A Plague Tale: Innocence Review

Bonjour everyone, I recently had the pleasure to review A Plague Tale: Innocence. Which I've had on my radar for a while now and even featured in a YouTube video of mine just before E3 2018.

Apart from popping up now and again on gaming news sites, there hasn't been a great deal of buzz around APTI. Which is a real shame as developers Asobo Studio has done a fantastic job on what is a tad old fashioned approach to games especially in 2019. 

I say this because a lot of games now are open-world, have a boatload of sidequests, different endings and the like. Where APTI is a linear level-based experience.

With Asobo just wanting to tell you this story of Amica and Hugo are two leads during the Hundred Years' War in the French countryside, whilst a plague has broken out. This is done incredibly well through the interactions between Amica who you mainly play as and her younger brother Hugo, who turns out to be rather special. 

As you're rather regular people, the gameplay is very stealth based which won't be for everyone as you can't go in guns blazing (a sling in this case),  meaning you will need to figure out how to get past soldiers and plague-infested rats in the various puzzles in each level. On your journey, you will meet various allies who will teach you new things and give a helping hand to puzzles.

I really enjoyed my time with APTI as what it does it does very well be it the aforementioned story, the gameplay and sounds design, also it looks fantastic especially one scene in Chapter IV if you're using HDR.

If you enjoyed The Last of Us, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and similar games then you will enjoy APTI. I do know the length, it took me about 9hrs and lack of replayability part from trying to find all the collectables will put some of you off otherwise an excellent game.

Out this Week on Xbox One - Plague Tale - Rage 2 - Castlevania and more

 

14th A Plague Tale: Innocence

Xbox One X Enhanced - Follow the grim tale of Amicia and her little brother Hugo, in a heartrending journey through the darkest hours of history. Hunted by the Inquisition and surrounded by unstoppable swarms of rats, they will struggle to survive and fight to find purpose in this brutal, unforgiving world.

 

 

14th Rage 2

Xbox One X Enhanced - Dive headfirst into a dystopian world devoid of society, law, and order. Rage 2 brings together two studio powerhouses – Avalanche Studios, masters of open world insanity, and id Software, creators of the first-person shooter – to deliver a carnival of carnage where you can go anywhere, shoot anything, and explode everything.

 

14th Sniper Elite V2 Remastered

Xbox One X Enhanced / Xbox Play Anywhere - You are elite sniper Karl Fairburne, parachuted into Berlin amidst the Germans’ final stand. Your mission: prevent Nazi V2 rocket technology falling into the hands of the Red Army. With all DLC missions included, take the fate of the war into your own hands, and hunt the Führer himself.

 

14th Lost Orbit

Stranded after his ship is destroyed in deep space, Harrison, a lowly maintenance worker and our hero, must struggle to find his way home. Armed with an improvised set of equipment and a relentless spirit, Harrison will need to use the gravitational forces of planets to navigate and propel himself through space.

 

15th Devious Dungeon 2

Devious Dungeon 2 is a medieval focused action platformer title. The castles ever-shifting halls are filled with deadly monsters, treacherous traps, and treasure. It’s also the domain of The Summoner and he does not look kindly upon uninvited guests. Slay monsters, collect loot, level up, and upgrade your gear and pick one of three different playable heroes.

 

15th Feudal Alloy

Explore an unusual medieval world with a fish-controlled robot, Attu. Improve your combat techniques and skills by smashing many kinds of mechanical creatures in a beautiful hand-drawn world. Discover a huge interconnected world, filled with a wide range of enemies, bosses, skills, and equipment. Choose which paths you take and which enemies you face. Defeat evil and find your way back home.

 

15th Undead Horde

Xbox One X Enhanced - Become a necromancer and raise the dead in this action RPG/RTS wrapped in an undead package. Command, lead, raze, loot, and fight your way through the lands of the living with your horde and claim the kingdom for the Undead Horde!

 

16th Castlevania Anniversary Collection

This Konami Castlevania Collection is designed to be a compilation around the origins of the historic franchise. Included is a unique eBook that has details provided by developers, artists, and other inspired by the Castlevania legacy. Released as part of the Konami 50th Anniversary celebration, now’s the best time to relive these timeless classics that helped define the platformer genre.

 

17th Dragon’s Lair Trilogy

Play as the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon, and then go to outer space as Ace, defender of justice, truth, and the planet Earth in the arcade classics Dragon's Lair, Space Ace, and Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp.

 

17th Darkwood

A challenging survival horror game that doesn’t rely on jump scares. Craft weapons, prepare traps, fortify hideouts and explore the eerie forests of the Soviet Bloc by day, then hunker down in your hideout at night while nightmarish forces corrupt the woods as you wait and pray for the sun to come up the next morning.

 

17th Steel Rats

Wreck and ride in Steel Rats, a game that fuses destructive motorbike combat and death-defying stunt gameplay set in a visually stylized retro future world. Switch between four characters, each with unique abilities, as you wreak havoc fighting deadly Junkbots.

 

17th Molecats

A challenging, indirect-control puzzler. Play as the Molecats as you delve into nearby caves to retrieve delicious 'shrooms and shiny relics. It's your job to keep each of them on the safest, most direct path to goodies, avoiding traps, and monsters along the way!

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Aprils Game Pass has already kicked off with Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite and Minecraft, now today six more games were announced to be coming to the service.

Starting with Arkane Studios, Prey reboot and The Golf Club 2 tomorrow.

A week later Capcom's ever-popular Monster Hunter World, which is brilliant with four mates and on the same day Season Three of The Walking Dead: A New Frontier arrives.

Rounding out the month is Life is Strange Season 2 Episode 2 and Resident Evil 5, April 24th and 25th.

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Xbox Game Pass February 2019 - Tomb Raider, The Walking Dead, Batman

Shadow of the Tomb Raider (February 7) – Xbox One X Enhanced
The climactic finale to Lara Croft’s origin story has arrived on Xbox Game Pass. A dangerous and mysterious organization known as Trinity sends Lara on a thrilling action-adventure through deadly jungles, treacherous underwater caves, and the most challenging tombs in the game’s history. To survive, she’ll have to become one with the jungle, use the environment to strike her foes quickly and quietly, sow fear in their ranks, and discover what it really means to be the Tomb Raider.

The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season (February 7)
Play as Lee Everett, a man with a criminal past given a chance at redemption — protecting a young girl named Clementine during a zombie apocalypse. Explore stunning comic book style environments, solve puzzles, fight the undead, build relationships, and do whatever you can to keep your humanity in a world gone to hell. Every choice is on the clock, every mistake will be your own, and the consequences carry across the entire five episode series.

Pumped BMX Pro (February 7)
Jump on the pedals and hit the ramps in this momentum-based trickathon. Pumped BMX Pro features more levels than ever, each with their own set of challenges for you to smash. Choose one of the pre-designed bikes; or ride to the editor to create your own custom bike before smashing the global leaderboards and your friend's scores.

de Blob (February 14)
Become a master of colour in the 3D platformer de Blob. Equal parts amorphous blob of paint, struggling artist, revolutionary, and juvenile delinquent, de Blob’s goal is to replace the drab, lifeless grey colouring that the I.N.K.T. Corporation has imposed on Chroma City and its inhabitants. Flip, bounce, and smash your way past a diabolical array of hot plates, electric shocks, and ink turrets. Compete to control Chroma City solo or with up to four players via split-screen across eight unique and challenging multiplayer modes.

Batman: Return to Arkham (February 21) – Xbox One X Enhanced
Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, the first two games in the iconic Batman Arkham series, are coming to Xbox Game Pass in this comprehensive compilation that includes the definitive edition of each game, complete with all post-launch downloadable content. In Batman: Arkham Asylum, a journey into the depths of Gotham City’s high-security psychiatric hospital and battle supervillain inmates who have taken over the Asylum. Then go soaring into Arkham City, a super-prison built to contain Gotham’s worst criminals in Batman: Arkham City, one of the most critically-acclaimed games of all time.

Crackdown 3 (February 15) – Xbox Play Anywhere Title / Xbox One X Enhanced
A throwback with all the ingredients that made the series a fan favourite. Over-the-top and crazy antics will have you stopping crime as a super-powered agent of justice in a comic book inspired playground of mayhem and destruction, either solo or co-op with a friend via Xbox Live. Then hop online and get in on in the Wrecking Zone, where unprecedented destruction meets amped-up action. Level the entire battlefield with fully-destructible arenas, take out competitors by bringing down bridges and soar through the air with a series of jet jumps and flying fists. Don’t let little things like walls and buildings stop you from going exactly where you want to go. It’s 5v5 mayhem across three maps and two modes. Arrives February 15 with Xbox Game Pass and globally on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.

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New Year New Games Out this Week

7th Absolver

An online multiplayer combat experience where you are placed behind the mask of a Prospect by the ever-present Guides, rulers of the fallen Adal Empire that will determine your worth in joining their elite corps of enforcers. Wander forsaken lands, encounter others to learn new combat skills, acquire weapons and armour, and engage in solo duels and intense three-on-three battles. Absolver will also be available for Xbox Game Pass members.

 

10th Aftercharge

A 3 v 3 competitive game pitting invisible robots against an invincible security squad in high-voltage tactical skirmishes. The robots must sneak around to punch down all the energy extractors on the site while the guards are tasked to spot the attackers. It’s up to you to stop them and put an end to the uprising! Aftercharge will also be available for Xbox Game Pass members.  

 

11th Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tales of Vesperia and the return of this fan-favourite with the Definitive Edition. Tales of Vesperia is one of the most beloved entries in the ‘Tales of’ series and returns with beautifully remastered full HD graphics, never before seen characters, expanded story, and much more!

 

11th Hive Jump

Xbox One X Enhanced - Assume the role of the Jumpers and blast your way through subterranean alien hives in chaotic run-and-gun 2D platforming action. Up to four players can band together via local multiplayer to destroy aliens, avoid traps, collect treasures and lost relics. Win the final battle against the hive queen to save the galaxy!  

 

11th Void Vikings

Arcade style, top-down 2.5D space shooter where intense action is the focus and choosing the right education could pay off. Manage your Space Bucks to destroy your student loans before you die. If you succeed your score could sing your praises through all of Valhalla.

11th Onimusha: Warlords

Selling over 2 million copies since its release in 2001, the Sengoku-period survival action classic returns. This version features higher resolution graphics, 16:9 widescreen support and modernised control options.

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More titles coming to Game Pass this year

The guys over at Xbox weren't done with the announcements from X018, as today they confirmed The Gardens Between would be available right now, Mutant Year Zero will launch into Game Pass on December 4th then two days later Strange Brigade will also be available to download. 

They will be joined by Ori and the Blind Forest, Kingdom Two Crowns and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice in December.

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Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter V

 

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Out this Week Mutants and Witchers

 

4th Gods Remastered

Play the classic 2D action classic Gods from the acclaimed Bitmap Brothers, full of exciting levels full of monsters and puzzles that you can play either in the original pixel graphics or in a modern 3D mode with an extensive new soundtrack.

 

4th Subnautica

Officially leaving Xbox Game Preview, Subnautica is an underwater open world adventure game where you can craft equipment, pilot submarines, and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, and cave systems.

 

4th Monica e a Guarda dos Coelhos

Monica e a Guarda dos Coelhos is a couch co-op game up to four players with a focus on teamwork and cooperation. Everyone has a different role to defend the castle from smudge horde. Use magical bunnies with unique powers, load them into cannons, and fire them at incoming enemies.

 

4th Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom

A legendary series returns with a grand new adventure! Enjoy a colorful action-adventure game made alongside Ryuichi Nishizawa, creator of the original Wonder Boy in Monster World series. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom borrows the best from the classic series to deliver a fresh, modern adventure with fun gameplay, memorable music and gorgeous hand-drawn animations.

 

4th Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Xbox Play Anywhere - In Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, gamers clash with their friends in fast-paced duels that combine bluffing, on-the-fly decision making and careful deck construction. The game is played over a best-of-three series of rounds, as players unleash their hand by slinging spells and diverse units with special abilities and use clever tricks to deceive their opponents.

 

4th Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Xbox Game Pass - A tactical adventure game combining the turn-based combat of XCOM with story, exploration, stealth, and strategy. Take control of a team of mutants navigating a post-human Earth. Created by a team including former Hitman leads and the designer of PayDay.

 

4th Just Cause 4

Xbox One X Enhanced - Experience a sandbox game full of towering tornadoes and tropical lightning storms, taking the iconic Just Cause action to incredible new heights. In Just Cause 4, rogue agent Rico Rodriguez lands in Solis to hunt down the truth about his past, at any cost. Strap into your wingsuit, equip your fully customizable grappling hook, and get ready to bring the thunder.

 

4th Override: Mech City Brawl

Xbox One X Enhanced - Control gigantic robots and duke it out in this 3D mech brawler. Epic battles await in local and online versus mode and four-player co-op where each player controls one part of a mech. Also includes a full single-player campaign where you must master each mech’s own unique play style, special moves, and finishers.

 

4th Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

December 04, 2018

Thronebreaker is a single-player RPG card game set in the world of The Witcher. Choice-driven, and cast with rich, multi-dimensional characters, it once again thrusts gamers into the monster-infested universe of Geralt of Rivia. 

  

5th Energy Cycle Edge

Xbox One X Enhanced - Energy Cycle Edge is the sequel to the original puzzle game Energy Cycle. The core of the game is the same: when you activate each cell in the game field, it changes the colors of the cell and any adjacent cells in a straight line. Each cell switches between three different colors, and your task is to make them all match the same color.

 

6th Battle Princess Madelyn

Follow the journey of a young knight in training, Madelyn, and her ghostly pet dog, Fritzy as they set out on a journey to save her kingdom and her family from the clutches of an evil wizard. With classic and challenging gameplay in the vein of Ghouls N' Ghosts, join Madelyn as she battles through graveyards, swamps, and castles.

 

6th Hello Neighbor: Hide & Seek

Hello Neighbor: Hide and Seek follows the tragic story of the Neighbor’s family in this dramatic prequel to Hello Neighbor. Experience playing a game of hide-and-seek with your brother as you both deal with the loss of a family member, as a new light shines on the events that influence the original game.

 

7th On a Roll 3D

Xbox One X Enhanced - A fast-paced 3D platform game, roll your way through 24 huge levels across six different themes and be prepared to take on spikes, mines, dynamite, conveyor belts, springs, switches, doors, bumpers, lasers, saws, fire, ice, water, electricity, trapdoors, and much, much more. 

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Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter IV

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Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter III

 

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Final Fantasy XIII Let's Play Chapter II

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Out this Week: Fury unleashes her wrath

 

27th Darksiders III

Xbox One X Enhanced - Return to an apocalyptic Earth in Darksiders III, a hack-n-slash action adventure where you assume the role of Fury in her quest to hunt down and dispose of the Seven Deadly Sins. The most unpredictable and mysterious of the Four Horsemen, Fury must succeed where many have failed – to bring balance to the forces that now ravage Earth.

 

27th Floor Kids

Floor Kids is a one-of-a-kind breakdancing game featuring a unique trick-style rhythm gameplay. Innovative controls allow you the freedom to play the way you like with a dynamic scoring system that rewards your moves based on musicality, originality, and style.

 

28th Fractured Minds

Fractured Minds is an immersive artistic short game, exploring anxiety and mental health issues. Embark on a journey through the human psyche to experience the everyday challenges associated with these conditions.

 

28th Horizon Chase Turbo

Xbox One X Enhanced - A racing game inspired by the great hits of arcade racers like Out Run, Top Gear, and Rush with classic arcade gameplay. Also features split-screen multiplayer across all modes and battle racers as well as the elements like rain, snow, harsh sandstorms, and even a volcanic eruption.

 

28th Gnomes Garden: New Home

Gnomes Garden: New Home is a continuation of the exciting fantasy strategy game about the world of gnomes. Obtain the Crystal of Eternal Light and return prosperity!

 

29th The Gardens Between

The Gardens Between is a surreal puzzle adventure that follows best friends, Arina and Frendt, as they fall into a mysterious world of beautiful garden islands. Manipulate time to solve puzzles and discover the secrets of each island. 

 

 

29th Asterix and Obelix XXL 2

Asterix and Obelix are back! Asterix & Obelix XXL 2 describes itself as an “a superb blend of action and adventure for all ages,” bringing the experience of the original game to Xbox One. The graphics pay tribute to the comic books and the gameplay has been designed with new and unique attacks.  

 

30th Rival Megagun

Transform into your Mega Gunship form to blast your rival head-on in this unique shooting game with a competitive twist. Featuring competitive split-screen levels where you invade your opponent's side of the screen for a new take on classic shmup action. Also features a single-player arcade mode.

 

30th The First Tree: Console Edition

A beautiful, 3rd-person exploration game about two parallel stories: a fox trying to find her missing cubs, and a son reconnecting with his father in Alaska. Uncover artefacts from the son's life as he becomes intertwined in the fox’s journey towards The First Tree.

 

 

30th Goat Punks

Xbox One X Enhanced - GoatPunks is a multiplayer game of goats, mountains, good ole head-butting action with lightning and fire to rain down on your friends below. Battle other players to become king of the mountain and fight through an onslaught of bombs, obstacles, and each other to climb to the top of 9 uniquely themed mountains each offering distinct challenges.  

 

30th Axis Football 2018

Featuring a new franchise mode, thousands of new players, new stadiums, an improved AI opponent, and a host of other improvements, Axis Football 2018 returns to give football fans another gridiron game to enjoy on Xbox One with deep customization options.

 

30th Ride 3

Race on 30 different tracks all over the world and test the speed of more than 230 bikes available. Immerse yourself in a modern 3D environment where you’ll compete side-by-side with your bike, modifying it mechanically and aesthetically thanks to the new livery editor, and play an in-depth career mode that will give you tons of picks from among the best bikes in the world.

 

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