Intense combat, fascinating and original settings, and a comforting sense of dealing with something familiar that, in terms of gameplay, works: F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is another metroidvania worth playing.
For fans of the metroidvania genre, another title of this kind can only be a real joy, even when, in terms of gameplay, there are no particular innovations. F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is, without a doubt, an excellent example of a well-crafted metroidvania that satisfies the tastes of die-hard fans.
Developed by Shanghai-based TiGames and published by Bilibili, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is an action metroidvania where intense combat and the setting somehow set it apart, even though, in terms of gameplay, it follows the genre’s formula and doesn’t bring any major innovations.
Released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on September 7, 2021, followed by a Windows version on October 3, 2021, the game was later launched on Nintendo Switch in July 2022 and on Xbox Series X/S in June 2023.
The War Between Flesh and Machines
An anthropomorphic rabbit named Rayton, or simply Ray, serves as our protagonist. Despite his innocent herbivore nature, Ray is a powerful warrior with a grim look and the deep voice of a disillusioned soul seeking to find his place in the world.
The story takes place in the peculiar Torch City, where the Faunians and the Machine Legion made up of canine-like robots, known as “Iron Dogs,” are at war. The Legion, in fact, conquered the city six years ago, isolating the animals and forcing them into harsh, precarious lives.
When the Legion arrests Urso, Ray’s only remaining friend, who had fought fiercely in the Resistance six years earlier as the right-hand man of its leader, Bovi, our ex-soldier decides to step back into the fray and embarks on a mission to rescue him.
But what starts as a simple rescue mission soon turns into something far greater and darker, bringing old, painful memories to the surface and sparking a reflection on loyalty and friendship.
The Faunian Association, working in secret to oppose the Legion, drags Ray into a new war that will see him face off against someone he once considered a friend and ally—a man he believed to be dead.
This former friend’s name is Cicero, another rabbit who fought alongside Ray in a mechanical exoskeleton six years ago, of which Ray now possesses only the fist.
Believing that during the Big Boom, the event after which the Legion took control of Torch City, Cicero had died, Ray soon discovers that not only is his old friend alive, but he now leads the opposing faction.
Ray must uncover what led his former comrade to change sides so drastically, and to do so, he will have to face trials and visit places filled with danger.
Finding Balance
As the story unfolds, even though it doesn’t particularly shine for its complexity, it still becomes more coherent and meaningful.
One aspect that stood out, and which I personally appreciated, is related to the Iron Dogs. Despite being part of the Legion, they also find themselves enslaved by it. At some point, they begin to express complaints and doubts about their treatment.
From the beginning, we get a sense of the level of alienation and oppression they endure. Their names, almost entirely devoid of personality, are akin to robots, which makes sense. Their names are “Automaton,” followed by a serial number.
Even though they are robots, the game shows that they too have needs, a consciousness, and aren’t fully inclined to total submission.
Another theme in F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch that I find significant is the idea of balance. It’s a different kind of balance depending on which character is seeking it. The Duke, leader of the Rat Gang and Ray’s former comrade, now undisputed ruler of Joffre Street, claims he has created the right harmony in his territory and believes that this should be everyone’s goal.
Cicero, however, seeks balance through the fusion of living beings and machines, becoming a living example of this, as he now lives symbiotically with his mechanical exoskeleton. To achieve this goal, Cicero plans to eradicate all the Faunians and, once and for all, create a new species, stronger, more impeccable, and more virtuous, thanks to the use of the Spark.
But the true balance, in the end, is the one Ray seeks: peaceful coexistence and an end to all forms of oppression and war.
With the help of the Feline Clan, especially its fierce representative Lady Q, Ray uncovers the corruption behind Cicero’s plan and does everything he can to bring him back to his senses, even if it means defeating him.
Nothing New, But Done Well
As a metroidvania, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch doesn’t differ much from the classic structure of the genre, including familiar settings like Sewers, Mines, Mountains, Prisons, and more untamed areas like Forests and Swamps. However, the high-quality execution of this game offers a genuine, fun, and satisfying experience.
The gameplay, as mentioned, follows the typical metroidvania formula. We get a classic experience focused on exploration, combat, and character development, with a gradually increasing difficulty curve and an open, interconnected map that can be unlocked as we acquire new abilities.
Besides the Fist, salvaged from Ray’s old armor, he also wields two other weapons: the Transforming Drill and the Whip. Like in any respectable metroidvania, these weapons also serve as tools to open new paths, allowing Ray to explore every single corner of the map.
Unlocking upgrades and abilities, such as double jumps or omnidashes, happens fairly quickly. From the start, we have access to wall jumps and dashing, which initially made me think there would be some abilities outside the standard metroidvania ones. In the end, though, we get more or less the usual skills, with the final additions of the oxygen mask, underwater charge, and omnidash+, useful for crossing obstacles and enemies.
In addition to weapons and abilities, Ray can also learn numerous techniques like the Mega Strike or Aerial Punch and combine them into moves like the Uppercut or the Finishing Blow, which can be trained under the guidance of the old raccoon Master Wu.
There are plenty of mini-bosses and bosses, and the fights are entertaining, even becoming quite challenging, like the battle against Yokozuna, a mechanical sumo wrestler in the form of a warthog. This boss is the first to have three energy levels, and taking him down is no easy task.
In conclusion, the game also presents another classic metroidvania scenario: the chase by a massive, powerful enemy you cannot defeat directly. You’ll need to outrun this foe and dodge its attacks in a heart-pounding pursuit that has become a standard in this genre.
Dieselpunk Aesthetics and Eastern Architecture
In my opinion, the true strength of this game lies in its aesthetic, blending a distinct dieselpunk vibe with Eastern architectural influences.
For those unfamiliar, Dieselpunk is a retrofuturistic subgenre of science fiction, similar to Steampunk or Cyberpunk. It merges the aesthetic of diesel-powered technology from the interwar period up to the 1950s with elements of retrofuturist tech and postmodern sensibilities. Game designer Lewis Pollak coined the term in 2001 to describe his role-playing game Children of the Sun, and artists have since applied it to various forms of visual art, music, film, literature, and even engineering.
In Joffre Street, the atmosphere, enriched by perfectly fitting music, feels reminiscent of the 1940s and ’50s—especially in the Duke’s lounge, where it feels like a nostalgic dive into the past, full of smuggling and seemingly carefree hedonism.
Thanks to Unreal Engine 4, with its physically accurate rendering and incredibly detailed textures, the game delivers a visually stunning 3D experience, which stands out as one of the most impressive and praiseworthy aspects of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch.
A Few Words About the Developers
Shanghai TiGames Network Technology Co., Ltd. (TiGames) is a hardcore game development studio founded by a passionate and highly skilled group of video game developers. Officially established in Shanghai in 2016, TiGames quickly caught the industry’s attention.
In 2017, the studio successfully launched its first title, Ancient Amuletor, across several major VR platforms, including PlayStation VR, Oculus, Steam VR, and HTC Viveport. Players and the industry gave positive feedback to the game, and the developers later released two DLC expansion packs, solidifying Ancient Amuletor as a standout in the action VR gaming scene.
Currently, TiGames is working on a new project, which they announced in 2023, though they have shared little information about it.
The project is a story-driven action RPG titled The Winds Rising. The game follows a young girl from a peaceful village who embarks on an epic adventure after encountering a lost monster cub. This meeting will impact the fate of the entire kingdom, and the player will shape the outcome. The title promises smooth, dynamic combat, an engaging and immersive storyline, and an ever-evolving world of adventure.
What can I say, we’re eagerly awaiting more information, though TiGames tends to be rather secretive and not particularly active on social media. However, there is a dedicated Discord channel for F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch, where technical discussions and updates are frequent.
Conclusion
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch tells a story of lost friendship and the search for justice and balance, setting the stage for a new era in a classic yet brilliantly executed metroidvania, with high levels of excitement and entertainment.
On a personal note, I found the music somewhat off-putting. At times, it feels intrusive and overwhelming. While well-composed, I think it occasionally overpowers the gameplay experience. I understand the intention to amplify adrenaline, but in a well-crafted metroidvania like this, developers have already built in the thrill and engagement.
Another minor—or at times, major—flaw of F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch lies in the parry system, or rather the dodge and block mechanics, where timing is crucial but not always achievable. Early on, you’re equipped with a pair of electric batons that drain points and don’t feel intuitive to use. Eventually, you’ll unlock a standard parry move, which is unlimited but still feels cumbersome and difficult to master.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is absolutely worth playing, for both metroidvania fans and newcomers alike. It’s well-made, with very few technical flaws, and it also has heart—and, in its own way, a strong personality.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
PRO
- Fascinating and well-executed dieselpunk setting
- Smooth, dynamic gameplay typical of metroidvania
- High-quality visual design with detailed textures
- Intense and varied combat
- Engaging story with themes of loyalty and friendship
CON
- Parry and dodge system feels unintuitive and clunky
- Music can be intrusive and overshadow the gameplay experience
- Few gameplay innovations compared to other metroidvanias
7.8/10
