To everyone’s shock and delight during Sony’s 2021 Showcase, Luminous Productions (LP for short) had unveiled gameplay for their brand new IP, Forspoken. At first glance, Forspoken, published by renowned studio Square Enix, seems to be a brand new take on the fantasy genre, what with LP implementing a modern protagonist from New York named Frey, and thrusting her into an alternate universe, but with a twist.
From what the trailer reveals, Forspoken appears to be a third-person shooter-Esque action-adventure game with an emphasis on mystical combat and momentum. Frey seems to be able to harness and employ a plethora of spells, ranging from offensive bubbles to defensive land mines, and even flame whips (that seem to double as a movement spell as well). What is also particularly interesting is the device that attaches to Frey’s arm, who is a sentient being named Cuff, and, from what the showcase displayed, it seems they both will develop an interesting dynamic. The trailer also seems to hint at the story of the game, as Frey seems to be pursuing a dictator-like character named Tanta Sila with the help of a few allies.
What is most surprising about Forspoken is the litany of talent that Luminous Productions have accrued for their debut game. Being the brainchild of Gary Whitta (of Rogue One fame) and Amy Henning (award winning writer/director of the Uncharted series), the game also boasts Todd Stashwick (writer of Devil Inside) and Allison Rymer (of Shadowhunter fame) as lead writers to create a captivating narrative.
Having a myriad of renowned writers is not the only strength that For Spoken seems to have, as LP has also recruited a multitude of talented actors to voice their characters. To be exact. Cuff, the sentient armband, is voiced by actor Jonathen Cake (Stargirl), and Forspoken’s perennial villain, Tanta Sila, is also voiced by actress/musician Janan Gavankar (The Morning Show & True Blood). Even the more minor, support characters received attentive detail, as Monica, the young woman who Frey first meets in the trailer, is voiced by Hollywood actress Monica Barbaro (The Good Cop & Top Gun: Maverick) and even Johedy, the stern-face woman who warns Frey, is being performed by Keala Settle (The Greatest Showmen).
Luminous Productions has also enlisted the help of BAFTA legends Garry Schyman (Bioshock series) and Bear McCreary (God of War (2018) and The Walking Dead) to compose Forspoken’s score. The trailer also dropped tidbits of their combined work, and, from what it seems, the enunciated, beat-driven, orchestral soundtrack fits perfectly with the amount of love and effort that is going into Forspoken.
While initially being a black horse when first announced, Forspoken has gained the attention of many, whether they be devout fans of the fantasy genre or even casuals. From what it looks like, Luminous Productions seem to be on the right path towards creating a hit game.