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MONSTER

Forspoken

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Forspoken
Item: Forspoken
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableJan 24, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperLuminous, Luminous Productions

Overview

Forspoken follows the journey of Frey, a young New Yorker transported to the beautiful and cruel land of Athia. In search of a way home, Frey must use her newfound magical abilities to traverse sprawling landscapes and battle monstrous creatures.

Elsewhere

4.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Forspoken are quite varied. Some critics, such as Game Informer and We Got This Covered, appreciate the story's progression and character development. They highlight well-executed twists and a likable protagonist, which adds depth to the narrative. Additionally, The So Videogames Podcast praises the story for covering heavy themes and providing a helpful perspective for people dealing with depression. These positive aspects of the story contribute to its overall appeal and relatability. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the story of Forspoken. Power Unlimited and GLHF on Sports Illustrated criticize the weak dialogues and poorly written dialogue, respectively. NPR and Inverse mention troubling tropes and a weak narrative that fails to engage with challenging themes. Gamereactor UK highlights issues with narrative cohesiveness, pacing, and storytelling interruptions. These negative aspects detract from the overall quality of the story and hinder its impact on the players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the character development, twists, and relatable themes, others find the story cliched, predictable, and lacking depth. The narrative's potential is acknowledged by some, but its execution is criticized for falling into familiar RPG tropes and relying heavily on exposition. The presence of cringeworthy dialogue and forgettable storytelling also contribute to the overall disappointment expressed by certain critics. However, it is worth noting that a few critics, such as GameSpew, find the story unique and gripping, highlighting Frey's real-world background as a grounding element. In conclusion, the Story of Forspoken receives a mixed reception from the critics. While there are positive aspects such as character development, relatable themes, and gripping moments, the story is criticized for its weak dialogues, cliched tropes, and lack of depth. The execution of the narrative falls short in terms of engaging with challenging themes and delivering a cohesive and innovative experience. Ultimately, the story's potential is hindered by its shortcomings, leading to a varied range of opinions among the critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the Story of Forspoken. Some praise its character development and relatable themes, while others criticize its weak dialogues and cliched tropes. Positive aspects include well-executed twists and a likable protagonist, but issues with pacing and storytelling interruptions are highlighted. Overall, the narrative's potential is acknowledged but its execution falls short, resulting in a mixed reception among critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Forspoken are quite varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. The positive aspects of the gameplay include the combat system, traversal mechanics, and the Variety of magical abilities. Critics such as Power Unlimited, GamesRadar++, Game Informer, Inverse, The Loadout, Screen Rant, Impulsegamer, TheGamer, ZTGD, The So Videogames Podcast, The Mako Reactor, Gamereactor UK, Twinfinite, GamesHub, GAMES.CH, and WellPlayed all praised the combat system, with mentions of enjoyable and satisfying mechanics, strategic depth, Variety of spells, and the combination of magic and parkour. The traversal mechanics, including the magical parkour system, were also appreciated by critics like Power Unlimited, GamesRadar++, Inverse, TheGamer, Gamereactor UK, and WellPlayed, who found them fluid, natural, and fun to use. The Variety of magical abilities and the progression of the protagonist's skills were also highlighted positively by critics such as Daily Star, GamesRadar++, Impulsegamer, The So Videogames Podcast, Gamereactor UK, and WellPlayed. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics pointed out. NPR criticized the gameplay as outdated and mediocre, particularly in comparison to Final Fantasy XV. GamesRadar++ mentioned that while the magical parkour was exhilarating, it lacked significance. Guardian criticized the game for drip-feeding the combat system and not allowing the player to fully explore and experiment with the open-world gameplay. Comicbook.com mentioned weak and predictable AI, lack of Variety and strategy in battles, and occasional clunkiness in the traversal system. Softpedia described the gameplay as flat and uninspired, while Gfinity mentioned that some combat pieces didn't fit together well and the world felt too big to hold attention. The SixthAxis mentioned repetitive activities in the open world and uninteresting side quests. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Forspoken offers a mixed bag when it comes to gameplay. The combat system, traversal mechanics, and Variety of magical abilities are generally praised, with critics highlighting the enjoyable mechanics, strategic depth, and fluidity of movement. However, there are criticisms regarding the outdated and mediocre feel of the gameplay, the lack of significance in certain mechanics, the drip-feeding of combat options, weak AI, lack of Variety and strategy in battles, occasional clunkiness in traversal, and repetitive activities in the open world. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive reception of the gameplay, with many critics finding it satisfying, enjoyable, and polished.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Forspoken's gameplay. Positive points include the combat system, magical abilities, and traversal mechanics praised for their depth and enjoyment by various reviewers. However, some critics found the gameplay outdated, lacking in significance, and criticized aspects like weak AI and repetitive activities. Overall, while Forspoken receives praise for its satisfying and polished gameplay, it also faces criticism for certain shortcomings, making it a game with a mixed reception among critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Forspoken are quite varied. Several critics praise the game's visuals, highlighting its stunning landscapes, attention to detail, and gorgeous fantasy vistas. Critics such as Daily Star, Variety, Inverse, Screen Rant, Impulsegamer, TheGamer, Twinfinite, and GamesHub all express positive sentiments towards the game's graphics, emphasizing its beautiful and diverse environments. They commend the game for pushing the boundaries of what modern consoles are capable of and creating a visually appealing world that immerses players in its fantastical setting. These critics particularly appreciate the detailed models, stunning particle effects, and the overall graphical fidelity that enhances the visual elements of the game. However, there are also several criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Forspoken. Critics such as Power Unlimited, NPR, GamesRadar++, GLHF on Sports Illustrated, TheSixthAxis, The Loadout, ZTGD, Gamereactor UK, and WellPlayed express concerns about certain aspects of the game's visuals. They mention issues such as rough textures, jarring transitions between scenes, lack of creativity in locations, dull color palettes dominated by brown and grey, and noticeable cuts to black. Some critics also highlight problems with optimization, frame drops, and stuttering issues, which negatively impact the overall visual experience. These criticisms suggest that while Forspoken has its moments of visual brilliance, it also has areas where the graphics fall short or fail to meet expectations. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there is appreciation for the game's stunning landscapes, attention to detail, and graphical fidelity, there are also concerns about certain visual aspects. The positive opinions of critics like Daily Star, Variety, Inverse, Screen Rant, Impulsegamer, TheGamer, Twinfinite, and GamesHub highlight the game's strengths in creating a visually immersive world. However, the criticisms raised by critics such as Power Unlimited, NPR, GamesRadar++, GLHF on Sports Illustrated, TheSixthAxis, The Loadout, ZTGD, Gamereactor UK, and WellPlayed shed light on areas where the graphics may fall short or lack liveliness. Ultimately, the overall sentiment suggests that while Forspoken has its visual highlights, it also has room for improvement in certain aspects of its Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Forspoken's graphics. Some praise its stunning landscapes and attention to detail, while others criticize rough textures and optimization issues. Overall, the game impresses with its visuals but also has room for improvement in certain areas.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Forspoken are varied. Some critics have praised the sound design and music, while others have expressed disappointment. Starting with the positives, Screen Rant commends the atmospheric music of Forspoken, stating that it greatly contributes to the overall experience of the game. Twinfinite also highlights the positive impact of the music and sound design, mentioning the range of softer, catchier beats to booming orchestral arrangements mixed with chanting choirs. These critics appreciate how the music enhances the immersion and enjoyment of the game, adding depth and emotion to the gameplay. On the other hand, Softpedia and WellPlayed express negative opinions about the soundtrack and voice acting. Softpedia finds the soundtrack unremarkable and the voice acting mismatched. WellPlayed criticizes the musical score, describing it as lacking inventiveness and feeling generic. They also mention that while there are brief glimpses of creativity, the composer's reputation doesn't shine through. Daily Star raises a specific concern about unnecessary swearing in the voice acting, which they deem as unnecessary. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, like Screen Rant and Twinfinite, appreciate the sound design and music, others, such as Softpedia and WellPlayed, are less impressed. The positive feedback highlights the immersive and impactful nature of the music, while the negative feedback focuses on the lack of uniqueness and mismatched voice acting. It is clear that the sound design and music of Forspoken have received both praise and criticism, making it a subjective aspect of the game that may resonate differently with each player.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Forspoken. Some praise the atmospheric music for enhancing the game experience, while others criticize the soundtrack as unremarkable and voice acting as mismatched. Positive feedback emphasizes immersion and emotion, while negative feedback points out lack of inventiveness and unnecessary swearing. Overall, opinions vary, with some loving and some disappointed by the sound design and music in Forspoken.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Forspoken receives a mix of positive and negative opinions from the critics. Several critics, such as Guardian and VG247, praise Ella Balinska's performance as Frey, the protagonist. They highlight her fantastic portrayal and commend her for bringing depth and relatability to the character. The reviewer from TheGamer also acknowledges that the voice performances, including Balinska's, are well done. Additionally, Screen Rant mentions that the banter between the main characters provides a constant stream of dialogue, which can be endearing and engaging. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting, particularly Balinska's performance, adds value to the game and enhances the overall experience. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Forspoken. Hooked Gamers criticizes the voice acting for the protagonist, stating that it is unlikable and abrasive. Comicbook.com echoes this sentiment, describing the main character's voice acting as annoying and the dialogue as corny and outdated. The critic from Softpedia mentions that the voice acting is mismatched, further highlighting the negative aspect of the performances. These negative opinions suggest that there are aspects of the voice acting that may not resonate well with all players and can potentially detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat divided regarding the voice acting in Forspoken. While there are positive mentions of Ella Balinska's performance and the engaging banter between characters, there are also criticisms of unlikable and abrasive voice acting, as well as corny and outdated dialogue. The positive opinions from critics like Guardian, VG247, and Screen Rant highlight the strengths of the voice acting, particularly Balinska's performance, in adding depth and relatability to the characters. However, the negative opinions from critics like Hooked Gamers and Comicbook.com point out flaws in the voice acting that can impact the overall experience. Ultimately, players may have differing opinions on the voice acting in Forspoken, with some finding it enjoyable and others finding it off-putting.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Forspoken. Positive reviews praise Ella Balinska's performance as protagonist Frey for bringing depth and relatability, while negative reviews criticize the unlikable and abrasive voice acting. The engaging banter between characters is highlighted as a strength, but some find the dialogue corny and outdated. Overall, opinions are divided, with some praising the voice acting's value and others pointing out flaws that may impact player enjoyment.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the Technical Performance on the PS5, the majority of critics had positive opinions. Power Unlimited praised the game for its minuscule loading times and acceptable presentation. Impulsegamer also commended the smooth performance on the PS5, especially in performance mode. The WellPlayed critic highlighted the game's good performance in performance mode at 120Hz, as well as the impressive particle effects and visual flourishes. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the Technical Performance on the PS5. TheSoftpedia critic noted that the game suffered from framerate drops in certain areas. The Mako Reactor mentioned inconsistent frame rates, particularly when there were many enemies on screen. GAMES.CH also pointed out occasional moments of unresponsiveness during gameplay, such as delays in character movement after combat or dialogue sequences. Moving on to the PC platform, Hooked Gamers expressed severe optimization issues, frame drops, and stuttering problems, even on high-end PCs. This negative feedback suggests that the Technical Performance on PC was subpar compared to the PS5 platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Forspoken is mixed. While the PS5 platform received praise for its smooth performance, minuscule loading times, and impressive visuals, there were some drawbacks such as framerate drops and occasional unresponsiveness. On the other hand, the PC platform faced significant optimization issues and performance problems. It is evident that the Technical Performance of Forspoken had room for improvement across all platforms, but the PS5 generally provided a more satisfactory experience for the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed reviews on Forspoken's technical performance. PS5 impressed with smooth gameplay and stunning visuals, despite occasional framerate drops. PC faced severe optimization issues and stuttering problems, falling short compared to PS5. Overall, while both platforms had room for improvement, PS5 offered a more satisfying experience for critics.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Forspoken, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics, such as Inverse and GameSpew, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replay value. Inverse mentions that the open-world activities and exploration offer tangible rewards, such as stat boosts, equipment, and new spells, which enhance the protagonist's combat abilities. This suggests that there is a satisfying gameplay loop that encourages players to engage with the game beyond the main quests. GameSpew also emphasizes the presence of plenty of side quests and activities, which provide worthwhile rewards such as new equipment and upgrades. The reviewer suggests fully immersing oneself in the experience to get the most out of the game, indicating that there is replay value in exploring and completing all the side content. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the replay value of Forspoken. Critics like Gfinity and TheGamer express concerns about the lack of compelling narrative and repetitive points of interest. Gfinity mentions that without a narrative to chase, the end-game becomes less fun. TheGamer points out that while there are different spell types and item abilities, the enemy Variety is lacking, and the points of interest become repetitive. The unbalanced endgame assumes players won't explore the world, which can diminish the overall replay value. ZTGD also highlights the lack of interesting exploration in the game's world and the presence of weird dialogue that detracts from an otherwise interesting narrative. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Forspoken are mixed. While some critics, like Inverse and GameSpew, acknowledge the satisfying gameplay loop and the presence of rewarding side quests and activities, others, such as Gfinity and TheGamer, express concerns about the lack of compelling narrative and repetitive elements. The consensus seems to be that while there are opportunities for replay in Forspoken, such as exploring the open world and engaging with side content, the game may not fully capitalize on its potential. It is important for players to consider their preferences for narrative-driven experiences and repetitive gameplay elements when assessing the replay value of Forspoken.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on Forspoken's replay value. Some praise its rewarding gameplay loop with open-world activities, while others criticize its lack of narrative depth and repetitive elements. While exploring side quests can be satisfying, concerns about enemy variety and uninteresting exploration detract from the overall experience. Players should consider their preferences for narrative-driven games before diving into Forspoken for replay value.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the Overall Verdict of Forspoken, it is clear that there is a mixed reception towards the game. Several critics highlight positive aspects of the game, such as its enjoyable gameplay, stunning graphics, solid music and voice acting, and engaging protagonist. The movement and exploration mechanics are also praised, with critics mentioning that they excel in these areas. The unique story and the potential for it to become a future cult classic are also acknowledged by some reviewers. The large world and the resistance and weakness aspect of the game are mentioned as slightly slowing down progress but still contributing to an excellent experience. These positive aspects indicate that Forspoken has some redeeming qualities that make it worth playing, especially for those who appreciate immersive gameplay and visually appealing environments. On the other hand, there are several negative aspects that critics point out about Forspoken. Some reviewers mention that the game falls short in terms of its story and combat, with a generic narrative and janky narrative execution. The pacing is criticized, with some critics highlighting pacing flaws and a slow, exposition-heavy introduction. Dialogue is also mentioned as cringeworthy and stilted in some instances. Repetitive gameplay, lack of enemy Variety, and unresponsive moments are also cited as drawbacks. Optimization issues, weak AI, and a dull open world are mentioned as factors that hinder the overall experience. These negative aspects indicate that Forspoken has significant areas of improvement, particularly in terms of its storytelling, combat mechanics, and technical performance. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, it is evident that Forspoken has received a mixed reception. While some critics recommend the game and praise its positive aspects, such as its enjoyable gameplay and engaging protagonist, others express disappointment and highlight its flaws, such as a generic narrative and repetitive gameplay. The overall sentiment leans towards a lukewarm reception, with some critics suggesting that the game falls short of its potential and lacks the depth and complexity found in its open-world competitors. The sentiment also suggests that Forspoken is a game that may appeal to certain audiences, particularly those who appreciate immersive gameplay and visually appealing environments, but may not resonate with everyone due to its shortcomings. Critics such as The Mako Reactor and Softpedia express disappointment and describe the game as having wasted potential. However, it is worth noting that there are also positive reviews, such as those from GameSpew and The So Videogames Podcast, that recommend playing the game and highlight its unique story and enjoyable gameplay. Overall, the mixed reception indicates that Forspoken is a game that has both strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

Forspoken receives mixed reviews from critics. Positive aspects include enjoyable gameplay, stunning graphics, and engaging protagonist, but negatives like weak story, combat, and technical issues hold it back. Some recommend it for immersive gameplay lovers, but others find it lacking depth and complexity compared to competitors. Overall, a lukewarm reception with room for improvement in future versions.

MONSTER

Reviews

202 reviews found

The So Videogames Podcast

PlayStation 5

Feb 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is recommended and receives a score of 8.5 out of 10. The large world and the resistance and weakness aspect slightly slow down the progress, but it is still an excellent experience.

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The Mako Reactor

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Forspoken is a solid game with rough parts, but it has character and soul that is often absent in most AAA games.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Feb 8, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer praises Forspoken for its unique story, enjoyable gameplay, engaging protagonist, and immersive experience. They find the parkour traversal particularly exhilarating and describe the game as hard to put down once started. The overall verdict is positive, indicating a recommendation to play the game.

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GamesHub

PlayStation 5

Jan 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Forspoken is a gripping tale with a flawed open world structure. Despite its flaws, the protagonist and the satisfying gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Jan 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite a rough start with cringey writing and a slow, exposition-heavy introduction, Forspoken redeems itself with exceptional gameplay, stunning graphics, solid music and voice acting. It is worth playing and lays the groundwork for a new series.

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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as not perfect, with rough edges and imbalanced gameplay. However, it is praised for its heart and potential to become a future cult classic. The reviewer recommends it for those who want to explore a beautiful fantasy world without being overwhelmed by difficulty.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Forspoken excels in movement and exploration, but falls short in story and combat. It offers a satisfying experience overall.

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GAMES.CH

PlayStation 5

Jan 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Forspoken offers an interesting story with witty banter and a fast-paced movement system. However, it suffers from repetitive gameplay, unresponsive moments, and questionable voice acting. The game world, while visually appealing, lacks liveliness. Overall, it receives a moderate score.

Variety

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite pacing flaws, Forspoken is a fun adventure with potential in both Frey's character and Athia's lore.

TheGamer

PlayStation 5

Jan 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its flaws, Forspoken is enjoyable. The premise is compelling, the world is well-built, and the movement is a highlight. The postgame handles the main story's twists well. However, the narrative execution is janky and the game could be tougher. The replay value is limited due to lack of enemy variety and repetitive points of interest.

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