Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. May 16, 2022
    85
    F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch may be an awkwardly named game, but it is also a solid Metroidvania title. The game may follow the genre blueprint faithfully, but the environments feel more than a series of corridors, since there are a number of open-air areas to traverse. The combat is fluid, and the movement tricks make you feel powerful very early in the game. The adventure flows by at a good pace, and the amount of secrets will keep you exploring each environment for quite some time. Genre fans and those who love a good 2D adventure will be happy with this title in their collection.
  2. Mar 23, 2022
    85
    F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is a very beautiful Metroidvania with some backtracking that won’t interfere with your exploration of the game’s story. The plot is able to easily grab and hold players’ attention without being boring. The game also features some interesting decisions when it comes to classic Metroidvania mechanics.
  3. Oct 16, 2021
    85
    The conclusion that comes out of our experience with F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is that it is a high quality and entertaining Metroidvania that is highly recommended to fans of the genre and not only to them. The increased difficulty level towards the end of the adventure might be a deterrent for some players, but the game proves to be so enjoyable to play that we won't hold any... grudges.
  4. Oct 12, 2021
    85
    Visually impressive dieselpunk Metroidvania with stimulating combat, challenging bosses and a varied level design.
  5. Nov 4, 2021
    82
    TiGames work looks pretty good on the newest hardware generation, however, the PC version looks the best. But, not everything is visuals when we talk about F.I.S.T .: Forged in Shadow Torch, the story is entertaining and its exploration system is deep and well-planned. It's a game that will leave you pleasantly surprised.
  6. Jun 27, 2023
    80
    F.I.S.T. Forged in Shadow Torch is 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.
  7. Nov 28, 2021
    60
    Aside from its wacky premise, F.I.S.T. is a more than solid game that plays smoothly and looks great - especially thanks to the PC and PS5's graphical processing power. But the difficulty level is quite high - due to the clumsy controls at times even a little too high. So prepare for frustration and disappointment, and very often try again.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 51
  2. Negative: 6 out of 51
  1. Nov 20, 2021
    10
    A very very very pleasant surprise. Very well thought in every aspect. The level design is great. The skills you unlock all add something toA very very very pleasant surprise. Very well thought in every aspect. The level design is great. The skills you unlock all add something to the gameplay. Some challenging platforming moments. Interesting bosses and mini-bosses. Good sense of progression. The rewards are on point and come at the right time with the right efforts. And the graphics and the music are beautiful. Full Review »
  2. Dec 28, 2021
    9
    Outstanding and easily the top metroidvania game with splendid graphic and art design, as well as decent combat system which differs fromOutstanding and easily the top metroidvania game with splendid graphic and art design, as well as decent combat system which differs from other metroidvania games. It's like 2D platformer version of Devil May Cry. Music good, story meh( Which I don't care about).
    If I have to mention a downside it will be some really unfriendly level designs especially in the last half part of the game.
    Full Review »
  3. Sep 25, 2022
    9
    About 75% of the way through the game and loving every moment of it. The game is more open than Metroid: Fusion but a little more linear thanAbout 75% of the way through the game and loving every moment of it. The game is more open than Metroid: Fusion but a little more linear than something like Symphony of the Night. It is a great introduction game to the genre due it's unrelenting pace of gaining power-ups and facing challenging bosses. It also is a great game for those who have played plenty of Metroidvanias since the game seems to pull influence from a lot of the fan favorites while feeling new. It is a long game for the genre but not once have I felt as though a part is a slog to get through Full Review »