The Forbidden Arts
- August 7, 2019
- Stingbot Games
- 10h median play time
The Forbidden Arts feels like a game from the early GameCube era, but not a particularly good one. Whilst the dungeons are vast and varied, and the platforming mechanics competent enough, the combat really brings the whole experience to its knees thanks to poor enemy AI and half baked elemental mechanics that make the entire experience feel very repetitive. Add to that the lacklustre graphics and empty overworld, and this is a game that only the most ardent of fantasy enthusiasts will enjoy.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games StoreThe Forbidden Arts is an action adventure platformer with a focus on discovery and exploration. You play as Phoenix, a young boy who seeks to master the element of fire in a grand adventure of ancient magic.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features a beautiful art style and vibrant color palette that enhances the overall experience.
- Boss fights are well-designed and serve as a highlight of the game, providing engaging challenges.
- The game offers a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic platformers, appealing to fans of the genre.
- Combat mechanics are poorly executed, with issues such as limited visibility and frustrating enemy behavior.
- The game suffers from inconsistent controls and hit detection, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Challenge Towers and collectibles are poorly integrated, making it difficult to progress without prior knowledge of their benefits.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay features a mix of 2D and 3D elements, with exploration being enjoyable and the mechanics easy to learn. However, the experience is marred by repetitive combat due to poor enemy AI and underdeveloped elemental mechanics, alongside dungeons that may feel overly long. Overall, while the platforming is competent, the combat detracts significantly from the overall enjoyment.
“The forbidden arts is a nice indie studio entry for the Switch and good for at least 12 hours of gameplay.”
“I started playing with my keyboard and it was alright, but when I plugged in my PS4 controller and opened DS4Windows, the mechanics were way better.”
“+ easy to learn mechanics.”
“My next issue with the game is mostly gameplay.”
“Whilst the dungeons are vast and varied, and the platforming mechanics competent enough, the combat really brings the whole experience to its knees thanks to poor enemy AI and half-baked elemental mechanics that make the entire experience feel very repetitive.”
“[combat, animation loops, useless fire mechanics]”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the beautiful art style and 3D world, while others criticize the overall visual presentation as lackluster and at times an eyesore. Despite the appealing aesthetics, the graphics are often overshadowed by gameplay issues, leading to a less enjoyable experience for some players.
“As mentioned, the music was okay, and I enjoyed the art style (especially the 3D world).”
“To the devs: again, your artwork, sound, story structure, and world building feel so good.”
“New style graphics meets side scrolling action equals a lot of fun.”
“Add to that the lackluster graphics and empty overworld, and this is a game that only the most ardent of fantasy enthusiasts will enjoy.”
“[poor combat, dungeons overstay their welcome, graphically a bit of an eyesore, fire mechanics could have been greatly expanded upon]”
- music4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as enjoyable and catchy, complementing the beautiful art style and 3D world. However, some users feel that while the music is good, it doesn't fully elevate the overall experience, with suggestions that sound effects could be improved.
“The music is catchy and enhances the overall experience of the game.”
“I enjoyed the art style, especially the 3D world, and the music was a nice addition.”
“The music is good, and while the sound effects are okay, they could be improved.”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed feedback; while some players find the narrative engaging and appreciate the artwork and world-building, others feel indifferent towards the plot, viewing it as simplistic and unimportant.
“Find 6 feathers... but I'm not going into the story; I really didn't care much about it.”
“Well, maybe because that's the whole story thing.”
“To the devs: again, your artwork, sound, story structure, and world building feel so good.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, particularly when attempting to remap controls, as the game frequently freezes and assigns random keys instead.
“I tried to switch the ability key to a different button, but every time the game just freezes for ages and then assigns a random key.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to enjoy the experience.”
“I encountered constant lag and stability issues that ruined my gameplay.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game offers significant replay value, encouraging players to return for multiple playthroughs.
“This game offers a lot of replay value.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes makes each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“I love how different strategies can lead to completely different experiences.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a lack of character development, with users expressing disappointment in the absence of growth or depth in the characters throughout the game.
“There is no character development.”
“The characters feel flat and lack any meaningful growth throughout the game.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of depth in character arcs.”
Critic Reviews
The Forbidden Arts Review
The Forbidden Arts feels like a game from the early GameCube era, but not a particularly good one. Whilst the dungeons are vast and varied, and the platforming mechanics competent enough, the combat really brings the whole experience to its knees thanks to poor enemy AI and half baked elemental mechanics that make the entire experience feel very repetitive. Add to that the lacklustre graphics and empty overworld, and this is a game that only the most ardent of fantasy enthusiasts will enjoy.
40%The Forbidden Arts (Nintendo Switch)
The Forbidden Arts is a nice indie studio entry for the Switch and good for at least 12 hours of gameplay. I say “at least” because if you play like me you will probably get a couple of extra hours out of it (refer to the finicky jumping bits above). It doesn’t have all the polish of a big studio game, but it has heart.
70%The Forbidden Arts
Phoenix discovers a hidden power that must be used to complete his journey. Help him to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and learn new abilities. The Forbidden Arts is a fun and nostalgia filled game that will test your patience and precision skill. + Vibrant colour palette. + A nice art style. + Easy to learn mechanics. + Lots of replay value. - The sound effects can get annoying. - No character development. (Reviewed on the Xbox Series X. Also available on PC and Nintendo Switch.)
60%
