The game's custom engine is praised for outperforming alternatives like Unreal 5, contributing to its optimization and performance on various systems. This is a technical highlight but not a widespread concern.

Recommendations:
- Masterful emotional storytelling (weight 0.44): The game is widely praised for its deep, cinematic narrative and emotional impact, often compared to acclaimed story-driven titles like *The Last of Us* and *Life is Strange*. Players highlight its strong character development, atmospheric tension, and replayability.
- Ideal for story-driven players (weight 0.43): The game is highly recommended for fans of narrative-focused experiences, particularly those who prioritize emotional journeys, rich world-building, and linear storytelling over open-world freedom or fast-paced action.
- Value depends on price (weight 0.14): While the game is widely deemed worth its full price for story enthusiasts, many reviewers suggest waiting for a sale (e.g., 70% off) to maximize value, especially for players uncertain about its linear or niche appeal.
- Short but impactful playtime (weight 0.14): The game’s 12–17 hour duration is frequently cited as a strength, offering a concise yet memorable experience. Many recommend it for a few evenings or a single immersive session, though some note its brevity as a limitation.
- Minimal HUD for immersion (weight 0.12): Reviewers emphasize turning off HUD elements to enhance immersion, aligning with the game’s focus on atmosphere and narrative over gameplay mechanics like complex puzzles or resource management.
- Sequel and franchise potential (weight 0.07): Players express strong anticipation for a sequel, citing the game’s emotional payoff and narrative hooks. Some recommend playing both the original and its sequel (*Requiem*) for a complete experience.
- Best played immersively (weight 0.06): Players suggest enhancing immersion by playing at night, using headphones, minimizing HUD elements, and even pairing the experience with French voice acting or ambient settings like wine. This is key to appreciating the game’s atmosphere.
- Controller and accessibility notes (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for play with a controller (Xbox/PlayStation) for better haptic feedback, but may frustrate players sensitive to control issues or those averse to rats/dark themes.

Other player notes:
- Rats as core gameplay element (weight 0.04): Rats play a significant role in the game, both thematically and mechanically. Some players find them disturbing, while others appreciate their unique integration into the experience.
- Frequent discounts and bundles (weight 0.04): The game is often available at discounted prices or in bundles, making it accessible to a broader audience. Prices range from €7 to €40 depending on the platform and inclusions.
- Mature audience targeting (weight 0.04): The game is aimed at teens and adults due to its dark themes, grotesque scenarios, and scenes of animal suffering, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.
- Historical inaccuracies criticized (weight 0.03): Players note inaccuracies in the portrayal of historical themes, such as missing religious elements and anachronistic costumes, which detract from the game's authenticity.
- Themes of human nature and society (weight 0.03): The game explores deep themes such as human nature, societal issues, and historical context, contributing to its mature and thought-provoking tone.
- French voice acting for immersion (weight 0.03): The game uses French voice acting, which enhances immersion for players by aligning with its historical setting in medieval France.
- Key characters and relationships (weight 0.03): The story revolves around characters like Roderick and Lucas, as well as a young protagonist and his sick brother, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
- Bugs and wasted potential (weight 0.03): Some players criticize the game for bugs that detract from the experience, despite its strong narrative and thematic potential.
- DLC for extended experience (weight 0.02): Players can purchase DLC to extend the game's content, adding value for those seeking additional gameplay or narrative closure.
- Achievements and closure (weight 0.02): The game includes 35 Steam Achievements and an epilogue that provides additional narrative closure, rewarding completionists and dedicated players.
- Linux and controller support (weight 0.02): The game runs well on Linux via Proton and supports various controllers, including the Steam Controller, enhancing accessibility for niche audiences.
- Multi-platform availability (weight 0.02): The game is playable on multiple platforms, including PS4, Xbox, Game Pass, and Steam, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of players.
- Inquisition as antagonists (weight 0.01): The Inquisition serves as a key antagonistic force in the game, reinforcing its dark medieval themes and historical context.
- Surreal story progression (weight 0.01): The narrative shifts from realistic medieval themes to surreal or magical elements, which some players find jarring or inconsistent with the game's tone.
- Small studio development (weight 0.01): Developed by a small studio using a custom engine, the game demonstrates the potential of indie development despite limited resources.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players frequently cite repetitive and tedious gameplay mechanics, such as stealth, combat, and puzzles, as major sources of frustration. Additionally, numerous game-breaking bugs, clunky controls, and poorly designed boss fights disrupt immersion and progress, often requiring workarounds or restarts to overcome.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): The game's engaging story, creative stealth mechanics, and well-designed puzzles are key contributors to player enjoyment. Many appreciate the immersive atmosphere, voice acting, and overall gameplay experience, which balances challenge and accessibility effectively.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Players express appreciation for the game's high-quality art design, emotional storytelling, and atmospheric sound design. The attention to detail in visuals, character development, and historical setting, along with the lack of bugs in some playthroughs, enhances the overall experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.07): The game's emotional depth, technical excellence, and unique mechanics, such as its immersive atmosphere and strong narrative, earn admiration. Players highlight the beautiful graphics, music, and character development, particularly Amicia's struggles, as standout elements.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Players derive satisfaction from the game's immersive story, character growth, and well-paced emotional impact. The stable performance, engaging gameplay mechanics, and overall value for money contribute to a fulfilling experience, despite some minor flaws.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment stems from unmet expectations, such as weak endings, repetitive gameplay, and poor optimization. Players also criticize the lack of polish, shallow combat mechanics, and narrative inconsistencies, which detract from the game's potential.
- Engagement (weight 0.05): The game's immersive story, well-written characters, and atmospheric tension keep players deeply engaged. The emotional narrative and unique setting, such as plague-infested France, create a compelling experience that encourages players to invest in the characters' journeys.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Unique gameplay mechanics, such as the sling and rat interactions, along with tense and thrilling sequences, generate excitement. Players also express enthusiasm for the sequel and the game's ability to deliver a fresh and immersive experience.
- Awe (weight 0.03): The game's visual beauty, attention to detail, and atmospheric design inspire awe. Players highlight the stunning graphics, historical immersion, and the spectacle of large-scale rat swarms as breathtaking elements.
- Immersion (weight 0.03): The game's haunting atmosphere, detailed medieval setting, and emotional storytelling create a deeply immersive experience. Players appreciate how the visuals, audio, and thematic elements transport them into the game's dark and oppressive world.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): The game's emotional impact and immersive experience evoke nostalgia, with players reminiscing about their first playthrough or comparing it to other beloved games. The memorable moments and atmospheric setting leave a lasting impression.
- Tension (weight 0.02): The constant threat of rats, oppressive environments, and urgent gameplay mechanics, such as the fire torch, create a tense and anxiety-inducing atmosphere. The gloomy soundtrack and high-stakes challenges amplify the sense of danger.
- Recommendation (weight 0.02): Players strongly recommend the game for its narrative depth, immersive atmosphere, and engaging gameplay. Despite some frustrations, the overall experience is praised as compelling and worth playing, particularly for fans of story-driven games.
- Fear (weight 0.02): The game's oppressive atmosphere, swarms of rats, and dark environments evoke fear. Players describe the rat-based horror elements and tense sneaking sequences as particularly unsettling and effective.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by the game's depth, unexpected mechanics, and immersive storytelling. The positive experience often exceeds initial expectations, particularly in later chapters where the narrative and gameplay shine.
- Empathy (weight 0.02): The relatable struggles and emotional journeys of the characters, particularly Amicia and Hugo, foster deep empathy. Players connect with the siblings' pain, fear, and resilience in a cruel and unforgiving world.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Humorous moments, such as NPC comments, rat antics, and self-deprecating player experiences, provide amusement. Players also find joy in the game's quirky mechanics and lighthearted interactions.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players express anticipation for the sequel, *Requiem*, and other future installments. The engaging story and immersive experience leave them eager to continue the journey and explore new content.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Positive character interactions, satisfying gameplay mechanics, and moments of warmth, such as Hugo petting a goose, bring joy. Players appreciate the game's ability to balance dark themes with uplifting and heartfelt moments.
- Hope (weight 0.01): The game's character arcs and narrative inspire hope, particularly in the face of adversity. Players also express hope for improvements in the sequel and future patches to enhance the experience.}