A Plague Tale: Innocence

A Plague Tale: Innocence is an action-adventure stealth game that takes place in 14th-century France during the Hundred Years' War and the outbreak of the Black Death. The story follows Amicia de Rune and her younger brother Hugo as they flee from the French Inquisition and hordes of plague-infested rats. The game begins in November 1348 in Aquitaine, France. Amicia, a 15-year-old noble, and her 5-year-old brother Hugo, who suffers from a mysterious illness, are forced to escape their home after the Inquisition, led by Lord Nicholas, attacks their estate in search of Hugo. Their father is killed, and their mother, Beatrice, an alchemist who had been trying to find a cure for Hugo, helps them escape, instructing Amicia to take Hugo to a doctor named Laurentius. As they journey through plague-ravaged landscapes, Amicia and Hugo must learn to trust each other to survive. Gameplay primarily involves stealth, as Amicia is vulnerable to direct combat. Players control Amicia from a third-person perspective, utilizing a sling to create distractions, break chains, or stun guards. Fire and light are crucial mechanics, as they deter the swarms of rats that can quickly overwhelm the player. Amicia can craft alchemical ammunition for her sling, allowing her to ignite or extinguish fires, or even make enemies remove their helmets. Puzzles often involve manipulating light sources to create safe paths through rat-infested areas. While there are some combat sequences, the focus is on evasion and indirect confrontation. The game is largely linear, guiding players through its narrative-driven experience. The central themes of A Plague Tale: Innocence revolve around family, innocence, and the challenges of maintaining humanity in dire circumstances. The bond between Amicia and Hugo is a core element, with Hugo's innocence gradually eroding as he witnesses the horrors around them. The game features a strong supporting cast, including other children like the alchemist Lucas and the thieving siblings Melie and Arthur, who aid Amicia and Hugo on their journey. The narrative explores the emotional toll of their experiences, particularly on Amicia as she is forced to become a protector. The game's historical setting is a significant aspect, with detailed depictions of 14th-century France. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, particularly concerning the supernatural nature of the rats and Hugo's illness (the Prima Macula), it aims for an authentic feel in its environments and atmosphere. The developers at Asobo Studio, based in southwest France, drew inspiration from their region's history and landmarks. A Plague Tale: Innocence received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and atmospheric world. The voice acting and graphical presentation were also highlighted as strong points. However, some critics found the gameplay mechanics, particularly the stealth and puzzle elements, to be somewhat repetitive or simplistic at times. Despite some criticisms, the game was considered a sleeper hit, selling over a million copies by July 2020. Its average playtime is estimated to be between 12 to 15 hours. The game's success led to the development of a sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem.