Game news Forspoken: Release date, excluded PS5, open world … We take stock of Square Enix’s Action-RPG
Present at the PlayStation Showcase on September 9, 2021, Square Enix’s new Action-RPG, Forspoken, was entitled to never-before-seen images as well as a release window. This is an opportunity for us to take stock of everything we know about the game.
What is Forspoken?
In June 2020, Square Enix joined the festivities of Sony’s PlayStation 5 event to unveil a new title tentatively called Project Athia. The first images then reveal to us a heroine who evolves in a fantasy universe populated by rather ferocious creatures. It is in March 2021 that the production finally inherits the name “Forspoken” and further reveals its lore.
the role-playing and action game takes place in the heart of Athia, a world as splendid as it is dangerous. Frey Holland, played by actress Ella Balinska (Charlie’s Angels) tries to survive in these hostile lands with the help of his powers. This “reckless, cunning young woman with no purpose in life“resides in New York before being transported to”a land where dreams and nightmares suddenly seem to come to life“On her wrist, a magic speaking bracelet named Cuff will help her navigate this particular universe. To get a chance to return home, she will first have to face the Tantas,”powerful destructive and Machiavellian matriarchs who dominate Athia.”
Will there be an open world?
As announced very early in the Weekly Tokyo Keizai Plus by Yosuke Matsuda, president of Square Enix, Forspoken will plant its framework in an open world where the heroine can therefore evolve freely.
What is the release date? On which platform (s) is the game released?
Forspoken will be released in Spring 2022 on PS5 and PC. The game is planned as a temporary console exclusive for the PlayStation 5 for “at least 24 months“. It will then launch on Xbox Series. Yosuke Matsuda, President of Square Enix, has stated his willingness to work on next-generation machines,”equipped with the best technologies.”
The PS5 drastically improves video technologies, such as the implementation of Ray-tracing technology. It’s virtually identical to what we usually see on PC. By using these special techniques, we are able to create precision imagery. We always intend to develop balanced games, adapted to the qualities of each platform, including mobile and cloud-based games, but we will never stop developing for high-end platforms like the PS5. Because they are equipped with the best technologies. – Weekly Tokyo Keizai Plus
The PC version has already been the subject of a making-of video produced by AMD. It presents in particular the FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, capable of “aim for the best graphics ever made in an open world“, even in 4K / 60FPS.
Forspoken : la version PC s’exhibe
Who is expected to cast the game?
Apart from the protagonist Frey who will be played by Ella Balinska, other characters take part in the adventure; Notably Frey’s sidekick, Cuff, played by Jonathan Cake (Empire, Chuck). This bracelet with consciousness helps the heroine navigate through Athia. We will also meet Tanta Sila, former protector of this fantastic world now become a “real tyrant“because of a thirst for power that gnaws at her. She is played by Janina Gavankar (True Blood, Sleepy Hollow). At last Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) doubles as an archivist who will guide Frey while Monica Barbaro (Chicago P.D.) double Auden, another ally with whom we will collaborate.
What engine is the game running on?
The title takes advantage of the technical capabilities of the latest version of the Luminous Engine, the home-made engine of the Japanese publisher. Last September, its capabilities in terms of lighting and realism were illustrated in a video preview that used a procedural generation system.
Square Enix illustre le Luminous Engine
Who works on the game?
Luminous Productions (Final Fantasy XV on Stadia), a subsidiary of Square Enix, was responsible for the development. Authors Gary Whitta (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), Amy Hennig (Uncharted series), Allison Rymer and Todd Stashwick also contributed. And as far as music is concerned, we will find the works of Bear McCreary (God of War (2018), The Walking Dead) and Garry Schyman (Bioshock).
We are delighted that Bear McCreary has joined our team, as he has been able to bring our entire immersive world and its eerie beauty to life, mixing electronic and contemporary sounds with fantastic tone. But why stop at one legendary composer when you can have two? In addition to Bear McCreary, the very famous Garry Schyman (BioShock) also composed songs for the game. Don’t be afraid to have high expectations for our game, you won’t be disappointed. – Raio Mitsuno, Creative Producer, Luminous Productions
