TLDR in the last paragraph.

Requiem was one of my most anticipated games of 2022, since I was a big fan of the original and was hyped to continue Amicia and Hugo's story, and it didn't disappoint. It starts off in a slow paced, heartwarming way as it shows newcomers the ropes, but for the ones who played Innocence, it will feel a familiar tone-setting experience. As the game gets going, however, you become increasingly aware of just how intense the story’s grip over you will be.

Requiem turns the narrative up several notches, and not since RDR2’s Arthur Morgan had I seen such an interesting character study in games. Amicia’s arc is fascinating to observe and, as a player, to lean into. It’s hard to talk about it without going into at least vague spoiler territory. Suffice it to say that, from Innocence to Requiem, there’s a much more mature tone in A Plague Tale's characters and storytelling devices, making you question the actions and personality traits of the very characters you’re controlling. This transforms the journey into a more ambiguous and philosophical one, and you're constantly confronted with what the right thing actually is. All of this is strongly supported by solid writing and fantastic voice acting across the board, which only falters due to Amicia’s annoying habit of narrating everything she does or needs to do. This ties into something that permeates through to the storytelling itself and becomes my only point of contention with it: its lack of subtlety. Those moments when the game keeps hammering on its points beyond the obvious not only feels silly, it also removes thought agency from the player in trying to make sense of certain events on their own. An uncommon occurrence, but still noticeable enough to be mentioned.

The narrative journey truly is Requiem’s mountain peak, and it shows in every bit of its environmental storytelling. From the beautiful soundtrack, to the faithful recreation of medieval landscapes with breathtaking vistas and a magnificent sense of scale, to one of the best, cleanest UIs I remember seeing, everything is used to immerse the player in its world and story. The game foregoes usual gamey tropes such as maps, bar indicators and waypoints for the sake of believability and personal investment. In this regard, the lack of clutter Requiem commits itself to is one of its greatest assets in the way of removing encumbrance, thus facilitating player commitment to journey and outcome. I love how the game uses landmark directions and (mostly) subtle environmental nudges to put you on the right path, even if at times it still gives you some freedom to explore. Requiem widens its scope by a lot and, in doing so, loses a bit of Innocence's charm. But all of this serves as a pathway to what is a remarkable achievement in storytelling wrapped in a tear jerker of a tale that, by the time you finish, has you feeling emotionally conflicted, yet fulfilled.

Apart from the uncannily stiff in-game facial animations (really weird in a title that otherwise delivers on every single visual aspect) and a couple of technical niggles, gameplay is where you would find most of Requiem’s questionable aspects. This is a story-driven adventure game first, so naturally mechanics take on a secondary role. However, though I still think gameplay could've done with a tad more polish and refinement, there's little doubt that it improved on the basis we saw in Innocence. In line with character and story development, the game clearly directs you towards a less stealthy, more confrontational approach, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the options you now have. There is some projectile changes between Innocence and Requiem, but the main and obvious difference combat wise is the addition of a knife and crossbow for deadly combat. You can still stealth your way through most non-set piece sections, and both of these weapons are somewhat limited in use throughout your playthrough, but again, it's clear that the devs were trying to guide the player down a more aggressive path in order to solidify character evolution. The lack of engagement options might feel frustrating at first (Requiem introduces its elements gradually), but you soon realise you have ample opportunities to make use of your environment in combat, another clear improvement upon Innocence. I certainly like the fact that you are given quite a few different ways of dealing with enemies, but ironically, I also felt Requiem didn’t do a great job at cementing the breath of options in your brain.

Another fantastic addition is the side character abilities. You only have access to them when they’re an active part of your party, but they’re very useful and really fun to use. Conversely, Hugo’s ability to handle rats is awesome, more so than in the first game, and it was something that gave me serious Dishonored vibes. Difficulty is increased across the board and enemy AI is also more competent now, though still far from perfect. Most set pieces are really well designed, though the combat related ones usually resolve in big arenas where you have to dispatch a bunch of enemies, and this happens often enough for it to become repetitive and affect pacing. Finally, another interesting inclusion is the dynamic skill unlocking. Skills now evolve depending on your playstyle (stealth-based, aggressive, etc). This sounds great on paper, but not only does it remove a bit of agency from the player, it also doesn’t feel like a particularly fine-tuned system.

As a whole then, A Plague Tale: Requiem is a phenomenal title. The gameplay isn’t exactly amazing, but it still shows a clear improvement over its predecessor and it’s used as a perfectly serviceable avenue to showcase this sequel's crowning achievement, its story. As a visual, environmental and literal narrative, Requiem truly excels, offering perhaps the most emotionally compelling tale of the year. This is an epic medieval adventure that everyone who is into story-driven journeys are bound to enjoy. One of the best sequels I’ve ever played and a clear GOTY contender for me. 9/10

Yeah, so this is probably one of the strongest single player story driven games in a while. The characters, the story, and the journey the characters go in is one I will remember for a while.

As for the gameplay, the combat mechanics definitely have improved since the last game, especially as Amicia has become more capable. Additionally, of note, the cast of characters is much bigger than the first game, and all of them provide gameplay advantages too when you travel with them. The AI there only helps and does not hinder you which I love.

And oh my, the scope of the game increased as well (though its still ALL about the personal journey of Hugo and Amicia and their relationship). The stakes are higher. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous. The scenery, the characters, and yes the rats. I can't believe how many rats are on screen at times LOL. But anyway, the atmosphere is top notch, there is pretty scenery in the day time with beautiful vistas and villages of the times. Then there's downright dreary and some actually rather visually disturbing scenes other times.

And to mention the story again, wow, the story is gripping and the characters excellent. The way the characters react to violence and horror in the world is realistic and the journey they go through is emotional and made me cry.

The game's gameplay, combat, exploration, and story all tie together in the same theme, something rare in games. Loved this series and this game.

I have said many a time that there are three kinds of good games. Ones where the story makes up for the gameplay (Deadly Premonition), where the gameplay makes up for the story (Kingdom Hearts), and one where both are good (Red Dead Redemption). I think Plague Tale: Requiem falls into the first category. This is not a game that I had fun playing, but one that I was compelled to finish.

Now that I have finished this game, though I rated it the same as the first, I don't think it compares favorably. There are minuscule changes to the gameplay, mainly revolving around which companion character Amicia has at the time. As far as I can recall, besides tar there aren't even any new alchemical tools.

The puzzle design in this game is also very odd to me. Consumable items are usually needed to pass certain areas, and they are usually conveniently found in a treasure chest right where you would need them, kind of removing a fair amount of the thought that would go into how to progress. Not that the game is easy, though. I died constantly in the stealth segments. I do applaud the game (and the first one) for not forcing a certain kind of playstyle. If you want you can go Rambo on patrolling guards which was often kind of an easier strategy.

Where I think the game loses me the most is with its supporting cast, in particular the antagonists. Count Victor comes into the story too late and is just not as memorable as Vitalis. This game has nothing as iconic as the final boss fight from the first game, and finally driving a rock into Victor's head was not as satisfying as finally doing the same to Vitalis. Minor antagonists come and go, and I got extremely confused at one point at which minor antagonist I had just killed.

Despite these criticisms, I can't deny that something stirred in me at the end. I was moved by Amicia's struggles. In particular her relationship with Lucas (the bestest boy) is incredibly sweet. She is lucky to have as brave and loyal a friend as him.

I am also intrigued by the possibility of a third game in the series. Somehow this series keeps pulling me back in.

For me, this is one of the best games ever. The storytelling and narration are just next level. I never thought a game could provide this kind of experience. It was like a 20 hour movie. As soon as I finished the game, I was missing playing it. I completely second DarthSidious's review on this site that it is a landmark in storytelling.

The game kept me engaged, interested and emotionally invested in the characters all along the play through. The story takes several interesting and unexpected turns. The graphics are great and well optimized. It shows the sheer amount of creative and artistic effort that the devs have put in. The music is great too.

I would have also liked if the devs retained the slight French accent from the first game for the voice acting, it would have made the game more immersive. Some of the combat sequences towards the end seemed very frustrating with Amicia's limited skills and felt absolutely stupid.

I hated the ending - killing the very person you were trying to protect for the full duration of 2 games is just ridiculous. It is just like one of those horror movies where a possessed individual has to be killed because the spirit has taken full control, this is probably the only unoriginal thing about this story.

At a time when AAA games are becoming hackneyed and less imaginative, this game gives hope. If other devs put in even 20-30% of the effort gone into this game, we will have better AAA experiences. Even at full price, this game would be worth every penny.

Like they say in French - Je tire mon chapeau au Asobo Studio.