Review Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Is a Visual Feast to Cherish on Every Console

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy represents a significant technological leap for Asobo Studio, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors. Set 15 years before Requiem, the game follows adventurer Sophia in a narrative-driven experience that trades traditional stealth mechanics for a more aggressive, combo-focused combat system. This gameplay shift is matched by a visual evolution, using the studio's in-house engine to deliver some of the most striking environmental fidelity seen in this console generation - though the game does look considerably better in some modes - and on some platforms - than others.

From the bustling streets of Venice to the rugged beauty of the Minotaur island, the game's world is brought to life through exceptional material lighting and Asobo's prowess with volumetrics. The attention to detail is remarkable, particularly in the character modelling, which uses advanced motion capture to convey subtle facial expressions crucial for the game's emotional storytelling. While minor issues like camera clipping or isolated software crashes exist, they rarely detract from the overall quality of the experience.

When it comes to performance, the game offers flexibility across PlayStation and Xbox, including a performance toggle that allows players to choose between 30fps and 60fps modes. On base PS5 and Xbox Series X, the 30fps quality mode provides a native 1440p image upscaled to 4K. Switching to the 60fps performance mode lowers the native resolution to 1080p, upscaled to 1440p - a compromise that is generally worth the added fluidity, despite some minor reductions in draw distances and NPC animation refresh rates at a distance.

The game also intelligently leverages 120Hz display support. Engaging this mode transforms the 30fps quality setting into a smoother 40fps experience, while enabling the performance mode unlocks the frame-rate entirely for VRR-capable displays. This 120Hz approach proves to be an ideal way to play for users with high-end HDMI 2.1 displays, providing a responsive experience that complements the game's new, faster-paced combat mechanics.

PS5 Pro users benefit from several exclusive enhancements, most notably the implementation of Sony's PSSR upscaling. In comparison to standard TAA, PSSR does a better job of sharpening distant details, such as foliage and branches, while significantly reducing shimmer and banding during camera movement.

Performance-wise, the Pro model manages to outpace the base PS5, even when running at higher native resolutions. While PSSR is computationally more demanding than TAA, the Pro maintains a lead in overall frame-rate performance. However, some modes - particularly the 40fps quality setting - can see the Pro struggle in demanding scenes, suggesting that further optimisation might be beneficial for certain graphical configurations. Still, the PS5 Professional remains the best way to experience the game.

On the other end of the spectrum, Xbox Series S offers the most accessible entry point to Resonance, albeit with expected concessions. The 60fps performance toggle (and therefore the unlocked 120Hz mode) are absent, leaving the console locked to 30fps (or 40fps at 120Hz) mode, running at 1080p without upscaling. Despite these limitations, the game remains visually impressive, with carefully managed draw distances and environmental assets ensuring the core experience stays intact.

Perhaps the most surprising finding in our testing is the performance lead held by the Xbox Series X. Across various modes, including the 120Hz unlocked setting, the Series X consistently delivers a tighter frame-rate and better optimisation than its PlayStation counterparts, even when running at identical resolution targets. While the exact reason for this lead remains unclear, it currently stands as the most performant platform for the game.

Ultimately, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a visual triumph that scales impressively across the current console landscape. Whether you are playing on the high-end fidelity of a PS5 Pro or the budget-friendly Series S, the game offers a polished experience provided you align your expectations with the capabilities of your hardware. With VRR enabled and a careful selection of performance modes, it remains a must-play title for fans of the series.