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. xenomorf
    Apr 15, 2023
    6
    Nice metroidvania game. But th inaccurate controls ruin it a bit for me. This becomes apparent in the barrel challenge in the western range where hits are not registered. Very frustrating
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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。
  9. Bazlighter
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    Крутой платформер. Видно что разработчик вдохновлялся игрой из детства Battletoads. 10/10
  10. 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!
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. SprigganXIII
    Dec 27, 2021
    5
    So this has been in my back log for a few months. I am 12hrs into the game and it has it pluses but the combat in this game needs a lot of tuning work:
    Examples: Do the Combat Training and while the combos aren't hard there is often delay that cause them them to fail, most while attempting mid-air/jumping combos or when you change to change weapons these combos will fail 90% of the time    So this has been in my back log for a few months. I am 12hrs into the game and it has it pluses but the combat in this game needs a lot of tuning work:
    Examples: Do the Combat Training and while the combos aren't hard there is often delay that cause them them to fail, most while attempting mid-air/jumping combos or when you change to change weapons these combos will fail 90% of the time do to input delay.
    Throwing enemies should be a fun experience (there is an achievement to throw 20 flying enemies into another enemy) however everything needs to be perfectly set-up in the stupidest way:
    1. If you are slightly above or below an enemy you will only ever toss an enemy straight so you will auto miss.
    2. If enemies are stacked you will grab one then throw through the nearest enemy instead of hitting it.
    3. Throw distance is tiny so make sure you're close be not too close... see above point.
    ^ All the above points could have been fixed with auto-targeting and would make the enemy toss fun and satisfying.
    Enemies have more I-frames then the player.
    Devs put a lot of thought in to the combat, you can tell with all their systems, but they didn't tune it at all so while you will have combos you will NEVER use them because you're more like going to take more damage trying to pull them off then will do the enemy.    … Expand
  15. kasparius
    Nov 24, 2021
    6
    As I played more of the game, it appeared clear that it was developed by fans of the Metroidvania genre with a lack of experience or skill. There is ambition at work here, expansive map, tons of items to discover and ever expansive combat tools, however it is in the fine details that the game falters. Tedious and friction laden stealth and puzzle sections that showcase an inability toAs I played more of the game, it appeared clear that it was developed by fans of the Metroidvania genre with a lack of experience or skill. There is ambition at work here, expansive map, tons of items to discover and ever expansive combat tools, however it is in the fine details that the game falters. Tedious and friction laden stealth and puzzle sections that showcase an inability to spice the game up without resorting to tired ways to challenge the player, and an overall sameness to the entire affair. The creators are trying really hard to create a memorable story and charming characters, but the fuzzy cast seems pulled out of a creepy third rate puppet tv show cancelled after a test screening ended up with traumatized children begging their parents to leave. I’m not sure whose idea it was to have a bunch of rejects from Watership Down and Animal Farm as the unlikely heroes of a clunky futuristic rebellion, but suffice to say I was skipping cutscenes and hitting buttons with zeal during conversations.

    To be honest I’ve always preferred my Metroidvanias light on story and dialogue, environmental storytelling should be key here, and the only thing the environment was indicating was a lack of creative spark in the world design department.

    It’s not all bad, mind you, combat was enjoyable enough in a belt action kind of way, and the presentation even though lacking in style indicates a lot of work went into it, but there is a very strong lack of polish that permeates most aspects of the game and I can only recommend it to Metroidvaniacs who’ve played pretty much every other game in the genre and need a fix. For others, if the mood strikes you there is so much better out there.    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. 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!!
  18. Rinzler88
    Oct 14, 2021
    10
    Отличный представитель жанра метроидвания, не без недостатков, но для любителей жанра - обязателен к ознакомлению!
  19. Vasot
    Oct 4, 2021
    5
    Another game oriented mostly for kids and teen gamers. Fluffy animals that talk and behave like humans wearing gadgets and carrying weapons typical 3D cartoon game made for the "young audience". While graphically speaking looks pretty good the art and the characters look childish to say the least and the story has many cliché taken from Kids TV shows....As for the gameplay it's a veryAnother game oriented mostly for kids and teen gamers. Fluffy animals that talk and behave like humans wearing gadgets and carrying weapons typical 3D cartoon game made for the "young audience". While graphically speaking looks pretty good the art and the characters look childish to say the least and the story has many cliché taken from Kids TV shows....As for the gameplay it's a very linear game the enemies are lacking in variety it gets repetitive fast. It's one of these casual games after you finish them you just forget about them… Expand
  20. fadz13
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    One of the best new Metroidvania's. I highly recommend it. Great steampunk atmosphere.
  21. xiekaidream
    Sep 27, 2021
    7
    普通模式坚持到雷霆兄弟-。-果断切了简单模式~
    玩起来又想到了墨西哥英雄大混战2，不过墨西哥战斗是无双，这个是硬核格斗~
    到后来变成了无限鞭子蓄力攻击，就像大乱斗卡比无限↓B=。=
    剧情演出有点生硬，女主Lady Q实在代入不进去TAT
    虽然缺点一堆，但还是玩的停不下来~
    期待更多国产佳作~！
  22. lolicow
    Sep 26, 2021
    10
    Good art, good gameplay. Finally got some good Chinese game without **** monetization trap.
  23. Sin2222
    Sep 26, 2021
    2
    The gameplay is below average and the art style, if not to say boring, is a well-worn cliche just like that of Eastward. For me the thing that stands out is the combat, combat feels smooth and there’s a certain flexibility and uniqueness in the design of the movements of the characters. However, I personally do not think that this game to be worth it’s price since at the same price level,The gameplay is below average and the art style, if not to say boring, is a well-worn cliche just like that of Eastward. For me the thing that stands out is the combat, combat feels smooth and there’s a certain flexibility and uniqueness in the design of the movements of the characters. However, I personally do not think that this game to be worth it’s price since at the same price level, there’re just too many better alternatives out there to pick from.… Expand
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. Mourning_star
    Sep 22, 2021
    2
    Runs like **** on ps4 I don't recommend this game and it freezes and the FP also the worst Chase scene ever in ancient complex
  27. 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
  28. GlaucioM
    Sep 17, 2021
    4
    Beautiful design and gameplay is funny, but the boss is very hard to win. The last boss is impossible to win.
  29. zzuchara
    Sep 17, 2021
    6
    The game is generally good, the art style is excellent, the combat system pleases, the plot in the style of old superhero action movies also made me smile a couple of times, but the game has a very big but. I did not go through it to the end because I was finished off by your giant labyrinths overflowing with obstacles .. well, this is too much ... I would like to put all 10, but excuseThe game is generally good, the art style is excellent, the combat system pleases, the plot in the style of old superhero action movies also made me smile a couple of times, but the game has a very big but. I did not go through it to the end because I was finished off by your giant labyrinths overflowing with obstacles .. well, this is too much ... I would like to put all 10, but excuse me, I'm not a masochist and the game did not pass. In the end, she disappointed me with her artificially wound duration
    Игра в общем хорошая , арт стиль прекрасен, боевая система радует ,сюжет в стиле старых супергероиских боевиков тоже застиавил пару раз улыбнуться, но в игре есть очень большое НО. Я не прошел ее до конца потому что меня добили ваши здоровенные лабиринты переполненные препятсвиями..это уже слишком много... Хотелось бы поставить все 10 но извините я не мазахист и игру не прошел. Под конец она меня разочаровала своеи упрямои искуственно накрученной продолжительностью    … Expand
  30. DarthAlco
    Sep 17, 2021
    7
    Really good fun, cool move set, awesome character design and world building.
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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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