Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Review - Below Expectations?

The A Plague Tale series established a unique place for itself in the gaming world, particularly through its swarms of rats and the emotional journey of Amicia and Hugo. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, which functions as a new spin-off or prequel to the series, takes risks by straying from the series' familiar formulas. In this production, where armies of rats are replaced by more ancient and unexplored terrors, we encounter Sophia, whom we recognize from Requiem, as the main character. However, to be honest, the changes the game offers struggle to capture that enchanting atmosphere created by the previous entries in the series.

One of the game's greatest weaknesses lies in its core gameplay mechanics. The conflict-avoidant, childlike, and stealth-focused structure of previous games has been replaced by a rather simple and superficial melee combat system. The focus on blade-based combat during this 12-hour adventure does not fit the overall pacing of the game well. Still, it should be noted that the environmental designs are quite successful and the stealth-focused sections return in the later stages to offer a satisfying experience. Played from a third-person perspective, the game follows genre standards with a structure that shifts between puzzle rooms and combat arenas.

Character Development and Storytelling

On the narrative side, Resonance falls a bit short of the depth offered by other games in the series. Focusing on a relatively superficial character like Sophia weakens the weight of the story. By the end of the game, Sophia still carries the same character traits she had at the beginning and fails to exhibit significant character development despite the traumas she experiences. In contrast, the mysteries of the ancient civilization discovered within the game and the flashback sequences that piece together fragments of the past constitute the most striking and immersive parts of the game. Unfortunately, the writing for side characters is no different from the main character; while figures like Leni and Faro try to add color to the story, they struggle to establish a strong emotional bond with the player. Consequently, while Resonance is worth a look for fans of the series, it offers an experience that falls behind the overall quality of the franchise.