Asobo Studio is steering the acclaimed Plague Tale series in a new direction with Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, a title that notably eschews the stealth mechanics and familiar protagonists of its predecessors. This upcoming installment, set to release on August 27th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, moves away from the plague-ridden landscapes of France and the sibling duo of Amicia and Hugo.
Instead, Resonance focuses on Sophia, a character introduced in A Plague Tale: Requiem, who played a mentor role to Amicia. Set 15 years in the past, the game follows Sophia's journey to a temple on the Greek island of Crete that haunted her childhood dreams. These dreams are intrinsically linked to the Macula plague and a larger legend, specifically the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The narrative employs a dual-timeline structure, allowing players to inhabit the body of Theseus himself during certain segments, experiencing his legendary feats firsthand.
This shift in focus is most evident in the gameplay. Resonance is primarily a combat-driven experience, a stark departure from the stealth-oriented approach of previous titles. Players will engage in direct confrontation, with Sophia wielding blades in a combat system inspired by titles like Ghost of Tsushima and the Batman Arkham series. The combat allows for a range of attacks, including blocks, parries, dodges, charged attacks, and a ranged rope attack to disrupt enemies. A skill tree and collectible swords offer further customization and combo possibilities. When playing as Theseus, players utilize a distinct and powerful moveset, as seen in sequences involving gladiatorial combat.
While combat is a central pillar, exploration and puzzle-solving remain significant elements, with inspiration drawn from Uncharted and Tomb Raider. The puzzles in Resonance often revolve around light, requiring players to navigate complex environments within the improbably vast temple. The game emphasizes thoughtful progression, urging players to consult Sophia's journal for clues, much like Nathan Drake's in Uncharted. One notable puzzle involves traversing a room filled with spike traps, where a light-shedding tool aids navigation but is occasionally obscured by darkness, demanding memorization. Another puzzle, encountered in the inner sanctum where Theseus battles, involves symbol-pairing and proved challenging.
To assist players, a new character named Leni, a close friend of Sophia, accompanies her and offers optional clues to overcome obstacles. This system is designed to provide help without detracting from the player's sense of discovery.
Despite its significant departures, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy retains core elements of the series, including its rich narrative, supernatural tinges, and focus on cinematic presentation. The game promises a journey into the unknown, driven by the thrill of a character touched by destiny. While potentially brighter in tone and setting than its predecessors, it remains unmistakably a Plague Tale experience.
