Forspoken was one of 2023’s most anticipated video game releases. Its trailers boasted a breathtaking adventure with beautiful graphics and a unique story. However, since its launch, many players have found themselves disappointed. It boasted a new hero type and an open-world experience that seemed novel but felt far from what was expected. However, Forspoken’s heroes aren’t exactly what players had hoped for several reasons.
A Bold New Heroine: Frey Holland
Frey Holland, the lead character in Forspoken, is not a hero by design. Frey is a young New Yorker whose life is changed when she is magically whisked away to the mysterious realm of Athia. On its face, Frey’s tale is one of self-discovery and empowerment. But her character fails to connect with players. Frey is sardonic, alienated, and, at times, pretty unlikable. Her spirited back-and-forth with her magical best friend, Cuff, bolsters her personality, but that doesn’t make her relatable.
Character development feels thin in places. Frey’s back story is hinted at but not deeply examined, which leaves players feeling distant from her emotional journey. Rather than evolving into a heroic figure, she feels trapped by her own flaws, which frustrates many players.
The World of Athia: Gorgeous but Empty
If Frey’s character has been a bit of a flop, her world is gorgeous. Athia is a world with lush fields, majestic castles, and magic. High-quality graphics give us the experience of modern gaming technology advancements. Unfortunately, beauty is not everything.
While Athia’s world may appear awe-inspiring, it is frequently blasted for being hollow and insufficient. Outside of story quests, there’s little to do, and the open-world exploration is often monotonous. The game’s side activities don’t feel enticing enough to maintain players’ engagement. This absence of anything of real consequence leaves the beautiful world of Athia feeling soulless.
Combat and Mechanics: Flashy But Flawed
Combat in Forspoken is yet another aspect of the game that had lofty expectations but dropped the ball. The fighting system based on magic is flashy, with dynamic spells and vast effects. Frey can cast fireballs, summon magical shields, and teleport around a battlefield. It is enjoyable in short spurts, but after a few matches, the system feels repetitive.
It also makes fights feel repetitive, as the magic players have, while fun to cast as an action from the spell wheel, feel disconnected from the very act of combat. Players tend to fall back on the same handful of moves, which makes combat feel like a grind. The AI enemies are sadly just as much of a limp dick, with fights lacking the intensity of their disc-based brethren, instead feeling more like a chore. What should be a thrilling experience often feels like a slog.
Narrative and Pacing: A Disjointed Journey
The concept is interesting but also broaches a flimsy story that needs a satisfying execution. Frey’s journey across Athia is populated with curious characters and bewildering events, but this narrative occasionally feels scattered. Crucial plot points are introduced without sufficient context, confusing players about what’s happening and why they should care.
Another issue is the pacing of the story. Some passages feel overextended, while others race through significant events. The rhythm is so uneven that it damages the general pace of the sport, and it is difficult to keep invested in Frey’s journey. There’s no organic buildup to the big moments, and the emotional scenes do not hit the way they should.
The Fate of Forspoken: A Missed Opportunity
Forspoken could have been an adventurous title. The reluctant heroine was transported to a magical world, and fighting against powerful forces sounded exciting. However, the game needs more key aspects that most players care about, such as character development, world-building, and gameplay mechanics.
Frey’s shallowness as a protagonist and Athia’s hollow world leave the game less immersive than one might hope. Although the flashy combat and gorgeous visuals might offer a thrill, they don’t address the game’s fundamental flaws. Ultimately, Forspoken is just one of those games that wanted to be something different but never quite hit its mark.
With its gorgeous visuals and ambitious try-stroke highs, Forspoken will most likely be remembered as one of 2023’s most underwhelming releases. Its unlikable heroes and lack of narrative depth made it a game that left many players wishing for something more.
