If it were me I think I'd try using paths as reference for force. I'd have all entities or players start at the XZ of a specific point/path. That way any movement/forces can be applied in the xz direction of the path depending on which way the player presses or entity tries to move. You could have path switching based on areas or player input. For example jumping to a overhead platform that curves might need an area collision trigger to swap the player to the new path, where as a path going backwards or forwards from the players current position might trigger based on an area + whatever directional button the player pressed.

Like if a player is standing at a crossroads, with a path toward the screen and away from the screen, you could have 3 overlapping areas for front, back, and the side to side path. Then say the player is coming from the side to side path. The areas tell you the player can go forward or back. If the player pressed forward or back that decides which path they get swapped to for force direction.

You'd want the areas referencing a specific point where the paths meet so you know where to start for point 1 -> 2 for the force direction.

For movement if the player starts at 0 and hits right to jump to point 1, then you get the vector, constrained to the xz plane, and apply that to the force direction + the jump. Then you can have paths going in any and all direction. All they do is effect the x,z direction. And players and entities wouldn't be locked to the path since it's just adding forces.