The 2.5D action adventure platformer The Forbidden Arts will be released for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on August 7, followed by a PlayStation 4 launch in Q4 2019, as announced by developer Stingbot Games. The announcement also came with a 1 minute 49 second full release trailer on the developer’s official YouTube channel. The Forbidden Arts is currently in its Early Access phase on Steam, where it has mostly positive reviews from the small number of user feedback left in its page.
Originally launched in February of 2018, The Forbidden Arts is a 2.5D platformer that shines a spotlight on discovery and exploration. You play as Phoenix, a pyromancer that seeks the counsel of a mystical druid to make sense of his cryptic visions. By a fated turn of events, she awakens the latent fire bending skills within him. This begins Phoenix’s journey from the humblest of beginnings to becoming as master of the element of fire.
The Forbidden Arts boasts five different worlds with multiple levels, six challenging boss fights, 30+ different minions and enemies to overcome, over 12 hours of gameplay, all put together in a high-quality hand-painted art style. As with your usual platformers, you are required to test your mettle by scaling walls, jumping gaps, climbing vines, and maneuvering through a number of very challenging obstacles and environments.
Its 2.5D visuals are not only meant for aesthetic, as The Forbidden Arts alternates between 3D and 2D gameplay, depending on your location and level within the game. It’s a somewhat underused mechanic that I would love to see more in games, especially as if pulled off correctly, it could really be something else. Replayability factor is also present in The Forbidden Arts, as exploring dungeons rewards players with secret items, abilities, and achievements.
The Forbidden Arts is currently available for $12.99. Its full release on August 7 for the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC will have a price of $14.99. It is expected that its Q4 2019 release for the PlayStation 4 will go for the same amount.
