Would have given 4 stars for the most part, but just like the first part, the game goes a little off the rails at the end, both gameplay- and storywise. Having to defend against mobs from all sides three times in a row, at the end with limited field of view, including being shot at while trying to avoid Melee attackers, took out a big chunk of the final impression. and while having tidal waves of Rats look impressive, it takes away a lot of their mystery and menace. Less would have been more here I think. That being said, overall I enjoyed the game vey much. The graphics are absolutely stunning, as is the use of color and sounds to create both Beautiful sceneries and haunting nightmare-fuel. The story about not wanting to let go, and clinging to hope against overwhelming odds and human weakness, is not a comfy experience (wich is perfectly fitting), and could have been a good bit shorter, but overall works pretty well, mostly due to the characters, and the ending, while not surpirsing, is definitely memorable. The Gameplay is a bit of a mix. The puzzles are mostly rather roadblocks than something you actually have to think about, even if the companions wouldn't tell you the solution, so those parts can be a bit of a drag, but it's still fun when the different parts of a puzzle fall into place. The stealth still the great strength if the game. It's still a but clunky and too forgiving at times, and can be frustrating because of the number of enemies, but also rewards careful and tactical gameplay, and the sections, while linear, often offer several paths and approaches to get through. Speaking of which, the mechanic to get skills through gameplay-style is the best new feature of the game, I'm definitely tempted to play it again with another style. (It does kill a good part of the Immersion when you're hiding in the grass with 3 people, though...) Overall, I liked Innocence a bit more and will play it again soon - but Requiem is still a worthy successor.
