The developers behind Forspoken just released a new update, which is set to bring many important tweaks to gameplay and performance. The changes in Forspoken will improve graphics and offer a few quality-of-life features that will improve combat and navigating the menu.
Developed by Square Enix’s subsidiary Luminous Productions, Forspoken was perhaps the biggest flop of the year so far. In it, players explored the magic world of Athia using Frey, a New Yorker who was sent there against her will. The game was often criticized for its bland open world and lack of inspiration in quest design, as well as a poor story. The title’s crushing reviews even prompted discussions on whether Square Enix’s next launch, Final Fantasy 16 was actually right to ditch the open world and focus on the story.
Now, Forspoken, which was one of the best-selling games in January despite all problems, is getting a few small yet significant improvements in the gameplay. The first one is called “Remember Last-Viewed Menu Section,” and it allows gamers who opt to use it to return to the specific part of the menu where they left off. The “Focus on Target” update changes how targeting works, and if turned off, will allow players to get more precise controls over spells. Another combat-related tweak is “Lock On to Nearby Enemies,” which allows Frey to automatically focus on nearby enemies when killing one. Finally, there’s “Immunity to Own Magic,” which prevents the player from unintentional self-harm. Gamers will be able to tweak these options on and off to customize Forspoken as they see fit.
Other minor updates focus on graphical improvements and optimization, which is set to improve by 30%. Now, gamers will be able to choose different options for brightness and contrast, as well as customize some UI elements. Lightning was also overhauled, and the game looks better now. None of the updates, however, will touch on the most controversial aspect of Forspoken: its story and dialogue. Forspoken was so heavily criticized for its dialogue lines being “cringe” that even Frey’s voice actor Ella Balinska had to defend it.
Unfortunately, this update is a little too late. The game’s reputation is forever tarnished by its initial negative reviews, and there does not seem to be much of a future for the franchise. Square Enix recently announced that Luminous Productions will soon be no more. After the huge critical flop that was Forspoken, the studio will be absorbed by its parent Square Enix and cease to exist on its own.
Forspoken is available on PC and PlayStation 5.
Source: Square Enix
