near the opening of chapter 2 in forspoken i get my first taste of wielding magic as protagonist frey holland newly arrived in athia im learning the ropes as im pitted against a strange creature that looks like a cross between a bear and wolf whose sharp teeth jut out across the entire length of its body like one giant maw with a mix of quickfire spells and heavier blows the magic combat feels snappy and satisfying with bursts of damage splaying onto the screen as i take down chunks of health from my aggressor the fight is over quickly but this short conflict is enough to leave me wanting more and thankfully i dont have to wait long before im throwing out more spells during my handson time with forspoken i check out chapters 2 3 and 5 to get a feel for combat magic parkour and early stages of the story the main highlight time and again as i progress through the chapters is freys arsenal of spells and the progression systems that allow you to advance your skills further but from what little ive seen of the world so far athia feels a bit one note the story has done little to make a big impression but with the bones of a fun concept driving freys adventure and interesting systems revolving around magic i can see the potential here magic mightimage credit square enixread moreimage credit square enixforspokens combat is a barrage of layered spells that reflect the best of breath of the wildchapter 2 begins just as frey is transported into the fantasy world from her home in new york cuff a sentient vambrace whos already wrapped around freys arm when i first meet her immediately takes on the role of a guide who helps me navigate my first steps in athia the pair who are brought together for reasons as yet unknown appear to reluctantly form a team with a lot of sarcasm underpinning their exchanges as the chapters go on after offering to answer any questions i may have the talking bracelet conjures a golden trail using a feature known as cuff compass indicating the path i need to take to find shelter in this strange new land i also use cuff to scan the area which is a useful feature that highlights the landscape much like the scanning mechanics found in other openworld games like dragon age inquisition as yet more enemies appear on the scene i then get to use the newly unlocked magical parkour skill for the first time in order to vault over a wall and make my getaway while it doesnt feel as satisfying to use as the magic in the arena of battle frey moves in a speedy fashion as light emits from her sneakers and soars over a wall with fluid ease with progression systems that will see you unlock more spells magical parkour can also be upgraded which as codirector takefumi teradasan explains will