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A Plague Tale: Requiem Review: System Requirements, Plot, Release Date

A Plague Tale: Requiem Review: System Requirements, Plot, Release Date

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A Plague Tale: Requiem is a sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence, released by the French studio Asobo Studio in 2019. Both games are set in the mid-14th century, when Europe is engulfed in the Hundred Years' War between England and France, as well as a plague pandemic that brings suffering and chaos. Players will once again meet the main characters, exploring dark and atmospheric locations full of dangers and mysteries. The game continues to develop storylines, deepening the stories of the characters and their struggle to survive in a cruel world. A Plague Tale: Requiem offers enhanced graphics, immersive gameplay, and new mechanics, making it a significant addition to the series.

The story centers on young Amicia de Rune and her little brother, Hugo. In the first game, Innocence, the characters struggled to survive a brutal conflict between two countries and find their place in a harsh world. In the sequel, Requiem, Amicia and Hugo travel to the south of France in search of a mysterious island rumored to hold a cure for the boy's mysterious illness. This new chapter in their adventure is filled with dangers and mysteries that threaten not only their lives but also their connection with each other.

The editorial team at Gamedev at Skillbox Media has prepared this article to provide all the information you need to know before purchasing A Plague Tale: Requiem, which was released on October 18th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. Learn about the key features, gameplay, and requirements system to make informed choices and enjoy every aspect of this captivating story.

A Brief History of the Creation of A Plague Tale: Requiem

A Plague Tale: Requiem is a sequel to the third-person action-adventure game with stealth elements that retains the atmosphere and mechanics of the first part. The game was announced on June 21, 2021, at E3 2021 by Asobo Studio. In Requiem, players are once again immersed in a dark world full of dangers and mysteries, where every decision can be decisive.

In September, Kevin Pinson, Lead Level Designer at Asobo Studio, said that it would take players approximately 15-18 hours to fully complete A Plague Tale: Requiem. He noted that the game is free of unnecessary scenes and quests that could drag out gameplay. This makes A Plague Tale: Requiem a more cohesive and engaging experience for players, ensuring deep immersion in the story without unnecessary distractions.

The game's pacing plays a key role in its perception. The project does not contain redundant content or artificial attempts to increase the length. Publisher Focus Interactive supports developers in creating a game of the length that suits the story they want to tell. "We don't set a goal for ourselves to reach a specific number of hours of gameplay, as that's not a priority in our work on the project," Pinson emphasizes.

In December of that year, at The Game Awards, the studio presented a short gameplay trailer that showcased improved graphics and new abilities for Amicia and Hugo. The trailer revealed details of their new journey, which generated great interest among fans.

On June 23, 2022, Asobo Studio officially announced the release date of A Plague Tale: Requiem – October 18. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, as well as on Nintendo Switch, but only via cloud play. Development director Kevin Shoto noted that the studio chose not to release the game on previous-generation consoles in order to focus on improved graphics and expanded features. This decision underscores Asobo Studio's commitment to creating a unique gaming experience that fully utilizes the potential of modern platforms.

In Requiem, we significantly increased the graphics and performance capabilities compared to Innocence. Previously, certain location elements could resemble theatrical sets due to technological limitations. Now we are able to implement more complex and dynamic scenarios, which positively impacts the narrative. This allows for the creation of captivating scenes, such as chases involving hundreds of thousands of rats, as well as locations that adapt to the evolving plot and events. Improved graphics and performance open up new horizons for immersion in the gameplay, making it more intense and engaging for players.

The price of a game is an important aspect that influences player choice. Price can vary depending on the platform, genre, and popularity of the game. New releases are often more expensive, while older or lesser-known games may be available at a reduced price. Given the diversity of offerings on the market, players can find both budget options and premium titles. It's also worth paying attention to sales and promotions that allow you to purchase games at a better price. Investing in quality games can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

  • Steam — 1999 rubles;
  • EGS — 1999 rubles;
  • PS Store — $59.99;
  • Xbox Store — $59.99.

In addition to the standard version of A Plague Tale: Requiem, the developers have introduced a Collector's Edition. This special edition includes unique elements that will delight fans of the series. The Collector's Edition contains exclusive artifacts, such as a special art book, character figurines, and other memorabilia, allowing fans to delve deeper into the world of the game. Each element of the edition is carefully designed to emphasize the atmosphere of A Plague Tale: Requiem and become a valuable addition for collectors.

  • a vinyl record with the game's soundtrack,
  • three lithographs,
  • a metal brooch of Hugo,
  • two copies of the game in exclusively designed boxes (for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5),
  • a collector's storage box,
  • a figurine of Amicia and Hugo (21 cm in height).

A Plague Tale: Requiem Plot

A Plague Tale: Requiem takes place six months after the events of the first game, A Plague Tale: Innocence. The main characters, Amicia and Hugo, strive to rebuild their lives after the horrors of the past. However, a mysterious illness continues to haunt Hugo, threatening their future and the world they live in. Players are once again immersed in a dark and atmospheric world, exploring themes of survival, family bonds, and the struggle with internal and external demons.

The setting remains unchanged - it is still medieval France of the 14th century. To achieve the most authentic atmosphere, the developers collaborated with Roxana Chila, a doctorate in medieval history from the University of Bordeaux-Montaigne. This collaboration allows for a deeper immersion into historical realities and a more believable world for players.

The official description of A Plague Tale: Requiem on Steam describes how players join Amicia and her brother on a journey in search of a cure that can heal Hugo. A long journey awaits the heroes, from the gloomy Aquitaine to the flourishing Provence. Amicia once again faces a choice: try to avoid killing opponents or embrace the cruelty of the world around them, acting radically and eliminating everyone who stands in their way. The game presents the player with an important moral choice: how far are they willing to go to save their loved ones. A Plague Tale: Requiem immerses players in an atmosphere where every decision can have serious consequences, highlighting the dark aspects of human nature and the need to make difficult choices in the face of despair.

Screenshot: game A Plague Tale: Requiem / Asobo Studio

Character Amicia has changed. She's become more ruthless and decisive, willing to take extreme measures to deal with her enemies. She's no longer afraid to make tough decisions and is willing to stain her hands with blood to protect herself and her loved ones. These transformations make her character more complex and multifaceted, emphasizing her inner struggle and character development.

"Amicia can display greater aggression." Unfortunately, she's gotten used to losses and won't be a victim of the unexpected anymore," emphasized the game's game director, Kevin Shoto.

Screenshot: A Plague Tale: Requiem game / Asobo Studio

The girl's younger brother continues to need his sister's protection. His unique ability to control hordes of rats could be the key to saving the heroes, but it also poses a danger to Hugo himself. At any moment, the boy could lose control of his unusual powers, creating additional risks for both him and those around him. Therefore, it is important that his sister stays close, providing him with support and protection in difficult situations.

On their difficult journey, the brother and sister will meet allies, including their mother Beatrice, the young alchemist Lucas, and a soldier named Arno. These characters will periodically assist the protagonists, supporting them in difficult moments. However, when the heroes face their own fears, they will have to overcome all the trials that fate has in store for them on their own. In the process, they will not only learn about their true strengths, but also understand the importance of supporting their loved ones, even when they have to take risks.

Gameplay Features of A Plague Tale: Requiem

In A Plague Tale: Requiem, the gameplay retains all the key elements of its predecessor. Players will once again have to overcome numerous obstacles, fighting hordes of rats and enemy soldiers who are trying to catch the main characters. The game offers an immersive experience where every decision and action matters, creating a tense atmosphere of survival and strategic thinking.

Some gameplay mechanics have undergone significant changes. Players can now choose whether to strike from cover or engage opponents openly. Amicia has become more resilient, allowing her to survive the first enemy attack, with the exception of completing Requiem on the highest difficulty level. These changes make the gameplay more varied and engaging, allowing users to adapt their strategy depending on the situation.

Amicia's arsenal still includes a sling with stones and a variety of bombs. However, the heroine now has a crossbow, which effectively deals with armored enemies. It is worth noting that crossbow bolts are limited in quantity, so they should be used wisely. Additionally, Amicia has significantly expanded her alchemical knowledge, increasing the maximum number of craftable ammo to 20. This new feature makes her even more prepared for encounters with enemies.

Hugo's ability to control hordes of rats has greatly improved. He can now use the rodents to explore the surrounding area, allowing him to spot enemies even through walls and other obstacles. This opens up new tactical possibilities in the game and helps avoid danger, improving the chances of success in difficult situations.

While rats can be seen as allies for Hugo and Amicia, it's important to remember that in the absence of light, these rodents can become a threat. This emphasizes the importance of spatial puzzles, which require manipulating light sources to control the rats' behavior. Players must solve puzzles using light to protect the protagonists from attack, making gameplay engaging and tense.

The game's rats evolve with Hugo's curse, allowing them to climb walls and more effectively catch their prey using environmental elements. Game Director Kevin Shoto noted the importance of these changes to gameplay and strategy. This innovation allows players to interact with the world more dynamically, adding new tactical possibilities and deepening the gaming experience.

Requiem offers more opportunities for experimentation in combat situations compared to Innocence, making gameplay more dynamic and varied. New, expansive locations contribute to this, giving players room to employ a variety of strategies, including stealth elements. These changes enrich the gameplay experience and open up new horizons for exploration and tactical approach in combat.

Asobo Studio implemented a hidden skill leveling system in A Plague Tale: Requiem that depends on the player's playstyle. If the player frequently kills enemies, the heroes gain new combat skills. If the player prefers to avoid direct confrontations with hostile characters, the characters develop abilities that make stealth play more effective and engaging. Additionally, Amicia's character transforms depending on the chosen playstyle, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

A Plague Tale: Requiem System Requirements

The developers have published the system requirements on the game's official Steam page.

Minimum requirements for a product or service play a vital role in its success in the marketplace. These requirements define the basic characteristics that must be met to satisfy user needs. Minimum standards help set clear expectations and serve as a foundation for further product development and improvement. Compliance with minimum requirements also helps build customer trust and improve brand reputation. It is important to regularly review and update these requirements in line with market changes and consumer preferences to remain competitive.

  • Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10;
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-4690K (3.5 GHz) or AMD FX-8300 (3.3 GHz);
  • RAM: 16 GB;
  • Video Card: GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon RX 590 with 4 GB;
  • DirectX version 12;
  • Disk space: 55 GB.

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  • Operating system: 64-bit Windows 10;
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K (3.7 GHz) or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (3.6 GHz);
  • RAM: 16 GB;
  • Video card: GeForce RTX 3070 or Radeon RX 6800 XT, 8 GB;
  • DirectX 12;
  • Disk space: 55 GB.

NVIDIA has confirmed that the game's sequel supports RTX technologies, including ray tracing and NVIDIA DLSS. These innovative technologies deliver more realistic graphics and improved performance, allowing players to enjoy an immersive gaming experience. Support for RTX technologies makes the game visually impressive, and the use of DLSS allows you to optimize performance on various graphics cards.

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