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

The story of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch receives praise for its engaging world-building and unique aesthetic, with many critics highlighting its retro-futuristic dieselpunk setting and anthropomorphic characters. God is a Geek notes the narrative’s “compelling twists” and emotional investment despite its grimy setting, while COGconnected emphasizes the strong focus on story through cinematic cutscenes. The game’s dystopian Torch City, populated by anthropomorphic animals resisting robotic oppression, is frequently lauded for its vivid presentation and thematic depth, with GameStar describing it as “predictable but well-told” and XboxEra appreciating its “heart despite tropes.” Critics like Hey Poor Player and Twinfinite also commend the character development and supporting cast, noting that Rayton’s journey to rescue his friend and lead a resistance feels grounded in personal stakes. The narrative’s blend of rebellion themes, secret societies, and moral ambiguity adds layers to its structure, with some reviewers finding it “surprisingly compelling” despite its genre conventions. However, several critics criticize the story for lacking emotional resonance and originality, often pointing to underdeveloped characters and clichéd plots. Finger Guns calls the narrative “passable but lacks emotional resonance,” while Wccftech describes it as “shallow and simplistic,” with characters feeling like anime archetypes. The dialogue is frequently criticized as awkward or forced, with Press Start Australia noting “awkward dialogue” and Game Informer stating the plot “doesn’t delve into deeper narrative elements.” Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and Gaming Age, argue that the story feels secondary to gameplay, serving more as “window dressing” than a central pillar. The reliance on familiar tropes—such as a Macguffin-driven quest or a “flesh versus machine” conflict—leads to accusations of being unremarkable, with Everyeye.it calling it “overly dramatic” and TheSixthAxis noting its “nonsensical yet seriously delivered” plot. Even when the narrative attempts depth, critics like WellPlayed and GameOver.gr argue it loses momentum or fails to capitalize on its potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is that F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch offers a story that is competent but unexceptional, with strengths in setting and thematic ambition overshadowed by narrative shortcomings. While some reviewers, like God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player, appreciate its character-driven moments and world-building, others, such as Finger Guns and Wccftech, find it generic and underwhelming. The game’s focus on gameplay over storytelling is a recurring point of contention, with TheXboxHub criticizing the “heavy narrative direction” as out of place for a Metroidvania. Despite mixed reactions, there is agreement that the story serves as a functional framework for the game’s action, even if it doesn’t elevate it beyond its genre expectations. Ultimately, while F.I.S.T. has moments of charm and creativity, its narrative remains a secondary element to its mechanics, leaving many critics divided on its lasting impact.

The gameplay of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is widely praised for its dynamic combat mechanics, metroidvania-style exploration, and progression systems. Critics like Meristation and Vandal highlight the game’s "classic metroidvania mechanics," including interconnected areas, boss battles, and RPG elements, while GameMAG and IGN Italia commend the combo system, weapon variety (fist, drill, whip), and fluid movement mechanics such as double jumps and dash abilities. The combat is often described as engaging, with Hey Poor Player noting "tight controls" and "varied combat with three weapons," while NintendoWorldReport appreciates the "satisfying progression system." The game’s emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving, alongside its evolving combat that rewards mastery (e.g., unlocking transformations or advanced techniques), is frequently lauded as a strength. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple difficulty settings and accessibility patches (like Easy Mode) is seen as a positive step by critics like Player 2 and Eurogamer Italy. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay that detract from the experience. Issues with combat balance, such as "awkward parry mechanics" (ZTGD), "unbalanced difficulty curves" (GameMAG), and "frustrating enemy interactions" (ZTGD), are recurring complaints. The scarcity of upgrades and high costs of special moves (Twinfinite) and the lack of defensive options like blocking (GameOver.gr) further frustrate players. Some critics, including Nintendo Life and GamingTrend, note that early-game mechanics like dodge/parry are missing, making initial combat feel incomplete. Additionally, platforming challenges are criticized for being "frustratingly difficult" (GameMAG) or overly repetitive (NintendoWorldReport), while others point to technical issues like input delays (Gameblog.fr) and camera angles (IGN Italia). The game’s difficulty spikes, particularly in boss fights (Player 2, Hey Poor Player), and the late introduction of key mechanics (e.g., dash ability in MGG) are also highlighted as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that F.I.S.T. delivers a compelling metroidvania experience with strong core mechanics, even if it struggles with balance and accessibility. While some reviewers, like Vandal and Meristation, praise its "traditional metroidvania" structure and evolving combat, others, such as GameStar and God is a Geek, acknowledge the game’s skill-based design and rewarding progression. The mixed reception reflects a divide between players who appreciate the challenge and depth (e.g., WellPlayed, Press Start Australia) and those frustrated by its steep learning curve and technical issues (e.g., GameOver.gr, Eurogamer Italy). Ultimately, the game is seen as a solid entry in the genre with room for improvement, particularly in refining its difficulty scaling and combat systems.

The graphics and visual design of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch are widely praised for their distinctive diesel-punk aesthetic, intricate environments, and immersive world-building. Critics like Hobby Consolas highlighted the game’s "visually striking 3D environments" and real-time lighting effects, while Vandal lauded its "detailed dieselpunk-inspired cityscape" and technical execution via Unreal Engine 4. The art style, blending industrial urban settings with anthropomorphic animals, was described as "gorgeous" by Noisy Pixel on PS5, with GameSpace noting its "unique dieselpunk aesthetic" and creative pop culture references. WellPlayed and Hardcore Gamer emphasized the game’s mechanical details, contrasting polished empire areas against rusted resistance zones, while COGconnected praised the seamless transitions between land and sea. Many critics, including GamePro Germany and Press Start Australia, drew comparisons to Final Fantasy VII, citing its "gorgeously dystopian" cityscapes and cohesive art direction. The game’s ability to balance thematic depth with visual creativity earned it consistent acclaim across platforms. However, several critiques focused on technical limitations, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Life and Gamersky noted issues like poor fur textures, inconsistent frame rates, and lower resolution (720p in handheld mode), while Noisy Pixel described the Switch version as "muggy" with desaturated colors that hinder visibility. Meristation pointed to texture pop-in and frame rate drops on PS4, and XboxEra highlighted performance hiccups on PC, such as asset loading issues. TheSixthAxis criticized repetitive environments, and GamingBolt mentioned motion blur and camera shake detracting from the visuals. While these flaws were more pronounced on certain platforms, many reviewers acknowledged that the core art style and environmental design remained compelling despite these shortcomings. Overall, the majority of critics agreed that F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch delivers a visually strong experience, with its diesel-punk aesthetic and detailed world-building standing out as major strengths. While platform-specific technical issues—particularly on the Switch and PS4—were noted, they did not overshadow the game’s artistic achievements. Vandal and GamePro Germany emphasized the impressive technical execution for an indie studio, while God is a Geek praised the "grimy, oil-slicked zootopia" of the Switch version despite its limitations. The consensus leans heavily toward admiration for the game’s visual identity, with even critics pointing out minor flaws acknowledging that the overall package remains engaging and stylistically cohesive.

The sound design and music of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch received generally positive feedback, with many critics highlighting their immersive qualities and thematic cohesion. COGconnected praised the soundtrack’s use of acoustic guitar in crime-themed areas and synth-wave for futuristic settings, emphasizing its ability to adapt to Torch City’s diverse regions. GamingBolt noted the blend of jazz/piano in the city hub and quieter tones during exploration, while Hardcore Gamer commended the dynamic score that shifts between intensity and ambiance, enhanced by Dual Sense feedback. Jeuxvideo.com and Destructoid both emphasized the “immersive atmosphere” created by the audio, with Meristation appreciating the rock, jazz, and ambient tracks that give the soundtrack a strong personality. Additionally, TrueGaming and Everyeye.it acknowledged the music’s role in complementing the game’s serious tone, though they offered fewer specifics. These critiques collectively underscore the soundtrack’s effectiveness in reinforcing the game’s narrative and environmental storytelling. However, some critics pointed to shortcomings, particularly regarding originality and consistency. Merlin’in Kazanı criticized the music as “pleasant but occasionally repetitive,” while MGG noted an uneven soundtrack with memorable tracks overshadowed by weaker ones. XboxEra described the music as “decent and grim-tuned” but not “memorable,” and Vandal mentioned that musical elements weren’t a focal point, despite impactful sound effects. Nintenderos highlighted technical limitations in cutscenes, and Ragequit.gr found the soundtrack’s themes “catchy but not exceptional.” Additionally, Meristation and Merlin’in Kazanı raised concerns about voice acting quality, with the latter noting mismatched voices for side characters and Chinese dialogue as a drawback for non-Chinese speakers. These critiques suggest that while the audio design is functional and atmospheric, it lacks the standout moments or innovation to leave a lasting impression. Overall, the critics’ consensus leans toward appreciation for the soundtrack’s atmosphere and adaptability, even if it doesn’t achieve exceptional memorability. The music effectively supports the game’s dieselpunk aesthetic and action-driven gameplay, with dynamic elements like Dual Sense feedback and genre-specific compositions (e.g., jazz in hubs, synth-wave in futuristic zones) enhancing immersion. However, issues like repetition, uneven quality, and technical limitations temper its overall impact. While COGconnected, GamingBolt, and Hardcore Gamer praised the audio’s cohesion and innovation, others like MGG and Merlin’in Kazanı emphasized its flaws. The result is a mixed but largely favorable reception, with the sound design serving as a solid foundation for the game’s world-building without being a defining strength.

The voice acting in F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch receives generally positive feedback, particularly for its authenticity and regional localization efforts. Critics like GamePro Germany praise the "excellent English voice cast," highlighting how characters deliver humorous lines that enhance the narrative’s charm. GamingBolt and MGG commend both the English and Chinese dubs, noting that the latter’s use of regional dialects (e.g., Sichuan, Shanghai) adds depth to character authenticity. Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel appreciate the "convincing" performances, with the latter crediting the English and Japanese voice-over for adding personality to the quirky furry universe. Additionally, GameStar emphasizes that the fully voiced dialogue with German subtitles contributes emotional depth, while Worth Playing highlights the protagonist’s "gruff delivery" as effectively matching his role. These reviews suggest that the voice acting is a strong asset, particularly in supporting the game’s immersive world-building. However, several critics point to notable flaws, including inconsistent performances and narrative shortcomings. Gameblog.fr criticizes the voice acting for being poorly written and dubbed, undermining immersion, while Finger Guns notes that Rayton’s "surly and cool" delivery fails to compensate for weak, unmemorable dialogue. Nintendo Life and Nintenderos mention awkward or stilted lines, with the latter noting characters "teleporting during dialogue," suggesting technical or pacing issues. Hey Poor Player finds the voice acting "fine but unremarkable," while Ragequit.gr calls it "average" despite its functional role. Everyeye.it and Merlin'in Kazanı highlight localization gaps, such as the absence of Italian text or enjoyment of Chinese lines for non-native speakers, though these critiques focus more on accessibility than performance quality. These mixed reviews indicate that while the voice acting is competent, it struggles to elevate the game’s storytelling. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s technical execution and regional diversity, even as some critics note its limitations. The English and Chinese dubs are frequently praised for their authenticity and charm, with GamingBolt and MGG emphasizing their contribution to the game’s atmosphere. However, weaknesses in dialogue writing and consistency—mentioned by Gameblog.fr, Finger Guns, and Nintendo Life—temporarily detract from its impact. Despite these issues, many reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel, acknowledge that the voice acting enhances immersion and character engagement, making it a standout feature for fans of the game’s unique tone. The mixed reception reflects a balance between technical strengths and narrative shortcomings, with most agreeing that the voice work is a solid, if not exceptional, component of the experience.

The technical performance of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch varies significantly across platforms, with the PlayStation 5 and PC receiving the most positive feedback. On PS5, reviewers like Eurogamer Italy praised its "stable framerate," "quick load times," and "efficient technical execution," while Gamersky highlighted smooth 60fps performance with detailed visual effects such as weapon textures and environmental intricacies. IGN Italia noted the game runs at 60fps with 4K resolution, and GameSpew acknowledged minor technical issues but emphasized that they are "not severe enough to break the game." For PC, TierraGamer and Worth Playing commended its smooth performance on mid- to high-end hardware, citing stable frame rates and minimal glitches. The Nintendo Switch, while criticized for hardware limitations, saw some praise: Hey Poor Player called it a "solid" port, and Nintenderos noted "minor" frame rate drops that didn’t disrupt gameplay. However, technical issues plagued the PS4 and Switch versions more prominently. On PS4, critics like Gameblog.fr highlighted input delays, collision bugs, and unfair save point placement, while Gaming Age and TheSixthAxis cited slowdowns, inconsistent enemy spawning, and frame rate drops. TrueGaming noted "inconsistent visual fidelity" and subpar animation, and Meristation criticized texture pop-in and underutilized PS5 features like the DualSense. The Switch faced even more challenges: Nintendo Life described "significant technical issues," including infinite enemy respawns and 45-second load times, while Hobby Consolas lamented 30+ second transitions between areas. Pure Nintendo and Noisy Pixel also noted frame rate drops and subpar graphics due to hardware limitations, though some reviewers like NintendoWorldReport called the port "serviceable." PC had its own quirks, with XboxEra pointing out Unreal Engine 4-related hitches and graphical bugs. Overall, critics agree that the PS5 version is the most polished, offering smooth performance and minimal technical hurdles despite minor glitches. The PS4 and Switch versions struggled with hardware limitations, with the latter facing particularly severe issues like long load times and soft-locks. PC received mixed reviews, balancing solid performance with engine-specific bugs. While Eurogamer Italy and IGN Italia celebrated the PS5’s stability, Nintendo Life and Hobby Consolas highlighted the Switch’s shortcomings, and XboxEra criticized PC-specific flaws. Despite these differences, most reviewers acknowledged that the game’s core mechanics and design overshadowed its technical issues, with many noting that the PS5 version, in particular, delivered a "solid" experience despite occasional hiccups.

The majority of reviewers highlight strong positive aspects of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch’s replay value, particularly its emphasis on exploration, collectibles, and hidden content. Critics like Gameblog.fr and TrueGaming praise the game’s rewarding level design, secrets, and optional bosses, which encourage players to revisit areas with new abilities or strategies. COGconnected emphasizes the game’s challenging combat and varied mechanics as incentives for multiple playthroughs, while Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation note that evolving gameplay and diverse environments support repeated engagement. Additionally, GameSpew and Vandal highlight collectibles, upgrades, and secret areas as key drivers for replayability, with some critics (e.g., God is a Geek) pointing to hidden secrets and plant seeds as motivators for completionists. The game’s Metroidvania structure, which allows revisiting earlier zones after acquiring new skills, is frequently cited as a strength by outlets like Press Start Australia and ZTGD. However, several critics express concerns about limitations in replayability due to repetitive elements and structural issues. Eurogamer Italy and Finger Guns argue that the game’s short campaign length (10–15 hours) and repetitive backtracking diminish long-term appeal, while IGN Italia and Merlin'in Kazanı note a lack of standout features or post-game content to justify multiple runs. Hey Poor Player criticizes the difficulty spikes and repetitive boss fights as deterrents, and NintendoWorldReport highlights tedious late-game collection due to an imbalanced economy and clumsy fast-travel systems. TheXboxHub also points out that enemy encounters and combat mechanics feel similar across playthroughs, reducing incentives for returning. These critiques suggest that while the game offers substantial content, its design choices may frustrate players seeking deeper replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leaning toward moderate to strong replayability, with many acknowledging the game’s exploration-driven core despite its flaws. Outlets like GameOver.gr and Multiplayer.it emphasize the extensive hidden areas and upgrades that cater to completionists, while Nintenderos and Noisy Pixel note that skill-based combat and varied environments encourage multiple playthroughs for mastery. However, the lack of post-game content (e.g., New Game+ or significant expansions) and repetitive elements remain consistent criticisms. While some reviewers (e.g., Gameblog.fr, COGconnected) believe the narrative and level design justify revisits, others (e.g., Eurogamer Italy, Finger Guns) view it as a one-time experience. Ultimately, F.I.S.T.’s replay value appears to depend on individual preferences for exploration versus structured progression, with its strengths in hidden content and combat depth balancing out its repetitive shortcomings.