Gamers have shown themselves to be quite fond of the open-world genre over the years, and it is no surprise that 2023 is packed full of open-world titles.Forspokenwill be among the first big-budget open-world games that gamers get to experience, and it has been one that players have been waiting a long time for. This puts a lot of pressure onForspoken, and it can either set the bar so high that it outclasses the games that follow, or it could miss the mark and compare unfavorably to the rest of 2023’s open-world games.
The game starsFrey Holland as a protagonist, a New Yorker who is warped to a magical land. Although she faces many dangers, she also makes a few friends, including Auden and Johedy. Trailers reveal thatForspokenwill have impressive graphics, but it takes more than that to produce a memorable open-world game.
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Forspoken Leads the Charge For Open-World Games in 2023
This year’s calendar already has a long list of major AAA games scheduled, and many of them are in the open-world genre, andForspokenis the first of the big AAA open-world games that will be hitting the shelves. Developed by Luminous Productions, the game is set in the magical world of Athia, which has been corrupted by a mysterious force known as the Break. Frey Holland, who finds herself transported to Athia, must defeatevil matriarchs known as Tantasif she hopes to find her way back home.
Forspokenis already facing a lot of pressure. It was one of the first games revealed for the PS5, and it is meant to show off the power of the console’s hardware. As the first major open-world game of 2023, it will face additional pressure, as it will inevitably serve as the standard by which other open-world games this year will be judged. Thus far, Athia looks like a realm rich with activities to do. Furthermore, Frey can easily travel between places using magical parkour. Sometimes, she can even run intoForspoken’s Breakstorms mechanic, which has her up against a slew of powerful enemies. Although there have been complaints that Athia looks empty and lonely, it appears that Luminous Productions has made effort to make it fun to travel through.
The Open-World Games of 2023
FollowingForspoken, gamers can expect several big AAA games. Many gamers already have their eyes onStarfield, which may be the largest open-world game of the year. Set in the 2300s, it takes players to The Settled Systems, where players can explore different planets and decide which faction they wish to side with. After several delays, it is set to launch in the first half of 2023.Hogwarts Legacyis a highly anticipated open-world gameas well. Players will enter Hogwarts as fifth-year students. There, they will have the chance to take classes, tame magical creatures, participate in broomstick races, and uncover a mystery involving ancient magic. It has also faced delays, but it is set to release on February 10.
Other majoropen-world games coming in 2023includeSpider-Man 2,The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, andAssassin’s Creed Mirage, to name a few. With such tough competition to face,Forspokenwill have to knock its open-world design out of the park if it hopes to leave a lasting impression. It does have an experienced team behind it, as well as big names like Amy Hennig and Bear McCreary collaborating, so it stands a good chance of success.
The wait forForspokenhas been a long one, but gamers will finally get to experience it soon. Players will finally get the answers to questions that have been floating around, including what the Tantas are up to, and howFrey’s cat, Homer, will survivewhile she is out on her adventure. If the game succeeds, it could be the beginning of a fruitful fantasy series.
Forspokenis scheduled to release on January 24 on PC and PS5.
