Despite delays, controversies, and months of speculation, Square Enix and Luminous Productions' action RPG Forspoken is finally on the way in just a matter of weeks. Initially slated for a May 2022 release, fans have had to wait patiently for Forspoken, but despite a pushed-back launch, the developer has been making sure to provide players with plenty of interesting details and insights into the game in the meantime.
One of the most recent glimpses shown during the December 2022 Gameplay Showcase has revealed an exciting new look at Frey in action in some surprising locations. Alongside a deeper dive into what drives the displaced New Yorker in her quest, the world of Athia that she's been mysteriously plunged into, and some combat sequences showcasing her diverse magical talents, players saw Frey taking on enemies in the streets of New York City in an intriguing sequence as she battles a Tanta in one of Forspoken's levels.
Forspoken's Focus On New York City
When players first became familiar with the overarching narrative of Forspoken, they may have assumed that they'd only get to spend a short amount of time in New York City before protagonist Frey is transported to the mysterious and malignant world of Athia. Gamers probably thought the vast majority of the game would involve them exploring this fantastical land plagued by the disruptive Break, and there wouldn't be a chance for them to unleash Frey's accumulated magical abilities in a modern setting. Now, thanks to the gameplay footage revealed as part of the Showcase, fans have seen some unexpected elements of Forspoken.
Tasked with taking on the corrupted Tantas who have come to rule Athia with an iron fist, Frey must work her way through each formidable foe and battle their various special abilities, like Tanta Olas' all-encompassing illusion magic. This thrusts Frey into a fake version of the New York City she's so desperate to return to throughout Forspoken, and once the homesick hero realizes the deception the facade melts away and a fractured, sinister copy of her hometown takes its place. Frey must then fight through the environment as it continues to turn against her, undoubtedly leading to a final confrontation with the antagonistic Tanta.
New Revelations Before Forspoken's Release
Fans have been able to see Frey in action before in previously released footage and trailers, and her dynamic movements and diverse abilities definitely seem like one of Forspoken's most exciting elements. However, up until now, most of these energetic sequences have shown off Frey in the wide open spaces of Athia or battling many of its mythical beasts, so the glimpse of New York City and the opportunity to leap between its buildings offers a nice contrast to the fantastical setting of the main game. Although it seems like this fabricated metropolis will only feature in a small section of Forspoken as Frey fights Tanta Olas and her minions, it's still an interesting revelation.
Gamers can now get their hands on Forspoken, albeit in a demo format, following an official announcement trailer during The Game Awards 2022. The developer has been keen to show off many aspects of the game ahead of Forspoken's launch, but now fans have the chance to experience it for themselves and see how the upcoming title has progressed since its initial reveal. After the significant delays and the promise of a new IP, player expectations are bound to be high, but many are hoping Forspoken can deliver an experience as magical as its main character.
Forspoken will release on January 24, 2023, for PS5 and PC.