Forspoken Review: A Generic Fantasy Adventure with Flash

Do you keep playing open world games after you beat them?

This question is pertinent to Forspoken, an open-world action-RPG that unfortunately falls into the trap of predictable tropes. While the combat and parkour mechanics offer engaging moments, the repetitive side quests and a rather bland narrative ultimately leave the player wanting more. The question then is, does the game’s addictive nature outweigh the lack of substance? The answer, for most, is likely a resounding no.

A Quick Note on the PC Version

A review of the PC version is yet to be released. While the PlayStation 5 version has been evaluated, the hefty system requirements published recently warrant a cautious approach. The review notes the lack of specific PC testing, and emphasizes that a detailed PC performance analysis will follow once available.

Story and Characters

Frey Holland, the protagonist, is a relatable New Yorker thrust into a fantastical realm. However, the story’s predictable narrative and underdeveloped characters leave much to be desired. The relationship between Frey and her talking armband, Cuff, is particularly weak, with the bond felt underdeveloped and their banter often coming off as forced. The writing style relies heavily on exposition dumps between large open-world explorations, leading to a rushed and ultimately unconvincing narrative. Even with the decent performances, the writing fails to generate genuine investment from the player.

World and Gameplay

The open world of Athia, while visually grand in its four distinct regions, feels largely empty and repetitive. The game’s design feels more like a checklist than an immersive experience. Side quests, for the most part, are unremarkable and often provide shallow rewards. Exploration outside of the primary narrative path offers minimal enticing rewards or meaningful discoveries.

Combat and Parkour

Forspoken’s combat system, despite its repetitive nature, is surprisingly enjoyable. Frey’s elemental magic, allowing for quick weapon swaps and varied attack styles, adds depth to the battles. The diverse enemy types, while not overly creative, offer a challenge that keeps gameplay engaging.

• Combat is engaging, and swapping elemental magic offers tactical depth.
• Parkour is simplistic but satisfying, offering a fast-paced way to traverse the environments.
• Enemies showcase varied resistances and special attributes, making fights less mundane.

Progression and Crafting

The progression system in Forspoken is thankfully not punishing. Players don’t feel pressured to grind for better gear. The modest crafting system allows for customization, but the upgrades lack the excitement or consequence often found in similar titles. While providing welcome flexibility, it fails to ignite player enthusiasm.

Overall Impression

Forspoken’s core mechanics, particularly the combat and parkour, are fun to engage with. Unfortunately, these positives are undermined by a generic story, bland characters, and a repetitive open world. While the game offers a satisfactory amount of gameplay, the lack of compelling narrative or world immersion prevents it from achieving its full potential. Players seeking a deep, immersive experience might find themselves disappointed.