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

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 115
  3. Negative: 21 out of 115
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  1. Lexouas
    Aug 21, 2023
    10
    one of the best metroidvania games you can play right now.
    The Gameplay & The Graphics are amazing but the story isn't as good as the other things.
    I spent like 25 hours in this game and not regretted at all.
  2. Cyrus666
    Jun 14, 2023
    9
    Number of Playthroughs: 1
    Total Hours Played: 20
    When I started playing FIST I thought: This is a well-made AAA game. I had no idea that an indie-developing team was behind it. It is so well made, the combat, cinematic cutscenes, and level design. FIST is a Metroidvania game. Similar to other games in the genre, there are lots of areas that are locked at first but you gradually gain    Number of Playthroughs: 1
    Total Hours Played: 20
    When I started playing FIST I thought: This is a well-made AAA game. I had no idea that an indie-developing team was behind it. It is so well made, the combat, cinematic cutscenes, and level design.
    FIST is a Metroidvania game. Similar to other games in the genre, there are lots of areas that are locked at first but you gradually gain new abilities and unlock them. The combat is fluid and responsive and a lotta fun. The game overall is very fun but it's not without is flaws. There are short segments of underwater levels, there is a level when you have to play hide and seek with a sea creature and it gets really annoying. Another annoying part was at the ancient complex where you have to run away from a worm. I died to that thing many times and I found it to be quite unfair.
    My only regret is that I didn't manage to get the platinum trophy for this game for 2 reasons: 1) Even though I explored some areas completely and gathered all the collectibles, the map percentage is still not 100 percent. 2)Master Wu's training at the later stages are too difficult and I was too much of a noob to complete them. I've seen some people complain about the final boss. It's not as difficult as they claim and can be easily stunlocked by using whip's Down+ triangle for moderate damage which also gives you enough time to heal.

    So my final thoughts are: Fist Forged in Shadow Torch is a great Metrovania game and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.    … Expand
  3. vevo00
    Jan 4, 2023
    10
    Amei esse jogo, adoro Metroidvanias no estilo Hollow Knight, gráficos bonitos, historia boa e jogabilidade no estilo hack'n'slash valeu com certeza a compra.
  4. PMG-Writer
    Oct 16, 2022
    8
    "F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch" surprised us directly in a positive way and brought us a lot of joy. The storyline and the controls were really fun and kept us hooked for a long time. The graphics are also great, and the animations and sound cut a great figure. If you want to experience an action-packed side-scroller for your console, you should definitely pick up "F.I.S.T.: Forged In"F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch" surprised us directly in a positive way and brought us a lot of joy. The storyline and the controls were really fun and kept us hooked for a long time. The graphics are also great, and the animations and sound cut a great figure. If you want to experience an action-packed side-scroller for your console, you should definitely pick up "F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch".… Expand
  5. nasikarate
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    Esse game é um lindo Metroidvania com tudo que tem direito e batalhas insanas com cenários impressionantes, o início é um pouco parado mas ele vai engatando como um motor. De tirar o fôlego e gráficos lindos.
  6. Deniman
    May 21, 2022
    8
    A very average game, nothing interesting, a passer ... :)
    Passed the game...impressions are so-so ... :) It feels like this is a Chinese fake of metroidvania :) The game can't compare with: Hollow Knight, Axiom Verge 1,2, Salt and Sanctuary, even the fan remake of Metroid (AM2R -Another Metroid 2 Remake) is more atmospheric. It's a bit boring to play in F.I.S.T....I don't want to explore    A very average game, nothing interesting, a passer ... :)
    Passed the game...impressions are so-so ... :) It feels like this is a Chinese fake of metroidvania :) The game can't compare with: Hollow Knight, Axiom Verge 1,2, Salt and Sanctuary, even the fan remake of Metroid (AM2R -Another Metroid 2 Remake) is more atmospheric. It's a bit boring to play in F.I.S.T....I don't want to explore the map due to the fact that there is no no fasttravel in fact, I stupidly ran along the main chain to finish it as soon as possible. Visually, of course, the game is normal, but there is a feeling that the game is not polished both in terms of visaul and in terms of mechanics. Pumping is delusional, you open a bunch of techniques that you don't use. After the whip is opened, the other 2 weapons fade into the background, bosses can only be killed in lategame with a whip, drill and fist are useless. A controversial game, game is not hard mostly... and then you met the boss you need to spend an hour to kill (the last boss has frayed all my nerves). The game makes you feel half-thought out and half-finished - raw. I want to pass and forget )
    Очень средненькая игра, ничего интересного, проходнячок... :)
    Прошёл игру...впечатления так себе конечно :) Чувствуется что это китайская подделка метроидвании :) Не идёт ни в какое сравнение, по моему мнению, с: Hollow Knight, Axiom Verge 1,2, Salt and Sanctuary, даже фанатский ремейки Метроида (AM2R -Another Metroid 2 Remake ) и тот более атмосферный. В F.I.S.T. играть скучновато...исследовать карту не хочется из-за того что фасттравел никакой фактически, я тупо бегал по основной цепочке чтобы побыстрее уж закончить. Визуально конечно игра норм, но есть ощущение что игра не отполирована как в части визаула так и в части механик. Прокачка бредовая, открываешь кучу приёмов, которыми и не пользуешься. После открытия хлыста другие 2 оружия уходят на второй план, боссов можно убить в лэйтгейме только хлыстом, бур и кулак бесполезны. Спорная игра, проходится на изи почти полностью... и тут бац...босс которого надо траить час (ласт босс мне все нервы истрепал ). Игра вызывает ощущение недодуманной и недоделанной - сырой. Хочется пройти и забыть )    … Expand
  7. MoGee
    Apr 23, 2022
    8
    如同很多人说的，这是个哪怕褪去国产光环也很扎实的游戏，除了过场动画节奏有点奇怪、声音突然变小以外，各种都很扎实。
    优秀的场景美术（虽然我对蒸汽？柴油？朋克没什么爱）
    优秀的战斗系统（就是有点难按） 优秀的关卡设计，大，漂亮且不重复（给满分，但传送点太少，还分两种不同的传送点） （就是ps5版有点贵） 这才是真正的国产之光——是那种和全世界银河恶魔城相比都是最优秀的一波 19小时不到通关，发现因为自己总喜欢到处探路，就差几个奖杯就白了，于是多花了两小时白了，最痛苦的莫过于两个在空中处决这个奖杯，要么是打不出处决状态，要么是不小心把两个都打死，起码一个小时花在这上面了。    如同很多人说的，这是个哪怕褪去国产光环也很扎实的游戏，除了过场动画节奏有点奇怪、声音突然变小以外，各种都很扎实。
    优秀的场景美术（虽然我对蒸汽？柴油？朋克没什么爱）
    优秀的战斗系统（就是有点难按）
    优秀的关卡设计，大，漂亮且不重复（给满分，但传送点太少，还分两种不同的传送点）
    （就是ps5版有点贵）
    这才是真正的国产之光——是那种和全世界银河恶魔城相比都是最优秀的一波

    19小时不到通关，发现因为自己总喜欢到处探路，就差几个奖杯就白了，于是多花了两小时白了，最痛苦的莫过于两个在空中处决这个奖杯，要么是打不出处决状态，要么是不小心把两个都打死，起码一个小时花在这上面了。
  8. Bazlighter
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    Крутой платформер. Видно что разработчик вдохновлялся игрой из детства Battletoads. 10/10
  9. Benjy5045
    Feb 18, 2022
    9
    Highly underrated game I honestly can’t believe it hasn’t got the attention it deserves you must try this when you get the chance you will not be disappointed!
  10. chronicrenegade
    Jan 23, 2022
    9
    I have never been interested in Metroidvania games, but FIST is absolutely essential. I had a blast playing it and the worldbuilding is top shelf material. Such a fantastic game.
  11. senneco
    Jan 5, 2022
    10
    UPD: Сделали локализацию в виде субтитров! Красавчики! За это респект! Игра выглядит очень заманчиво

    Нет русской локализации, даже в виде субтитров. Это очень плохо.
  12. HTGamer
    Dec 30, 2021
    8
    Forged In Shadow Torch (aka FIST) is a great modern Metroidvania game, and the closest we ever got to a AAA production for this genre.

    FIST's presentation is its strongest feature, with Unreal Engine 4-powered steampunk-style graphics and great cut-scenes with voice-acting that move forward the story. This isn't another game like Guacamelee where the story takes a backseat in favor of    Forged In Shadow Torch (aka FIST) is a great modern Metroidvania game, and the closest we ever got to a AAA production for this genre.

    FIST's presentation is its strongest feature, with Unreal Engine 4-powered steampunk-style graphics and great cut-scenes with voice-acting that move forward the story. This isn't another game like Guacamelee where the story takes a backseat in favor of gameplay, there is a real story going on with some great-written animal-based characters.

    Graphics are 4K and run at 60 fps on PS5. On PC the game features Ray Tracing effects which are missing from the PS5 version. The developers said they could update the PS5 version with Ray Tracing post-launch, but so far they haven't (and I don't see it ever happening).

    Gameplay doesn't break any new grounds for the genre, but doesn't disappoint either. You begin exploring the world with limited abilities but slowly unlock more and more skills and gadgets as you go, opening new paths that were previously inaccessible. The combat system is designed somewhat like a fighting game, you can grab and throw enemies, learn various combos and mix up different weapons on-the-fly if you like, but you can make do even with simplistic yet effective 3-hit combos. There is a dodge button for quick manoeuvers. But one blemish of the fighting-like combat system is that standard actions like parries or uppercuts are considered as special moves and require to spend an energy point to activate them. Another negative point is the clunkiness of some stealth sections and some puzzles with moving batteries around ain't well-designed.

    FIST will likely last you a good 12 hours or so to beat the main story, and probably closer to 20 hours if you want to do all the side content and explore every nook and cranny of the map. Pretty meaty game for 30 USD or Euros.

    If you wanna see what a modern AAA-style take on the metroidvania template would be like, I recommend checking out FIST.    … Expand
  13. jeffsaw1
    Nov 18, 2021
    10
    If u love Hollow Knight, Ori and the blind forest, Strider, all those kind of games, this one is for u. I really enjoyed this game, and the boss fight make it more challenging
  14. Christo1
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    F.I.S.T is such a great Metroidvania I can honestly say it breathes new life into such an excellent but already established gaming genre!! I can’t wait to see more of what this game studio has to offer in the future!!
  15. Rinzler88
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Отличный представитель жанра метроидвания, не без недостатков, но для любителей жанра - обязателен к ознакомлению!
  16. fadz13
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    One of the best new Metroidvania's. I highly recommend it. Great steampunk atmosphere.
  17. lolicow
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Good art, good gameplay. Finally got some good Chinese game without **** monetization trap.
  18. M-a-x-i-m-u-s
    Sep 23, 2021
    8
    Игра отличная. Стилистика Стимпанка хороша. Геймплей также отличный. Бои не надоедают.
    Из минусов: нет русских субтитров; немного мыльноватая графика; не особо разнообразный саундтрек.
  19. szymaniaq
    Sep 23, 2021
    8
    This game provides a lot of fun. Nice design and game mechanics, different style of weapons means you can fight you own style. Bosses are rather challenging. One thing I don't like is that you cannot access some of the places (parts of location) until you progress game and get f.e (mask to breath underwater). Maybe solution for that would be more teleport pods (fast travel). Generally tonsThis game provides a lot of fun. Nice design and game mechanics, different style of weapons means you can fight you own style. Bosses are rather challenging. One thing I don't like is that you cannot access some of the places (parts of location) until you progress game and get f.e (mask to breath underwater). Maybe solution for that would be more teleport pods (fast travel). Generally tons of fun for around 30 EUR. Money well spent. I recommend it.… Expand
  20. NihiRagnarK
    Sep 20, 2021
    9
    10 for Combat Design: The combat with 3 vastly different switchable weapons, 8 directions of Dash, and a Street-fighter 3 like blocking mechanism makes it full of possibilities and funs like a 2D Devil May Cry game.

    9 for Metroidvania World: The world is additive for players to explore with various details and secrets hidden all over the place and interconnected together. However, it    10 for Combat Design: The combat with 3 vastly different switchable weapons, 8 directions of Dash, and a Street-fighter 3 like blocking mechanism makes it full of possibilities and funs like a 2D Devil May Cry game.

    9 for Metroidvania World: The world is additive for players to explore with various details and secrets hidden all over the place and interconnected together. However, it does not outperform any other great Metroidvania game.

    9 for Platformer: There are already some wall jumps + backward double jumps at the very first few secrets. Really reminds players of the old Mega Man X/Z series. Nothing excels or becomes too hard at the end though.

    8 for Level Design: The difficulty curve is a bit steep and inconsistent in the final levels and bosses, but generally it is not a hard game. There are also limited Boss designs but it doesn't feel too replicated in 20 hours of gameplay.

    7 for Story: Overall not a very interesting storyline and not much depth of characters    … Expand
  21. ciccio80_1980
    Sep 16, 2021
    8
    I played F.I.S.T .: Forged In Shadow Torch on PlayStation 5 thanks to a code given to me by the distributor. I ran the test on an LG OLED55BX6LB TV and finished the main campaign in thirteen hours. The game features lyrics and dubbing in English and Chinese, both of which are well-made. The developers have stated that in the coming weeks a series of patches will arrive for the inclusion ofI played F.I.S.T .: Forged In Shadow Torch on PlayStation 5 thanks to a code given to me by the distributor. I ran the test on an LG OLED55BX6LB TV and finished the main campaign in thirteen hours. The game features lyrics and dubbing in English and Chinese, both of which are well-made. The developers have stated that in the coming weeks a series of patches will arrive for the inclusion of additional languages, among which, unfortunately, Italian is not included.
    Fun, crafted with obvious attention to detail and featuring a rewarding combat system, F.I.S.T .: Forged In Shadow Torch is a game with a lot of heart and personality. The articulated level design, full of secrets and shortcuts, lets itself be explored in all its extension, slowly revealing itself and pushing us to peer into every nook and cranny. The fights are almost similar to those of modern action, putting aside the long-range weapons typical of the genre to bet everything on clashes with overwhelming physicality. Some fights are not exactly "spotless", with the camera moving too far and the protagonist tending to blend in with the enemies. Fortunately, the legibility of the action is compromised only at times, resulting in a forgivable annoyance, rather than a serious defect. Thanks to a very punctual control system in the jumps and thanks to the organicity of the settings, rich in explorable ravines, the adventure flows very well, even without jolts. In the end, this is the biggest flaw of F.I.S.T .: Forged In Shadow Torch: it is a pleasant and undeniably curated experience, but never able to really take flight. Formally devoid of gross flaws and unable to strike as hard as the protagonist's fists, it is bound to slip away from your memories just after the credits.    … Expand
  22. Exlee3000
    Sep 16, 2021
    10
    To the clowns giving this game a zero, you are despicable! This game is quality through and through. This is one of the best metroidvanias I've played in a while. But it's just a good game, period. The graphics are so good. Each new location is beautifully realized. The sound and music is top notch as well. There is a spot where a character plays you an acoustic song and it'sTo the clowns giving this game a zero, you are despicable! This game is quality through and through. This is one of the best metroidvanias I've played in a while. But it's just a good game, period. The graphics are so good. Each new location is beautifully realized. The sound and music is top notch as well. There is a spot where a character plays you an acoustic song and it's awesome! The true star of the show is the combat! It is so fun. You get tons of combos and finshers called executions. You start with your big metal fist which is awesome for combat and breakung through to find secret areas. There are also 2 other augmentations to your fist that totally change combat and traversal. And they are all great. There are also cool upgrades that open up the world even more which leads to more areas and secrets. The game loop is so fun. To make it all even better the artwork is so, so good. The anthropomorphic characters are all amazing. It makes it a joy to meet each new character. Finally the voice acting and localization is really, really solid. Everything comes together to make an extremely polished and fun experience. I would rate the game a 9 but because some losers who haven"t played the game gave it a zero I'm giving it a 10. Highly recommended. Support this awesome game!… Expand
  23. AdrianG86
    Sep 15, 2021
    8
    Very enjoyable metroidvania, most of the levels have beautiful looking backgrounds and are fun to explore looking for collectibles and upgrades; the combat is one of the best parts in the game ( you have 3 main weapons for which you can unlock many combos and abilities) - easy to learn difficult to master in the heat of battle. To bad the story is not that amazing and the voice acting isVery enjoyable metroidvania, most of the levels have beautiful looking backgrounds and are fun to explore looking for collectibles and upgrades; the combat is one of the best parts in the game ( you have 3 main weapons for which you can unlock many combos and abilities) - easy to learn difficult to master in the heat of battle. To bad the story is not that amazing and the voice acting is not phenomenal otherwise I would have given it a 10!… Expand
  24. TheGamesVault
    Sep 14, 2021
    9
    Amazing game, one of the best Birthday presents I've received.

    Amazing gameplay, level design, music, boss fights and characters, my only issue was the vague/confusing ending
  25. Kajan
    Sep 13, 2021
    10
    Bardzo dobra gra. Grafika, klimat oraz rozgrywka. Nie mogę się oderwać od tej gry.
  26. TaYroN2021
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    Very fun game! I really don't undrestand 0 scores at all... Well... This game is more funner than some AAA games ;)
  27. DonaldVIVA19
    Sep 10, 2021
    9
    Absolutely amazed by the level of completion, proud of the Chinese developers which lets me finally see a good game
  28. Da7o0om
    Sep 9, 2021
    10
    Amazing metroidvania game ..hope they make DLC

    for me this game one of the best games in 2021
  29. Enycem5
    Sep 9, 2021
    10
    Absolute amazing metroidvania. Haven’t had this much fun since Ori & Hollow Knight honestly. Brilliantly paced, beautiful to explore. Combat is super fluid and rewarding. Insane this is from an Indie team. Need more perfectly polished metroidvania’s like this. Love the pixel art, but it’s too played out anymore. If you enjoy metroidvania games whatsoever, this is a MUST PLAY!
  30. TheDude222
    Sep 9, 2021
    9
    This game has absolutely blown me a way. So damn good. I'm normally not a side scroller guy either but this has a good sense of progression and fun challenging combat to keep me going.
  31. geonole
    Sep 9, 2021
    9
    Great game! I really enjoy Metroidvania-type games and this one definitely delivers. Fun level design, exciting combat, great graphics, and interesting characters are my must-haves for me to consider a game good in this genre. FIST provides all of this.
  32. nassimrates
    Sep 9, 2021
    10
    Amazing chinese 20th century steampunk style, if you know chinese history, you would understand alot this game's trying to tell you.A very good game except few types of enemies
  33. Giamast
    Sep 9, 2021
    9
    A wonderful metroidvania, with stunning presentation, great graphics and performance on PS5 and an incredible style and art design. This game really has souls, characters are unique and the setting is beautiful. Combat is top notch and overall gameplay is so smooth and tight. I’m also really liking the platforming and the puzzles

    This game was a really nice surprise and a must have for    A wonderful metroidvania, with stunning presentation, great graphics and performance on PS5 and an incredible style and art design. This game really has souls, characters are unique and the setting is beautiful. Combat is top notch and overall gameplay is so smooth and tight. I’m also really liking the platforming and the puzzles

    This game was a really nice surprise and a must have for everyone who likes metroidvania games    … Expand
  34. Unbiasedgamer23
    Sep 8, 2021
    10
    Just finished this game and am Absolutely pleased with how this game turned out. Good job to ChinaHeroProject for this absolute masterpiece. I may have a new GOTY.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2021
43
#43 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Gamersky
    Dec 2, 2021
    92
    As a Metroidvania, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch has achieved the point of "making players feel comfortable". Even if you are not a fan of this type of game, its comfortable controlling feel, brilliant gameplay and moderate difficulty are still worth to try.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Nov 15, 2021
    85
    Torch City is really impressive. Every district has its own unique style and all the environments are extraordinarily detailed. The game’s atmosphere is fantastic, exploring the wonderfully designed world is very engaging and the combat system is great. Just go on and play it, unless you’re allergic to backtracking, because F.I.S.T. relies on it quite heavily. [11/2021, p.27]
  3. Meristation
    Oct 21, 2021
    80
    Forged In Shadow Torch is a highly recommended adventure for fans of metroidvania style, with gorgeous graphics and art design and frenzied and forceful gameplay. Only some issues about control and difficulty keep it from excellence.
    Read full review
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