The Forest Cathedral (Xbox Series X|S)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): March 14, 2023
- Release Date (EU): March 14, 2023
- Publisher: Whitethorn Games
- Developer: Brian Wilson
- Genres: Adventure, platforming
- Also For: Computer
Game Features:
History with some drama
In the 1960s, scientist Rachel Carson published an environmental book titled Silent Spring. The latter documents the nefarious effects of synthetic pesticides, such as DDT, on the environment at large. Her research paved the way for environmental protection actions that perpetuate today.
The Forest Cathedral puts us in control of the very same Rachel Carson on a field research on an island where she quickly discovers something is off with the ecosystem and might be tied to the recent DDT use.
However, The Forest Cathedral’s plot spices things up by dramatising the event. There are scenes of acute poisoning, close calls with wildlife and a menacing mad scientist. It’s an original way to translate the message of Silent Spring and the game deserves some recognition in this regard.
A retro platforming game disguised in a modern title
It’s not just the plot that The Forest Cathedral mixes up but also the gameplay. The game initially starts off as a first-person exploration title with Rachel equipped with a notebook which serves as an objective guide, and scanner that can help her navigate in low visibility situations. She can also interact with a radio to communicate as well as solve puzzles.
So far, The Forest Cathedral isn’t far from a “walking simulator” but then you get introduced to a new gameplay aspect of the game when Rachel interacts with some terminals. These play out in a 2D, retro monochromatic platforming game where you’ll get to jump, dash and attack in order to reach your goal. Completing the latter will subsequently trigger an action which allows you to progress further into the story; even if the way this unfolds does not always feel natural.
It’s an interesting “games within games” concept which endows The Forest Cathedral with some originality. The platforming levels are what adds the most challenge to the game. The challenge is quite real, reminiscent of yesteryear games and can occasionally be frustrating, especially with the delay in executing attacks.
Not far from a forest fire
Unfortunately, this is not the only frustrating aspect of The Forest Cathedral. Despite an original reimagined plot based on actual events and interesting gameplay mechanics, the overall execution feels unpolished.
Sometimes the animations can feel off, the plot jumps across story beats and I’ve even experienced the voice over being drowned by the soundtrack.
Speaking of voice over, while the voice acting attempts to flesh out the characters, it is not devoid of its own issues. There are several cringe-worthy lines where Rachel talks to every piece of equipment and calls them Mr This and Mr That. Some performances can also be unconvincing, when Rachel expresses disbelief or attempted enthusiasm.
The ending is also quite abrupt, and culminates with an info dump which could instead have been slowly eased into the main story.
Thankfully, you don’t have to bear with the issues for too long as The Forest Cathedral is a short that you can finish in one sitting, should you decide to pick it up. It presents interesting experimental concepts which overall suffer from execution issues that hinders the title from being gripping.
The Forest Cathedral - Launch Trailer
Verdict
- Original means of translating message from real book and facts
- Experimental “game within game” aspect
- Overall unpolished execution
- Recurring unconvincing voice acting and cringe-worthy lines
- Unbalanced story progression
Reviews
Astor: Blade of the Monolith
Astor, a young Diokek warrior, must journey across Gliese to solve the mysterious disappearance of his creators.
CMP2 Globular Cluster
PSVR2 comfort is imperative to keep you playing for longer!
Hypercharge: Unboxed
Playtime is over! Grab your action figures and defend the Hypercore from Major Evil’s forces in Hypercharge: Unboxed!
POCO F6 Pro
POCO, the global smartphone branch of Xiaomi, launched its latest F series phones last week. Among these is the POCO F6 Pro, the company’s current flagship which aims to be a contender for your...
Huion Kamvas Pro 16 (2.5K) Pen Display
A portable 1440p pen display from Huion, we check out the 16 inch Kamvas Pro.
Site & Scene News
New Hot Discussed
May 2024 news roundup
Skyward Sword HD randomizer announced with release date and trailer
PlayStation State of Play May 2024 showcase - God of War: Ragnarok coming to PC
Marvelous/XSEED 2024 showcase provides updates on new Story of Seasons and Rune Factory games
Review Astor: Blade of the Monolith
'MudRunner VR' launches on Meta Quest
XREAL Beam Pro AR spatial computing accessory revealed
The Legend of Zelda Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 LEGO Set officially announced
Review Hypercharge: Unboxed
Nacon reveals new accessories line-up and racing-focused gaming department
New static recompiler tool N64Recomp aims to seamlessly modernize N64 games
Nintendo officially confirms Switch successor console, announces Nintendo Direct for next month
Name the Switch successor: what should Nintendo call its new console?
DOOM has been ported to the retro game console in Persona 5 Royal
Mario Builder 64 is the N64's answer to Super Mario Maker
Anbernic reveals the RG35XXSP, a GBA SP-inspired retro handheld
Majora’s Mask PC port 2Ship2Harkinian gets its first release
"Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition", a new NES Remix-like game, launching July 18th
Microsoft is closing down several gaming studios, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin
Ubisoft reveals 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' which is set to launch later this year
Name the Switch successor: what should Nintendo call its new console?
Nintendo officially confirms Switch successor console, announces Nintendo Direct for next month
New static recompiler tool N64Recomp aims to seamlessly modernize N64 games
Majora’s Mask PC port 2Ship2Harkinian gets its first release
Ubisoft reveals 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' which is set to launch later this year
The Kingdom Hearts games are coming to Steam
"Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition", a new NES Remix-like game, launching July 18th
DOOM has been ported to the retro game console in Persona 5 Royal
Microsoft is closing down several gaming studios, including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin
Select PlayStation 2 games are coming to PlayStation 5