Forspoken: A Game Judged Too Harshly?

Forspoken: A Game Judged Too Harshly?

Forspoken was one of the most divisive games in recent years, receiving heavy criticism upon its release. However, with its addition to the PS Plus Extra catalog, many players, including myself, have had the opportunity to experience it without the burden of its high launch price. After playing through the game, I firmly believe Forspoken was judged too harshly, and while it has flaws, it is undeniably a solid game.

A Strong Gameplay Foundation

The highlight of Forspoken is undoubtedly its gameplay. The magic-based combat and traversal system are unique and enjoyable, making players feel powerful while maintaining a fair level of challenge. The leveling-up system allows for meaningful progression, and the different spell sets provide diverse playstyles. However, the last two movesets arrive too late in the game, making the original set the most natural and fun to use.

A Balanced Challenge

For the most part, Forspoken offers a balanced difficulty level. Enemy encounters are engaging, and boss fights require strategy rather than mere button-mashing. However, the final boss proved frustrating, forcing me to lower the difficulty—a noticeable spike in an otherwise well-paced combat experience.

A Misunderstood Protagonist

One of the most criticized aspects of the game was Frey's dialogue and personality. Many found her quips and swearing excessive, but in my experience, her reactions felt genuine. Given her rough, lonely upbringing and the sheer madness of being transported to a crumbling fantasy world, her frustrations were completely understandable. She had no one to rely on in her old life, and even in Athia, the only meaningful connection she formed was with Cuff—despite his ultimate betrayal.

The Strength of Its Villains

While the NPCs in Athia were forgettable and visually unappealing, the game's villains, the Tantas, were a highlight. Each had distinct movesets, personalities, and a tragic descent into madness, making them compelling antagonists. The final reveal of Cuff's manipulation tying into their downfall added depth to the narrative, making it far more engaging than typical "villains seeking power or wealth."

The Tragic Fall of the Tantas

The Tantas were once powerful and noble rulers who protected Athia, but their descent into madness was one of Forspoken's most gripping story elements. Their corruption was not due to simple greed or power-hungry motives but was instead a result of Cuff’s manipulations. Each Tanta’s unique downfall and corresponding boss battle reflected their shattered psyche, adding an emotional weight to their fights. Instead of just being enemies, they were fallen protectors, making their story far more compelling than the average villain arc.

A Flawed but Enjoyable Experience

Despite its strengths, Forspoken does suffer from issues that hold it back. The open world of Athia feels empty, with NPCs adding little to the immersion. The enemy variety is lacking, making some encounters repetitive. However, the boss battles, combat system, and the story of the Tantas stand out as genuinely great aspects of the game.

No Need for a Sequel, But the Gameplay Deserves Another Chance

While Forspoken had potential, I do not believe it needs a sequel. Some games are better left as they are, much like Prototype, which had a solid first entry but a lackluster sequel. If Forspoken's gameplay mechanics were repurposed into a new game with a different setting, better world-building, and improvements based on criticism, it could truly shine.

Final Thoughts

Forspoken is not a masterpiece, but it is also not the disaster many made it out to be. Its solid combat, engaging traversal, and unique magic system make it an enjoyable experience, even if its world and NPCs fall short. Now that it is available on PS Plus Extra, it is definitely worth playing for those who skipped it at launch.

What do you think? Was Forspoken unfairly criticized, or did it deserve the backlash?