Asobo Studio has dropped stealth gameplay from previous Plague Tale titles in favor of fast-paced melee combat in its new game Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy [1, 2, 3].
The game follows Sophia, a Greek adventurer introduced in Plague Tale: Requiem, but set 15 years before that game’s events [1, 2, 3]. Players control Sophia as she explores ancient temple ruins on a Greek island near Crete in 1333, unraveling myths connected to Theseus and the Minotaur [1, 2].
Resonance features a dual timeline, with players taking control of both Sophia in the present and briefly Theseus during historical flashbacks [1]. The shift away from the original series’ stealth and rat swarm mechanics focuses attention on melee combat, where Sophia fights Venetian soldiers and other armed enemies using quick, gritty tactics such as kicking foes off ledges, smashing bottles, and grappling [2, 3].
Lead level designer Valérian Robert said the team had no prior combat game experience and learned on the job. He explained, "Nobody did a combat game before Resonance. It was a lot to learn in terms of how you design space, how you design a combat mechanic because we didn't have any prior experience of that" [3]. Robert also noted they developed Sophia’s fighting style as they understood her character better, initially knowing only she was part of a plunderer gang [3].
The melee combat system drew inspiration from Soulslike titles such as Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro, and Sifu [3]. The game removes key series features like stealth, rat swarms, and the original siblings Amicia and Hugo, focusing solely on Sophia’s story [1]. Sophia is accompanied by a companion named Leni, who provides minimal dialogue support during missions [2].
Set during the in-game year 1333, Resonance explores a rich mythological backdrop and delivers a distinct departure from past Plague Tale gameplay [2]. The dual narrative structure offers a blend of action and historical storytelling.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is poised to expand the franchise’s scope with melee combat and a fresh protagonist navigating ancient Crete’s dangers [1, 2, 3].
