The following contains major spoilers for Forspoken, now out on PlayStation 5 and PC.
New Square Enix action-RPG Forspoken focuses on protagonist Frey Holland, a down-on-her-luck New Yorker who is magically transported to the fantastical world of Athia after she comes in contact with a mysterious bracelet. Soon after her transportation, Frey realizes she has the sentient, talking bracelet permanently attached to her arm. "Cuff," as Frey aptly names him, acts as an informative companion and guide for Frey and the player as they journey through Athia. He also grants Frey magical powers and abilities, which allow the player to defend against and attack powerful enemies, as well as traverse the landscapes of Athia with ease.
Cuff informs Frey of Athia's danger from the Tantas, powerful mages that once protected and nurtured human civilization. Frey finds herself battling and defeating the Tantas to try to rid the land of its evil corruption. As the player progresses through Forspoken, there's a feeling of mystery regarding Cuff, as he tends to be standoffish and aloof when exposing information about himself. His true identity and motivations in connection to Frey aren't revealed until very late in the game.
Cuff's True Nature Is Eventually Revealed in Forspoken
After assisting Frey to weaken the Tantas' strongholds throughout Athia, Cuff is finally powerful enough to break free from his imprisoned bracelet form. In this particular section of Forspoken's narrative, the player comes to realize Cuff's true nature. Cuff reveals himself to be a very powerful, demonic entity known as Susurrus.
Decades before, during a great war between Athia and an evil, ominous presence known as the Rheddig, the Tantas were eventually victorious. As a response to the Tantas' victory, the Rheddig attempts to turn the tide by sending one of their most powerful beings to Athia: Susurrus. Described as "an unspeakable evil. A creature of untold power, utterly devoid of mercy," Susurrus was not quite strong enough against the combined power of all four Tantas and was eventually defeated. Fearing Susurrus, the Tantas decided to imprison him and divide his power into four bracelets that each of them would wear to ensure the safety of all of Athia.
This plan seemed successful until the Tantas slowly began a downward spiral into insanity. Although Susurrus was imprisoned, he was still able to affect the minds of the Tantas through their bracelets. Driving them mad with demonic energy and gradually turning them against one another and the human population, the Tantas decided to distance themselves from each other in an attempt to extinguish Susurrus' control.
Frey's Fate Is Intertwined With Susurrus' Motivations in Forspoken
The player comes to understand Frey's connection in this development. Frey is revealed to be the daughter of Tanta Cinta. As the Tantas began to fall from grace one by one from Susurrus' influence, Cinta feared for her newborn and decided to send her to New York City. It's revealed that this is where Frey's father lives. As Cinta reluctantly sent Frey through a portal, her bracelet detached and followed Frey to New York City.
Susurrus waited to lure Frey to him for over two decades until Frey's 21st birthday when she was at her most powerful. Once transported to Athia, Susurrus manipulates Frey into believing he is an ally and the Tantas are the enemy. Using Frey as a weapon to weaken the Tantas and empower himself enough to break free, Susurrus continues to carry out his original plan of enacting revenge by destroying Athia in the name of the Rheddig.
Forspoken manages to subvert expectations narratively by convincing the player, along with Frey, that Cuff is an amicable companion. Throughout the game, building rapport strengthens the bond and relationship between the two. There are instances in the game where Cuff seems genuinely concerned about Frey's well-being. When it's revealed that Cuff is actually the main antagonist of the game and that he was only using and manipulating Frey, there's a sense of deception and betrayal that is clearly felt. Cuff's transition from ally to enemy is a well-executed surprise.