Forspoken isn't a bad game. A bad game implies a certain level of incompetence in its systems, mechanics and offerings. Forspoken is, at the very least, competent. The combat works and can be fun. The traversal and parkour are enjoyable (although sometimes frustrating) to control and watch. The open world is vast and large with plentiful of activities and events to do with solid rewards that keep you busy. The upgrade systems and tiers are also consistent and filled with end game spells and perks for you to chase and push through. There's a lot to explore and look forward to.

Forspoken isn't a good game either though. A good game implies that it at least averages, if not excels in most/all the sectors of its experience. Forspoken does no such thing, and not even close. The story is atrociously terrible and outdated that it was too miserable for me to tolerate. The graphics look bizarrely ugly especially when considering this is a triple A game made in 2023 with the same engine from FF15. The characters, script and dialogue is so poor, so basic and ham-fisted that it squanders any and all potential this game could've had from its interesting premise. The optimisation in this game is some of the worst I have ever experienced in a triple A game of this caliber in this price range. I could write much more about the good and bad things this game has, but I don't want to waste anymore time then what i already have on this game.

I can see what they were trying to do here, I really can. Like say what you want about this game, but there clearly was a cohesive vision here. Just... not a very good one. Especially not one worth 93 dollars. And for that, I cannot recommend Forspoken.

6.7/10

honestly kinda liking it ngl.

EDIT: Okay so I'm going to caveat this...

I feel its worth the 20 bucks on sale. Definitely not full price:

Stiff animations, terrible voice acting of side characters, weird cut scene delays and just a lot of random stuff that feels unfinished and lack of care. There's also these random parts where you must interact with several paintings/people/items etc and it just feels tedious and annoying. I'm not sure what they were thinking with some of these design choices.

The combat is very fun, traversing feels really cool (although its a bit jank at times) and the boss fights are fun so far.

it's a conflicting one.

I also don't mind Frey as much as other people do. I kind of like the feisty attitude.

Underrated. Gorgeous world world amazing animations. Fun parkour movement and a thralling story. I see many reviews list the MC (Frey) dialogue as a huge negative but I personally had little issue with it. I beat this the week it dropped in jan 2023. DLC is also good.