Near the opening of Chapter 2 in Forspoken, I get my first taste of wielding magic as protagonist Frey Holland. Newly arrived in Athia, I’m learning the ropes as I’m 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 quick-fire 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 don’t have to wait long before I’m throwing out more spells.
