F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch

Punching through F.I.S.T. only gets better thanks to its evolving combat. Mapping every inch of the world is an engrossing, good time

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is an exemplary action-adventure, packed full of heartfelt detail and design, daubed in a grimy-yet-absorbing aesthetic, and powered with punchy, satisfying combat. While some of its elements will be over-familiar to genre fans, the originalities still shine through, resulting in a brilliant-looking, great-playing metroidvania that will delight players, whether they have a fluffy tail or otherwise. Heed my words: It’s most definitely wabbit season.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a stellar Metroidvania adventure set in a beautifully realised world, replete with challenging combat encounters, rewarding exploration, and some spicy platforming action. Rayton Rabbit might be of diminutive stature, but he's punching well above his weight here in what is one of the best games of 2021 so far.

Although we may sound quite negative when discussing the game, FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch really is worth playing; it just has so much potential that it doesn't quite reach. It rides on the cusp of greatness so often, while not quite making it over the hurdle. We can't wait to play a sequel because if it was iterated on, FIST could be something really special. Sadly, due to the technical issues associated with this Switch version such as the unbearably long load times, it's let down even further. Overall, a promising foundation that we hope leads to better things in the future.

F.I.S.T. Forged in Shadow Torch throws a lot of different things at the wall and tries to make them all stick. In the end, it's a bit of a messy mix of platforming, combat, robots, and animals that Dr. Robotnik would be proud of, but it's still great fun to play even if it doesn't make a lot of sense.

F.I.S.T. Forged in Shadow Torch is a must-buy for Metroidvania fans looking for something that tries new things. It takes the well-worn staples of the sub-genre and blends them with a steampunk feel and a richer storyline than most

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch stands out as a well-structured classic metroidvania, offering a solid and engaging gameplay experience. While it doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking innovations, the game shines through its aesthetic quality, dieselpunk setting, and fluid combat. Fans of the genre will find a satisfying and immersive challenge, while minor drawbacks, like the parry system, don’t diminish a game that is, overall, well worth playing.

F.I.S.T Forged in Shadow Torch delivered all the elements of the metroidvania genre with a high standard, as well as a combat system that was both challenging and satisfying, but what was hindering the experience of the game was the linearity and the way the game progressed in the first third of the game.

An engaging 2.5D platforming adventure with rich visuals and furry creatures, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch has all of the right ingredients you'd expect from any good metroidvania, as well as a few tricks of its own. It's certainly one of the most enjoyable games featuring a rabbit with a huge metal fist I've ever played.

A well-made, beautiful action focused Metroidvania.  The combat starts off slow but when it clicks it is excellent.  The traversal and platforming are top-notch, and even though I’m not too much of a furry I grew to enjoy the characters and story quickly.