A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence‘s protagonist, Amicia, acts pretty grown-up for her age thanks to the spreading plague in France. While avoiding the disturbing hordes of rats, Amicia takes on a motherly role for her younger brother Hugo, despite her age.
Amicia investigates alchemy and the like in the hope of curing Hugo of a terrible illness while keeping herself and her friends alive.
Using her trusty sling and an increasing amount of alchemic recipes, Amicia must use light to deter rats and clear a path for herself, Hugo, and other allies along the way. Rats aren’t all the two children have to worry about, as Hugo is sought after by the English army and the inquisition.
Innocence is a main theme in the game, hence the title, and this theme is communicated through Amicia and Hugo’s position as children. The two innocent children are juxtaposed with the vile plague and the evil motives of the villain.
The Inquisition hunting down Hugo despite him being a five-year-old with good intentions is simply unfair, making the world Hugo is forced to journey through much harsher and the narrative much sadder.
The perspective of children helps give a more true representation of the harshness of the real plague – but obviously, changes are made for this for the game’s fictional universe and disturbing plot.
Later gameplay as Hugo offers a unique perspective when he must crawl past enemies with no weapons or defense mechanism. Hugo’s vulnerability means stealth is the only option, taking away previous crutches such as the sling and giving a truer experience of being a helpless child sought after by much stronger adults.
It’s easy to sympathize with the kids who are alone without the guidance of a parent or other adult, and their strength and likability in such dark times makes you root for them.
