Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Sep 9, 2022
    85
    The arrival of F.I.S.T. Forged in Shadow Torch in physical format it's a great news both for collectors and metroidvania fans: it's a great adventure, with some interesting ideas, wonderful combat mechanics and visually astounding... even if the Nintendo Switch version it's a little bit blurry and less stellar.
  2. Jul 13, 2022
    85
    F.I.S.T remains an excellent action adventure on the Nintendo Switch and an unmissable experience for fans of the genre.
  3. 85
    Refinement along the troublesome fringes would take a good game and make it fantastic, but even still, F.I.S.T. is a fun ride. Contrary to the aforementioned buzz, though, truth be told, it isn’t quite at the same level of Metroid Dread (but what is?). This team is clearly onto something, though, and I wouldn’t be surprised if their next effort in this space gives Samus a real run for her money.
  4. Aug 12, 2022
    80
    F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is an excellent metroidvania, with an incredible and challenging combat system. Despite the lack of feedback on some things, it is fully recommended for fans of the genre and gives good rewards with extra content.
  5. Aug 11, 2022
    80
    F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow Torch is a great Metroidvania, that does everything it needs to very well without re-inventing the formula.
  6. Jul 27, 2022
    80
    Despite some unnecessary padding and a combat system that takes a little too long to get into full swing, F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is a compelling and thrilling journey from beginning to end. A stunning world, engaging narrative, and rewarding exploration all combine to create one of the most immersive experiences to grace the genre in quite some time.
  7. Jul 24, 2022
    80
    F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is one of the best metroidvanias this year, with huge maps to explore and plenty of action. If you like the genre and its proposal attracts you, you should not miss it.
  8. Jul 18, 2022
    80
    The solid quality of F.I.S.T. is worth the sacrifice of some graphic performance to get it into the Nintendo Switch that you carry around.
  9. Jul 11, 2022
    75
    F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a great game no matter which console you play it on. It’s a gorgeously fine-tuned Metroidvania that focuses on skill-based combat with an extensive map that begs to be explored. The Switch version is held back by its graphics and load times, but the performance holds up to deliver the action that players will be coming back to time and time again.
  10. Jul 21, 2022
    70
    F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is an excellent story-driven, combat-heavy Metroidvania. But the Nintendo Switch version is the worst version available. If the Switch is your only option to play the game on, it’s a great game at its core. But if you have access to either PlayStation, or a PC, their visual and performance quality greatly outweigh the Switch’s portability option.
  11. Jul 11, 2022
    60
    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.
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. Oct 25, 2022
    5
    I'd advise people to play this game elsewhere. Its a great game, combat is fun and mechanics/story are interesting. BUT...

    - It looks
    I'd advise people to play this game elsewhere. Its a great game, combat is fun and mechanics/story are interesting. BUT...

    - It looks really bad on switch compared to other platforms. Worse than some high tier PS2 games. Blurry and pixelly.

    -The frame rate is a little jittery, early game its not an issue, but late game when the bosses get harder it will become frustrating and not in a good way.

    -Load times on some bosses in the late game take up to 1 minute after each death, which is also a pain because it takes more time to learn their patterns.

    Overall good game, but terrible port, id play it literally anywhere else if possible. Ill be picking it up on XBOX and starting over.
    Full Review »
  2. Dec 10, 2022
    4
    F.I.S.T is a strange game, it feels half-baked in every aspect. The platforming side of the game feels sluggish and ill thought out in everyF.I.S.T is a strange game, it feels half-baked in every aspect. The platforming side of the game feels sluggish and ill thought out in every aspect. The skill's tree has not much to offer, and confusing combos that you are supposed to remember in the heat of a fast battle, where enemies often won't stand around for you to hit them with a 5 button combo. Add to it, the fact that the movement feels slugish and it can be a very frustrating game to enjoy.

    If you are not a Fan of some serious back tracking, then don't play this game. It's not even the enjoyable backtracking as in Hollow knight, it's the type where you have only one way to go, and boy is it a long way! Do this 40 times and you will start to understand the frustrations this game brings you.

    The story is basic and repetitive, and has no depth at all. The graphics in cut scenes are not bad to look at, but in general the visuals are terrible. It seems like a badly thought out port.

    I could go on and on, but i am just a normal person whose opinion most likely won't sway you one way or another. For me, the game was a confusing mess that could have been so much more.
    Full Review »
  3. Sep 13, 2022
    2
    Don't get this game on switch its a horrible port...The framerate is bas, resolution low and it hasn't been adapted for portability atDon't get this game on switch its a horrible port...The framerate is bas, resolution low and it hasn't been adapted for portability at all..This game is a great little challenge on ps4 , but a frustrating mess on switch..The timing in boss battles is messed up due to the uneven frames and if your on hand held , just forget it, characters are so small and similar that it's hard to even know who you are. Full Review »