From Luminous Productions, Forspoken is the first game in a new series that blends the present world with a fantastical universe of its own. The team behind the project includes developers who worked on Final Fantasy 15, as well as writers from across the entertainment industry. Taking on the perspective of Frey, a New Yorker thrust into a fantasy world where she may use supernatural powers like parkour, the game will be released later this year.
Last year, we got a closer look at the adventure’s combat after it was first teased in 2020. Keep an eye on the E3 2022 schedule for updates on all of the future showcases for Frey as we get closer to the release date. What do we know about Forspoken thus far? Check out what we’ve learned below.
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Forspoken Release Date
On October 11th, 2022, Forspoken will be available for purchase on digital and physical media. The May 24, 2022 deadline was pushed back five months in March. The reason for the delay, according to a tweet from the game’s development team (opens in a new tab), is to ensure that they can achieve their “vision.”
“We want to create a universe and a hero that gamers all over the world will want to experience for years to come with this fascinating new IP, so getting it right is critical to our success. As a result, we plan to put all of our efforts into polishing the game over the next months, and we can’t wait to share Frey’s story with you in the fall.”
Because Sony owns the console exclusivity, neither the Xbox One nor the Nintendo Switch will get it. Forspoken has mentioned in a Sony PS5 promotional movie alongside other upcoming PS5 titles “PS5-specific software is in the works. It’s also available for PC. Until at least 24 months after its release, the game will not be available on other platforms.”
We have some brand new 4K footage of Square Enix’s Forspoken in the latest edition of New Gameplay Today! You can watch it right here: https://t.co/xoRX6ey9V5 pic.twitter.com/MFLOH0Ecq3
— Game Informer (@gameinformer) March 29, 2022
What is Forspoken?
In Forspoken, Frey, a young New Yorker who is about to turn 21, is the protagonist. “Where fantasies and fears are suddenly very real,” reads the Sony blog post. Suddenly, Frey is taken to the land of Athia.
For her to return home, Frey must overcome the Tantas, all-powerful matriarchs that rule Athia in their vice-like grip. Frey will discover new magical powers to help her combat deadly monsters in Athia.
A diverse group of gaming, TV, and film writers is contributing to the creation of Forspoken, including Gary Whitta, Amy Hennig, Todd Stashwick, and Alison Rhymer, to name just a few.
Forspoken Gameplay Details
So far, the Forspoken we’ve seen implies that Frey will be a very athletic hero. As a result of her mastery of magic parkour, the main heroine in the game is capable of running at high speeds while simultaneously launching herself long distances into the air.
Forspoken’s next adventure revealed how magic is at the heart of every aspect of the game, from battle to exploration. To suit your playstyle, Frey comes equipped with a wide range of magical spells and combat techniques that you can put to use. Experiment with anything from long-distance abilities to close-range spells.
It is possible to enhance Frey’s abilities through RPG mechanics, such as crafting and upgrading. Gear, such as a necklace or a cape, can also be used to enhance a character’s stats. Frey can utilize shards to paint patterns on her nails to enhance her spellcasting, bringing together realism and fantasy.
Forspoken Story Details
Seeing “the magnificent environment and tale of Forspoken come together, blurring the barriers between truth and fiction” is “extraordinary,” says Balinska, who has worked on Forspoken as her first video game project.
“Frey is a character I immediately related with, as I feel many people around the world will as they embark on this voyage. She is real, she is raw, and she is a girl who lost her path – both figuratively and practically.”
For the first time, Frey finds herself in a mystical and perilous world, where she must learn to use her newfound magical powers to overcome the Tantas, who rule the area. Her “Cuff” is a magical bracelet that can communicate with her (and is voiced by Jonathan Cake). To be able to get back to New York City and her cat, Frey needs the help of Cuff to battle the Tantas.
Gary Whitta, a game writer best known for his work on Prey, is heading up the project’s story development team. “The worlds of film, tv, gaming and fantasy literature” are all represented in Forspoken’s writing staff, he wrote on Twitter (opens in new tab).
Forspoken is Said to Have Super Fast Loading Times
When it comes to loading times, Teppei Ono, technical director of Luminous Productions, claims that Forspoken on the PS5 is lightning fast. Because of its speed, it’s expected to load in less than a second on Sony’s newest hardware.