For fans of the A Plague Tale series, the anticipation for a new installment is always high. But with Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, players are stepping into a slightly different world, one where the swarms of rats are notably absent. While this might seem like a significant departure from the established formula, the game attempts to carve its own path, blending familiar elements with fresh ideas.
A New Perspective
The story centers around Sophia, a pirate smuggler who played a supporting role in A Plague Tale: Requiem. We see her as a child, forced by nuns to draw supernatural visions. She’s rescued by her kindhearted father, Alec, and his right-hand man, Faro. When Alec dies during an expedition to a mysterious island, Faro takes Sophia in and raises her.
As Sophia grows older, Faro becomes increasingly obsessed with the island, denying Sophia a part in its exploration. When a job goes wrong, Faro accuses Sophia of betrayal, leading to her being cast out. Along with her girlfriend, Leni, Sophia sets out for the island, embarking on an adventure that will take them into its depths and the depths of history.
Developer: Asobo Studio
Type of Game: Late Middle Ages action-adventure
Platforms: PS5, PC (played), Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: August 27, 2026
Uncharted Territory
Resonance draws inspiration from Uncharted, with Sophia running along rooftops, solving puzzles using a notebook full of sketches, redirecting beams of light, and navigating treacherous mountain ledges. This shift in gameplay is noticeable, but the game struggles to fully embrace this new direction.
The biggest issue is the lack of variety in locations. While the game initially promises globe-trotting adventures, players are quickly confined to the island. The constant repetition can become monotonous, even with the island’s varied environments.
Flashbacks and Combat
To break up the monotony, the game features flashbacks to the island’s ancient past, focusing on the legendary hero Theseus. Sophia gains abilities from these visions, most notably an orb that channels light. This mechanic adds a unique twist to the gameplay, providing a compelling push and pull between the past and present.
Resonance also introduces a new combat system, inspired by the Arkham games. Sophia is equipped with a sword and can perform various attacks, dodges, and counters. The combat is fast-paced and challenging, requiring precise timing and reflexes. However, Sophia’s limited health pool makes every encounter potentially deadly.
The game also features “Resonance Points,” which can be used to unlock new abilities and upgrade Sophia’s skills. These points are found in hidden areas throughout the island, encouraging exploration and rewarding players for venturing off the beaten path.
A Story with Missing Pieces
While Resonance offers a fresh take on the A Plague Tale universe, it also suffers from some shortcomings. The story feels rushed, and the characters lack depth. Sophia’s transformation from carefree pirate to burdened heroine is not fully realized, and her relationships with other characters feel underdeveloped.
The mystery surrounding who betrayed the crew is intriguing, but the lack of character development makes it difficult to become invested in their potential treachery. The game also misses opportunities to explore the themes of betrayal and redemption in a more meaningful way.
A Mixed Bag
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a mixed bag. It offers a unique blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, but it ultimately falls short of its potential. The lack of variety in locations, the rushed story, and the underdeveloped characters detract from the overall experience.
Despite its flaws, Resonance is still worth checking out for fans of the A Plague Tale series. It offers a glimpse into a different side of the universe and introduces new characters that could potentially play a larger role in future installments. However, be prepared for a slightly different experience than what you might expect.
Source: Kotaku
Comments
Be the first to comment.