Review by Jon Donnis
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is an interesting new chapter for the A Plague Tale series. Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Entertainment, the third instalment takes the franchise in a slightly different direction while still retaining the atmosphere, storytelling and tension that have helped define the series. Set 15 years before the events of A Plague Tale: Innocence, it introduces Sophia, a fierce young plunderer whose search for answers about her past leads her to the mysterious Minotaur's Island.
The biggest change is immediately apparent in the gameplay. Whereas the previous games were primarily built around stealth, Resonance is considerably more action-oriented. Sophia is a much more capable protagonist, able to parry incoming attacks and respond with deadly finishing moves. Combat is therefore faster and more fluid than it has been in previous entries, and there is a greater sense that Sophia can actively take on the dangers around her rather than constantly being forced to avoid them.
That change works surprisingly well. The combat gives Resonance its own identity without completely abandoning the elements that made the earlier games effective. There are still tense stealth sections, and some of the game's most frightening moments come when you are forced to stay hidden and carefully work out how to progress. The combination of combat, stealth, exploration and puzzles provides a welcome variety, even if some individual elements become less effective as the adventure progresses.
The Greek setting is another major strength. Moving the series into this environment gives Resonance a distinctive visual identity, with the changing landscapes and environments making the different sections of the island feel suitably varied. Asobo Studio has created another beautiful world to explore, and the visuals help establish an atmosphere that remains strong throughout the game. There is a sense of mystery surrounding the island that works particularly well alongside the game's mythology and increasingly compelling story.
The dual-timeline mechanic is also an intriguing addition. Being able to move between the Middle Ages and the Minoan period gives the adventure another layer, particularly when events in the past can influence what happens in the present. It is a clever idea that fits naturally with the game's exploration of ancient history, myth and fate, while giving the puzzles an additional dimension.
The light-based puzzles are generally clever and make good use of the environments, although they are not without their problems. There are sections where these puzzles begin to feel repetitive, while some of the mid-section puzzles have the unfortunate effect of slowing the adventure down just when the narrative should be gathering momentum. The opening chapters also take a little too long to find their stride, meaning the game does not make the strongest possible first impression.
Thankfully, the story becomes increasingly compelling as it progresses. Sophia is a strong central character, and Anna Demetriou delivers an excellent performance that gives the character the personality and emotional weight she needs. The wider character performances are similarly strong, while the soundtrack and sound design do a great deal to reinforce the atmosphere. There is a genuine emotional resonance to the storytelling, particularly as Sophia's journey becomes increasingly connected to the ancient history surrounding the Prima Macula.
Resonance also succeeds in working as a standalone adventure. Knowledge of the previous games will naturally give returning players more context, but the story is structured in a way that allows newcomers to engage with Sophia's journey without feeling completely lost. At the same time, the game expands the wider A Plague Tale universe rather than simply repeating what came before.
Unfortunately, the new emphasis on action is not always matched by sufficient depth. The combat can be simplistic, and despite its speed and fluidity, it can become repetitive. Sophia's abilities make her considerably more capable than the protagonists of the previous games, but the combat system does not always provide enough variety to sustain that approach for the entire adventure.
The traversal mechanics are similarly straightforward, and the skill tree does not add a great deal to the overall experience. These systems are functional rather than particularly memorable, and there are moments when it feels as though Resonance could have done more to develop its mechanics.
Pacing is perhaps the game's biggest weakness. The slow start, some of the mid-section puzzles and occasional weaknesses in the narrative structure prevent the adventure from maintaining the momentum it establishes later on. The stealth sections are particularly effective when they work, creating some genuinely frightening sequences, but they can begin to feel rather samey towards the end.
Even with these shortcomings, there is plenty to admire here. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is willing to take the series somewhere new rather than simply attempting to recreate the previous games. The Greek setting, dual timelines and increased focus on combat give it a distinct identity, while the excellent atmosphere, strong performances, engaging story and beautiful environments ensure that it still feels unmistakably like A Plague Tale.
It may not reach the heights of A Plague Tale: Requiem, but that does not make Resonance a disappointment. It is a worthwhile addition to the franchise and an enjoyable action-adventure in its own right. The pacing and repetitive elements stop it from being truly exceptional, but the ambition behind the new direction is clear, and the strongest parts of Sophia's journey are genuinely compelling.
I have enjoyed the A Plague Tale series as a whole, and I enjoyed my time with Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. It successfully expands the universe while offering something different, and despite its weaknesses, there is more than enough here to recommend it.
I score the game a solid 8 out of 10.
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