When people talk about classic 90s video games, names like Doom, Quake, and Unreal usually steal the spotlight. But hidden just beneath those legends lies Forsaken, a bold and ambitious game that pushed the limits of 3D action and multiplayer combat. Released in 1998, Forsaken was ahead of its time, delivering fast-paced gameplay, full 360-degree movement, and intense futuristic battles that still feel impressive today.

For gamers who experienced it back then—or those discovering it now—Forsaken stands as a reminder of how experimental and fearless game design once was.

What Is Forsaken?

Forsaken is a first-person shooter with a major twist: instead of running on foot, players control a hovercraft-style vehicle capable of moving freely in all directions. Developed by Probe Entertainment and published by Acclaim, the game takes place in a dark sci-fi future where Earth has been abandoned after a devastating nuclear war.

You play as a bounty hunter sent back to the ruined planet to collect valuable technology. What you find instead is a deadly world filled with hostile drones, rival hunters, and massive underground environments designed for high-speed combat.

Gameplay That Was Truly Ahead of Its Time

What made Forsaken stand out was its six-degrees-of-freedom movement. Players weren’t limited to forward, backward, left, and right—you could fly up, down, roll, spin, and attack from any angle. This made combat feel chaotic, intense, and incredibly skill-based.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Full 360° movement in large 3D environments
• High-speed vehicle-based combat
• Multiple playable characters with unique stats
• A wide variety of futuristic weapons
• Challenging single-player missions and competitive multiplayer

The learning curve was steep, but once mastered, Forsaken felt incredibly rewarding.

Weapons and Combat: Fast, Brutal, and Strategic

Forsaken’s arsenal was packed with creative sci-fi weapons, each designed to shine in three-dimensional combat. From homing missiles to energy cannons and proximity mines, every weapon encouraged smart positioning and quick reflexes.

Combat wasn’t just about shooting—it was about controlling space, predicting enemy movement, and mastering momentum. In multiplayer mode, this became even more intense, as skilled players could dominate entire maps using speed and vertical control.

Multiplayer: Where Forsaken Truly Shone

While the single-player campaign was solid, Forsaken’s multiplayer mode is where the game truly earned its cult following. At a time when online multiplayer was still evolving, Forsaken offered competitive matches that felt deep, tactical, and incredibly fast.

Players could face off in deathmatches that rewarded precision and map knowledge. Unlike traditional shooters, there was no “safe ground”—danger could come from above, below, or behind at any moment.

This made Forsaken a favorite among hardcore PC gamers looking for something different.

Visuals and Atmosphere: Dark, Futuristic, and Immersive

For its era, Forsaken featured advanced lighting effects, reflective surfaces, and detailed environments. The ruined cities, underground tunnels, and alien structures created a lonely, dangerous atmosphere that perfectly fit the game’s post-apocalyptic theme.

The soundtrack added to the intensity, blending electronic and industrial sounds that matched the speed of the gameplay. Even today, Forsaken’s visual style has a distinctive charm that fans still appreciate.

Why Forsaken Was Overlooked

Despite its innovation, Forsaken never reached the mainstream success of other shooters. There were a few reasons:

• The controls were difficult for casual players
• The learning curve was steep
• Competition from major FPS franchises was fierce
• Console versions struggled compared to the PC release

Still, those who invested time into the game often became lifelong fans.

Forsaken’s Legacy in Modern Gaming

Forsaken may not be widely talked about today, but its influence can be felt in modern games that emphasize vertical movement, vehicle combat, and fast-paced multiplayer. It proved that shooters didn’t have to be grounded—literally—to be exciting.

In recent years, Forsaken has enjoyed a quiet revival through digital re-releases and emulation, allowing new players to experience its unique design.

Is Forsaken Still Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely—especially for gamers who love:

• Retro PC games
• Skill-based shooters
• Fast, competitive multiplayer
• Experimental game design

While it may feel challenging at first, Forsaken rewards patience and mastery in a way few modern games do.

Final Thoughts: A Cult Classic Worth Remembering

Forsaken is more than just an old video game—it’s a bold experiment that dared to break the rules of traditional shooters. Its fast movement, deep combat, and competitive multiplayer make it one of the most underrated games of its era.

If you’re looking to explore a piece of gaming history that still feels fresh, Forsaken is a title worth rediscovering. Sometimes, the games we almost forgot are the ones that deserve another look.