{"id":9495,"date":"2022-11-03T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/03\/how-forspokens-combat-works-and-why-it-looks-so-magical\/"},"modified":"2022-11-03T15:15:00","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T15:15:00","slug":"how-forspokens-combat-works-and-why-it-looks-so-magical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/03\/how-forspokens-combat-works-and-why-it-looks-so-magical\/","title":{"rendered":"How Forspoken\u2019s combat works, and why it looks so magical"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\">Hello everyone, my name is Ryota Nozoe, Lead Visual Effects Artist on Forspoken.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This expansive new action RPG puts you in control of Frey Holland, a young woman who is transported to the mysterious world of Athia! This land may be beautiful, but it\u2019s dangerous too \u2013 a phenomenon called \u2018the Break\u2019 has corrupted the people and creatures\u2026 and turned them into hideous monsters.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Fortunately, Frey is able to call upon a wide range of magic spells to defend herself, from harnessing the elements to manipulating nature itself. You can get a close look at the exciting combat in our latest deep-dive video:<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode shortcode--youtube\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video\">\n\t<button class=\"youtube-video__load-button\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Play  Video<\/span><br \/>\n\t<\/p><\/button>\n<div class=\"youtube-video__iframe\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"\">As you can see, magic is varied and visually spectacular! Read on, and I\u2019ll tell you a little about how we achieved it:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Defining the \u2018look\u2019 of Forspoken\u2019s magic<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">We put a great deal of time and thought into how we visualise the spells in Forspoken.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">First and foremost, we wanted to stay away from having things like fire or rocks just suddenly appearing out of nowhere. While that certainly would have been fine, and wouldn\u2019t have caused any issues, doing that felt too expected and boring \u2013 especially for a game so focused on magic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">We decided that every spell would share a common rule \u2013 it would start with magic energy, and transition into natural phenomena like the afore-mentioned fire and rocks. Then, when the spell is cast, it would revert back to magic energy before fading away.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">We also wanted to stay away from using auras or summoning circles when Frey was using spells \u2013 this would lack originality. Early in development, we decided that magic energy in Forspoken would be represented by geometric patterns.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This informed the visual design of all of the game\u2019s magic, and ensured we kept a consistent visual style throughout the game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Each spell in the game was the result of a team of visual artists, game designers and programmers all working very closely together. To give you an example of this, here are three spells you can use in the game \u2013 and what went into bringing them to life!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Burst Shot<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Burst shot fires explosive lumps of rock that deal area damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It\u2019s an explosive earth-based spell that deals area damage, so we thought it would feel appropriate and magic-like to conjure a large rock that quickly protrudes in four directions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This is the first spell that Frey gets \u2013 and the first one we worked on \u2013 so we made sure it was pretty straightforward!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Because Burst Shot was the first spell we took to completion, it became a guideline for all the magic in Forspoken. While we were making it, we used it to perfect the common rule of geometric patterns turning into rocks and turning back into geometric patterns before disappearing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">So, while it may not be the most visually impressive spell, it\u2019s certainly special as it served as the departure point for all the others in the game!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Cataract<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Cataract spins up a watery vortex that sucks in enemies, damaging them as it does so. If you hold the button, you can send out pillars of water out to attack enemies, and if you hold it even longer, you can send out more pillars of icy water to freeze foes solid!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">During development, we came up with the idea of having streams of water converge and cause a big icy explosion. We challenged ourselves to visually express how water changes into ice \u2013 only if we could achieve that, would the spell be complete.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Of course, that was easier said than done! For example, this is a spell that has different levels \u2013 at level two it\u2019s only an explosion of water, and at level three, the explosion of water turns to ice. Getting that explosion of water and freezing it was extremely difficult \u2013 we essentially had to develop it as two separate spells, which meant double the work!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It\u2019s worth it though, because we were able to find a way to express that concept of water turning into ice. We were also very particular when it came to developing the shaders we used for these substances \u2013 I think Cataract is one of those spells that looks beautiful, even at a quick glance.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Genesis<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Genesis summons barbed branches, which fire out in front of you and skewer foes over a wide area. If you hold the button, it hits harder and over an even area, and if you hold the buttons even longer, it also strikes and poisons your enemies!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The \u2018genesis\u2019 of this spell actually came from one that we were experimenting with during the early stages of development. Very early on, we decided that Frey would be able to manipulate nature, and I thought it would be fitting and visually impactful if she could conjure a large tree from the ground!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The original design saw the tree grow and attack enemies, but as we got further along in development, we reworked the design to better match the game\u2019s systems.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">We were testing this spell even while we were still in pre-production. It\u2019s a pretty extravagant concept \u2013 a tree grows from the ground and flowers would bloom, then an even larger tree impales everything in sight!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It took an enormous amount of trial and error to show plants being created at such a scale. Showing trees growing from the ground was especially challenging. We tested a lot of different methods, and we had to start over many times.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Then, once we thought we had completed it, it became a spell with multiple levels, so then we had to figure out how to differentiate levels 1-3, which was quite trying!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">I\u2019m delighted with how it turned out though \u2013 I think we were able to achieve something wonderful!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">____________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">As you can tell, we\u2019ve worked incredibly hard to make the combat in Forspoken look good \u2013 and also feel good to play. We can\u2019t wait for you to see all the amazing spells we\u2019ve created \u2013 but you\u2019ll have to wait until the game is out for that!<br \/>Forspoken releases January 24, 2023 for PlayStation 5, and is available to <a href=\"https:\/\/store.playstation.com\/product\/EP0082-PPSA03984_00-ATHIA00000000002\">preorder now<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Forspoken\u2019s combat works, and why it looks so magical<!-- wp:html --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Hello everyone, my name is Ryota Nozoe, Lead Visual Effects Artist on Forspoken.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This expansive new action RPG puts you in control of Frey Holland, a young woman who is transported to the mysterious world of Athia! This land may be beautiful, but it\u2019s dangerous too \u2013 a phenomenon called \u2018the Break\u2019 has corrupted the people and creatures\u2026 and turned them into hideous monsters.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Fortunately, Frey is able to call upon a wide range of magic spells to defend herself, from harnessing the elements to manipulating nature itself. You can get a close look at the exciting combat in our latest deep-dive video:<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode shortcode--youtube\">\n<div class=\"youtube-video\">\n\t<button class=\"youtube-video__load-button\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Play  Video<\/span>\n\t<\/p>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"youtube-video__iframe\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">As you can see, magic is varied and visually spectacular! Read on, and I\u2019ll tell you a little about how we achieved it:<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Defining the \u2018look\u2019 of Forspoken\u2019s magic<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">We put a great deal of time and thought into how we visualise the spells in Forspoken.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">First and foremost, we wanted to stay away from having things like fire or rocks just suddenly appearing out of nowhere. While that certainly would have been fine, and wouldn\u2019t have caused any issues, doing that felt too expected and boring \u2013 especially for a game so focused on magic.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">We decided that every spell would share a common rule \u2013 it would start with magic energy, and transition into natural phenomena like the afore-mentioned fire and rocks. Then, when the spell is cast, it would revert back to magic energy before fading away.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">We also wanted to stay away from using auras or summoning circles when Frey was using spells \u2013 this would lack originality. Early in development, we decided that magic energy in Forspoken would be represented by geometric patterns.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This informed the visual design of all of the game\u2019s magic, and ensured we kept a consistent visual style throughout the game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Each spell in the game was the result of a team of visual artists, game designers and programmers all working very closely together. To give you an example of this, here are three spells you can use in the game \u2013 and what went into bringing them to life!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Burst Shot<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\">Burst shot fires explosive lumps of rock that deal area damage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It\u2019s an explosive earth-based spell that deals area damage, so we thought it would feel appropriate and magic-like to conjure a large rock that quickly protrudes in four directions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This is the first spell that Frey gets \u2013 and the first one we worked on \u2013 so we made sure it was pretty straightforward!<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Because Burst Shot was the first spell we took to completion, it became a guideline for all the magic in Forspoken. While we were making it, we used it to perfect the common rule of geometric patterns turning into rocks and turning back into geometric patterns before disappearing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">So, while it may not be the most visually impressive spell, it\u2019s certainly special as it served as the departure point for all the others in the game!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Cataract<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Cataract spins up a watery vortex that sucks in enemies, damaging them as it does so. If you hold the button, you can send out pillars of water out to attack enemies, and if you hold it even longer, you can send out more pillars of icy water to freeze foes solid!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">During development, we came up with the idea of having streams of water converge and cause a big icy explosion. We challenged ourselves to visually express how water changes into ice \u2013 only if we could achieve that, would the spell be complete.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Of course, that was easier said than done! For example, this is a spell that has different levels \u2013 at level two it\u2019s only an explosion of water, and at level three, the explosion of water turns to ice. Getting that explosion of water and freezing it was extremely difficult \u2013 we essentially had to develop it as two separate spells, which meant double the work!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It\u2019s worth it though, because we were able to find a way to express that concept of water turning into ice. We were also very particular when it came to developing the shaders we used for these substances \u2013 I think Cataract is one of those spells that looks beautiful, even at a quick glance.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\">Genesis<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">Genesis summons barbed branches, which fire out in front of you and skewer foes over a wide area. If you hold the button, it hits harder and over an even area, and if you hold the buttons even longer, it also strikes and poisons your enemies!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The \u2018genesis\u2019 of this spell actually came from one that we were experimenting with during the early stages of development. Very early on, we decided that Frey would be able to manipulate nature, and I thought it would be fitting and visually impactful if she could conjure a large tree from the ground!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The original design saw the tree grow and attack enemies, but as we got further along in development, we reworked the design to better match the game\u2019s systems.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\">We were testing this spell even while we were still in pre-production. It\u2019s a pretty extravagant concept \u2013 a tree grows from the ground and flowers would bloom, then an even larger tree impales everything in sight!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It took an enormous amount of trial and error to show plants being created at such a scale. Showing trees growing from the ground was especially challenging. We tested a lot of different methods, and we had to start over many times.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Then, once we thought we had completed it, it became a spell with multiple levels, so then we had to figure out how to differentiate levels 1-3, which was quite trying!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">I\u2019m delighted with how it turned out though \u2013 I think we were able to achieve something wonderful!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">____________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">As you can tell, we\u2019ve worked incredibly hard to make the combat in Forspoken look good \u2013 and also feel good to play. We can\u2019t wait for you to see all the amazing spells we\u2019ve created \u2013 but you\u2019ll have to wait until the game is out for that!<br \/>Forspoken releases January 24, 2023 for PlayStation 5, and is available to <a href=\"https:\/\/store.playstation.com\/product\/EP0082-PPSA03984_00-ATHIA00000000002\">preorder now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:html --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":9496,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9495"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9495"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9495\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9495"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9495"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.bwgamespot.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9495"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}