Forspoken

First off, I just want to make a straight statement to kick off this review: DO NOT JUDGE THIS GAME BASED ON THE DEMO.

Whoever gave the green light to release the demo with all the spells and skills leveled, needs to reevaluate their decision making skills. There is A LOT to this game and it instantly will overburden the casual player.

Now on with the review: -------------------------

I can guarantee you that Forespoken rates higher than a four (4). I have been playing video games for about 31 years and this is nowhere near as low as a four. However, there are some issues, which are mainly in the controls. The most frustrating part is Faye's parkour abilities. It seemed like they were "out of pace" with the rest of the controls. It's quite clunky at first, but once you learn to manage it, it isn't as crippling as it seems. Every game has it's flaws.

For what the game lacks in easy maneuvering, it makes up for with incredible story telling and unique urban science fiction/fantasy. It is definitely new to the RPG spectrum of genres, that's for sure. The story is very impactful and emotional. Faye (the main character just had the sh******* cards dealt to her in life) is a strong character with a very realistic background, which is where the games independence of other RPGs comes into play. The story brings you from a troubled woman's urban New York City street thug lifestyle, and throwing her into a fantasy world, where the two realities couldn't be anymore coincided. It also contributes to Faye's character and makes her stand out not only to the player, but to the NPCs in the story as well. The contrast just made Faye's whole experience awkward and scary, which is also the sense you get as the player.

The scenery could've been done better, but it wasn't bad. The landscape you experience as Faye (with lack of better words) is downright weird, which fits the game in a positive way. The monsters you face up against are altered creatures of the land. I cannot explain this any further without delving into spoilers of the story.

Despite a few setbacks, it is DEFINITELY NOT in a low four rating range. I rated it an eight. This is because there's so many ways to level Faye. It's not just her magic you're strengthening. In order to level her, the game makes you explore the fantasy world that Faye was put into. Leveling could be anything from visiting a monument, reading a book, or collecting magic puddles scattered across the world. This system is very complex, but SquareEnix did a tremendous job implementing it into the game, while still being player-friendly. It might seem like a lot to take in at first sight, but truth be told, it is NOT. Another reason is the unique setting and story of Forespoken. It is truly one of a kind.

The games overall originality, while at the same time playing with new concepts is definitely an icebreaker to a potential series if successful enough. They did a rather good job, especially on the story. I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel.

If I had to explain this games gameplay style in "lamer's terms," I would describe it as The Witcher 3, Final Fantasy, and Alice In Wonderland in a love triangle, which resulted in the birth of Forespoken. Then Forespoken was discovered as a NYC dumpster baby. This sounds insane, but it's actually meant to be positive.

I would recommend players give it a shot. Keep in mind that the games story comes on slow, so the more you progress the more the game will open up.

**I can guarantee that demo costed some people to wane interest from the game.

8/10.