Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust

In Tanta We Trust is a DLC better than the game it's based on, but that's more because it strips the Forspoken experience of its open world busywork than anything else. An expansion that focuses more on combat, the single open area is a condensed version of what the base title offers, turning it into a more tightly packed undertaking that gets you in amongst the action much faster. It's more Forspoken, but a better version of it.

In Tanta We Trust is a brief-yet-compelling return to Forspoken’s Athia.

Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust is a narratively enticing piece of DLC whose tiny explorable area and lackluster magic system might scare away those looking for a follow-up with a little more oomph. It’s also worth noting that the very end of the DLC sequel baits hard. And, while I’m not sure that Frey’s second journey will ever come to fruition (I’m very aware of everything that’s been going on), In Tanta We Trust, despite its flaws, did help me to look forward to that Forspoken follow-up… if and when it happens.

In Tanta We Trust is conceptually a bit odd. While it can be played as a stand alone game, it wouldn’t make sense to do so. On the other hand, players who have beaten Forspoken may not appreciate the pared down mechanics and small scope. There is a way to access the new content from the main game’s campaign, which probably makes the most sense, making it feel almost like a robust side mission. In any case, In Tanta We Trust is neither significantly better or worse than Forspoken, but very much of a piece with it.

Perhaps the one saving grace of In Tanta We Trust is that it's visually impressive. Forspoken runs well and looks incredible; its DLC is no different. For those that did enjoy Forspoken, the US$12.49 price point may be worth it, but they should go in expecting a much smaller experience. Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust is at best a neat aside, and at worst almost confusingly pointless as an expansion.

Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust it's a strange and half-successful experiment. Stripped of crafting and all the secondary activities that characterized the vast world of Athia, the DLC focuses on the narrative, revealing a seemingly essential backstory to be able to continue exploring Frey's adventure.

Forspoken's In Tanta We Trust feels like an earnest attempt at addressing criticisms the game got when it was first released. Its writing is much improved, the smaller scope helps make the DLC feels like a more focused experience, and the game's combat is improved quite a bit with the addition of new spells and abilities. The only real downside is that you'd have to play through the story of Forspoken for the DLC to make much sense.

Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust is a hallow addition to an already average product. It was made cheaply since anything impressive in the game is due to the powerful game engine. Nobody will be offended by it, but it also leaves no impression at all.

A good addition that tweaks the basic formula slightly to justify the price of admission. As good as any way to send Forspoken off.

Forspoken: In Tanta We Trust is essentially more Forspoken, for better or for worse. Its reduced scope helps in several ways, but the story feels too rushed to fit within the DLC's short length. Still, if you enjoyed the base game, the changes made here will keep the game fun and challenging for you.