Preparing for Loss After Losing Our Innocence: A Chat with A Plague Tale: Requiem’s Game Director Kévin Choteau

A few years ago, an epic (and rat-filled) adventure introduced us to Amicia and her little brother Hugo. Plague Story: InnocenceToday we are very much looking forward to reuniting them on our next adventure. Plague Story: Requiemset off on a new sprawling quest that sounds even more dangerous than anything they’ve endured so far. I was. Plague Story: Requiemthe challenge of following up on a hit game, and rats (of course).

rear Innocencethe second part of The Plague Tale has a more sinister subtitle. Requiemwas it a logical evolution of the story you wanted to tell?

Innocence was the main theme of the (first) game. We meet the childlike innocence of Amicia and Hugo, and that innocence ends when we reach the end of the game. That was the first stage of their life. Requiem teeth.When Requiem The main one is death, and it deals with a subject that is very difficult on all fronts.We could talk about the death of their innocence, the death that surrounded them on a daily basis, the death that Amicia had to give in order to survive, and the effect it had on her. Requiem, if it’s a funeral song, it’s also an ode to life, closing the chapter on starting something. For example, going to a funeral and saying goodbye to someone while getting ready for a new day. These are difficult subjects, but the light is certainly there.

The first game took place in southwestern France, but they decided to change the location for the sequel. Why this decision?

When Innocence, we were looking for authenticity at all costs, both in characters and environments.The most appropriate way to do that was to host the title in our region. Requiem, South-East and Provence, but also decided to explore the Mediterranean Sea. These are areas where the Roman, Moorish, or even Byzantine heritage feels far more the influence of other civilizations of the time. This will increase the contrast. The landscape is warm, colorful, and sunny, but the world around you is still dark, bloody, and harsh.

Can we expect to encounter new threats unique to this particular region?

Many highwaymen settled the trade routes in this area, especially in 1349. Following the arrival of the plague, the Hundred Years’ War calmed down a bit and all the enlisted soldiers found themselves lazy and formed a large company of bandits. This is an aspect of the Middle Ages that we wanted to highlight, bringing a new form of adversity to the game.

For Amicia, the end is Innocence It also gives her a much more impressive weapon.Tell me more about how she behaves Requiem?

at the end of Innocence, Amicia had already killed quite a few people to protect her brother, but mostly to survive. There is none. This is reflected in her abilities regarding gameplay. She can now attack in close combat, counterattack, and even use a crossbow later. Using warrior weapons is a huge departure from the slingshot she used, which was originally just a toy. It would have a huge impact on her evolution, psyche and identity. And inevitably, this will affect Hugo. Hugo would see his sister more liberated on this side and would want to be like her, but Hugo’s problem is that his powers are much greater, capable of murder and destruction. They are much more sexually active and playing with fire is extremely dangerous.

Should we expect a more action-oriented title as a result?

We wanted to give players more freedom. Innocence Very narrow and often there was only one way to resolve the situation. Most sequences can now be approached in a conservative or belligerent way, and even find alternatives that combine the two options. In addition, we have added a system that evolves Amicia’s abilities according to your play style. So it’s up to you to choose the infiltration route or some other more brutal solution…

Rats are part of the series’ identity and more and more in this sequel. What does this mean for players?

300,000 mice on screen is very impressive. Especially when rats form a kind of tsunami that devastates everything in its path. Thanks to the power of the Xbox Series X|S, we were able to create a new system for rats. Rats’ attacks and movements are now more organic, allowing them to climb over obstacles and climb multiple floors. The result was a new dynamic. Move faster and more efficiently. The result is new dynamics that are no longer static on the ground and can surprise you in many ways… This opens up a lot of possibilities, both in terms of spectacle and gameplay. It’s really fun to keep doing scary things with our rats and…

Beyond this aspect, you have decided to anchor your universe in history. Why this choice?

We wanted players to experience the character’s story without setting the world. If fantasy is great, then we also need to create rules to explain the universe, its structure and its people.The same can be said for science fiction. , needed a real, real world. If we had decided to create a universe, we would have been forced to discuss it as well, and would not have focused so much on relationships. As long as you have a certain degree of freedom.

In its latest work (Plague Story: Innocence, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Plague Story: Requiem), Asobo is noted for its virtuosity. Is this something you’re proud of? And when you go back to work, do you feel constant pressure, the need to do a better job?

for Innocence, had the advantage of not expecting anything. And even if the match had failed, we wouldn’t have suffered so much. Microsoft Flight Simulator, an ever-evolving game with exceptional scores, an incredible community and continuous news…so obviously we are not calm today.I’m wondering if we’ve created a sequel that players want and if it will survive to the image of Asobo

Plague Story: Innocence Arriving months after Game Pass’s release, Requiem is available from day one. Did the success of the original game being available on Game Pass contribute to this decision?

I am very happy Innocence It was included in Game Pass. It introduced the game to a lot of people who didn’t know it, and it really broadened the audience. As a developer, it’s our concern to bring the game to as many people as possible. Requiem It will be available on Game Pass from day one. Innocence Our universe can be found directly and probably many players will discover licenses this way. It’s all thanks to the players and their acceptance Innocence I can’t thank you enough for finding it interesting to make a sequel. It is thanks to them that we are here today. We sincerely hope that you will be satisfied with what we have created. We put all our guts and soul into this game.

As a gamer, how do you feel about Game Pass? Did you make any unexpected discoveries while browsing its library recently?

I have a little boy who will soon be 7 years old. paw patrol Games added with Game Pass! It’s family friendly, but personally, contempt was released recently, so I know I’ll be playing it… in fact, I’ve honestly tried a little bit of everything that comes out on Game Pass. I like to be amazed!

Thanks to Kévin for taking the time to talk with us. Plague Story: Requiem is currently playable on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, and Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta).

Plague Story: Requiem

focus entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆
224

★★★★★

$59.99

Far beyond the sea, an island is calling… Embark on a haunting journey into a brutal and breathtaking world warped by supernatural forces. Fleeing their devastated homeland, Amicia and Hugo travel far south to new regions and vibrant cities. There, they begin a new life and try to control Hugo’s curse. Forced to flee again, the brothers place their hopes on a prophesied island that may hold the key to saving Hugo. Discover the price of saving loved ones in a desperate struggle for survival. Strike from the shadows or unleash Hell to overcome enemies and challenges with a wide variety of weapons, tools, and magical powers. ● Sequel to the award-winning adventure A Plague Tale: Innocence ● An epic grounded story twisted by supernatural forces ● Use a variety of tools to sneak, fight, and unleash hell and rats ● Stunning visuals and a compelling score combination

Plague Story: Requiem – Windows

focus entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Far beyond the sea, an island is calling… Embark on a haunting journey into a brutal and breathtaking world warped by supernatural forces. Fleeing their devastated homeland, Amicia and Hugo travel far south to new regions and vibrant cities. There, they begin a new life and try to control Hugo’s curse. Forced to flee again, the brothers place their hopes on a prophesied island that may hold the key to saving Hugo. Discover the price of saving loved ones in a desperate struggle for survival. Strike from the shadows or unleash Hell to overcome enemies and challenges with a wide variety of weapons, tools, and magical powers. ● Sequel to the award-winning adventure A Plague Tale: Innocence ● An epic grounded story twisted by supernatural forces ● Use a variety of tools to sneak, fight, and unleash hell and rats ● Stunning visuals and a compelling score combination