Fighting Force Collection

Fighting Force Collection functions more as a nostalgic throwback than a true update of its two games. The first Fighting Force remains the pack's biggest draw, with a simple yet effective co-op mode that can still provide some enjoyable moments. The second, however, falls far short and highlights more clearly than ever the series' uncertainties in its evolution. It's an honest collection, but one that relies heavily on historical value rather than current gameplay.

A faithful collection and a useful window into a strange era for the genre, but also proof that some classics age better as memories than as games.

Fighting Force Collection introduces the beat ’em up cult classic to a new generation while letting old-school gamers reconnect with their youth.

Fighting Force Collection is a good little set that brings two influential 3D brawlers back into the spotlight. Despite story issues, awkward mechanics in the second game, and some dated design choices, the core fighting still feels great. Smashing up furniture, blowing up vehicles, pulling off combos, and battling through waves of enemies remains fun, and the collection does a solid job preserving what made these games stand out. It is a nostalgic, chaotic, and enjoyable return to a pair of games that helped shape the 3D beat ’em up genre.

Fighting Force Collection is a curious title. It seems solely aimed at people who enjoyed these titles back when they were released. Neither of them are particular cult classics and while I was happy enough to play both of them again, not enough has been done to bring in a new crowd . I feel the lack of different versions of the games or much in the way of other bonuses really just makes it feel like a bare bones product just thrown out for the few people craving their next retro fix. If you enjoyed the Fighting Force games back in the day and have a hankering for jumping back in, I would say go for it. But in a market full of retro rereleases, Fighting Force Collection doesn’t even scratch the top dogs of the market. Much like the original releases, there isn’t enough here for it to be a true standout.

Pair of classic 3D beat ’em ups that are definitely showing their age

Core Design did fantastic work with the Tomb Raider franchise, but largely dropped the ball when developing Fighting Force and Fighting Force 2. And while this new compilation makes them more accessible, it doesn't do much, outside of the addition of save states, to make them more enjoyable.

In the end the Fighting Force Collection is more of a curiosity than a compilation of classics. Some people have nostalgia for the first game, it was decent. The second game, however, should have remained forgotten. Core Design started strong and ended with a whimper and I would rather remember them for titles like Tomb Raider and Soulstar, and not the travesty that is Fighting Force 2.

Fighting Force Collection is a faithful port of a long-forgotten PS1 series. Those who grew up with these games will find some nostalgic fun, but anyone else will struggle to find many positives to pull from this collection.

Is this collection worth it? The first game is still fun, but the sequel remains a bad game with little reason to revisit. '20 for two basic ports with minimal improvements is too much.