After some delays, Square Enix’s upcoming gameForspokenis approaching its release date. In just a couple of months, the company’s latest open world action-RPG will hit shelves, bringing with it a new world full of adventure and intrigue. Players will strike out into the mystical land of Athia alongside Frey Holland and her talking bracelet Cuff, leaping from cliff to cliff and firing off powerful magic spells at enemies. With the corrupt Tantas and the mysterious Break threatening to destroy the world,Forspoken’s heroes have their work cut out for them.
The same could be said for the developers. AlthoughForspokenis not aFinal Fantasytitle, it has close ties to the brand due to its development studio being Luminous Productions, the team formerly behindFinal Fantasy 15. AfterFF15’s mixed showing, this is Luminous Productions’ chance to redeem both itself and its signature Luminous Engine, a tool which has been in development for too long to not see some use. Thanks to their shared developer, there’s still a lot ofFinal Fantasy 15DNA evident inForspoken, though some key differences keep them distinct.
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Final Fantasy 15 and Forspoken Have Plenty In Common
The comparisons between Luminous Productions’ games will be inevitable, seeing as how they occupy the same genre space. Both are open world fantasy action-RPGs with modern-day elements. Their main characters are both chosen ones hailing from modern cities, although Noctis is a prince in the modernized fantasy world of Eos while Frey hails from real-life New York City. Along the way, both will be dealing with corrupt government institutions in the form ofthe Niflheim Empire and the Tantas. Even a world-ending force is growing in the background, withFinal Fantasy 15’s party confronting the truth of the Starscourge while Frey must contend with the effects of the Break.
However, therein lies the main difference betweenFinal Fantasy 15andForspoken. Unlike Noctis, Frey is not accompanied by an adventuring party. Her only companion will be Cuff, who won’t be able to do much besides talk and possibly serve some other mystical function. In spite of their banter, the lack of human companions meansForspokenmay take on a lonely atmosphereduring times of travel. Frey is so magically empowered that she can cross Athia herself, while theFinal Fantasy 15gang end up treating their quest like a road trip complete with camping equipment and a car. For as similar as these two games sound, examination reveals an enormous gulf between their tones.
Forspoken May Be A Lonelier Take on Final Fantasy 15
Final Fantasy 15received a lot of mixed reception all throughout its lifespan, and came to a tragic end when its DLC was cut short. However, it does have its fans, and the biggest reason why is its core cast. The casual atmosphere of the adventure and the strong friendship built up through constant interaction has madeFinal Fantasy 15’s party a fan favoriteamong series veterans. Even their initial boy band-esque clothing choices gradually give way to silly yet charismatic casual clothes. It feels like the inverse ofForspoken, where Frey goes from her typical dress code to a hooded wizard cape, and strikes out on her own in a harsh and unforgiving wilderness.
Time will only tell what the full extent of the differences between these games are, but right nowForspokengives off the impression of beingFinal Fantasy 15without the latter’s playable groupof friends. Frey and whatever other recurring characters crop up on her journey will need to work hard to impress players as much asFF15’s crew of lovable bros did. WhenForspokenreleases in a couple of months, it should become evident what its identity is and where its strengths lie.
Forspokenreleases on PC and PS5 on July 27, 2025.
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