The Game Awards is a time to celebrate the best games of the year and to look ahead at what gamers can expect. One of the upcoming games that were showcased is Forspoken, and although it has faced a few delays, it is now slated for a 2023 release. Forspoken looks very interesting, but it has become somewhat of an internet meme due to the occasionally cringe-worthy dialogue, most of it involving Frey talking to herself.
The trailer shown at The Game Awards had Frey silent and showcasing her combat skills instead. This made the game much more enticing. Luminous Productions should stick to this advertising style, as it showcases where the game's true strengths lie.
Forspoken's Rough Introduction
Originally labeled Project Athia, Forspoken was revealed as one of the titles that would show off the power of the PS5. From the few trailers shown, gamers have learned that the game is about a girl named Frey Holland who lives in New York. Her life there isn't too happy, but things take a drastic turn when she is transported to the fantasy world of Athia. All is not well in Athia, as the matriarchs known as the Tantas have been corrupted by an evil force called the Break, which has turned their virtues into vices. To make her way home, Frey will have to defeat all the Tantas who stand in her way.
The premise of the game is interesting, and the open-world looks like an interesting one to explore. Despite this, the game's advertising has not been received so well. The main issue, it appears, lies with the dialogue. Frey talks to herself a lot, and gamers found the comments she makes to be cheesy. It also makes Frey a tad unlikeable, but this may be intentional since she is supposed to be an outcast. Regardless, negative advertising has the opportunity to steer gamers clear of a game that has good potential. Forspoken could find this happening to it, but the latest ad shows that it can churn out good trailers.
Forspoken Gets Its Advertising Right
Forspoken made an appearance at The Game Awards 2022, though its advertising took a much different route. It focused mainly on the action, and it illustrated Frey facing off against different enemies. This was exciting, and it let gamers know what kind of gameplay they can expect. It also illustrated that Frey will not be a weak character and that as players progress, she will become more powerful and capable of taking on whatever Athia throws her way.
Most importantly, it featured minimal dialogue. Although there is some talking, none of it is from Frey commenting about dragons or making sarcastic comments. Instead, gamers get to hear from a Tanta expressing genuine fear that Frey might ruin her plans. Through this, Frey is turned from a somewhat unlikeable character into one that is very capable of taking on the massive challenges that lie ahead. With its future advertisements, Luminous Productions should stick to this style and steer away from focusing on Frey's dialogue. Instead, the focus should be on her fighting abilities and the action-packed combat that players can engage in.
For players who are still on the fence regarding the upcoming game, there is a free Forspoken demo available on PS5. In many ways, Forspoken seems like a derivative open-world game that embraces the isekai genre. However, thanks to the Tantas and Frey, there are enough unique elements to make the game stand out on its own.
Forspoken is scheduled to release on January 24, 2023 on PS5 and PC.
