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

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
6 / 10.0
Oct 2, 2021

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a generally interesting and appealing metroidvania, but with too many problems and frustrating design options. This title features varied gameplay and high-quality platforming sequences, but the inconsistent and frustrating combat detracts too much from the enjoyment of the experience. The obvious lack of refinement results in immense wasted potential, making this title recommendable only to the most avid fans of the genre.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

6 / 10
Jul 13, 2022

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.

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Gameblog
Plume
Top Critic
6 / 10
Sep 9, 2021

F.I.S.T. Forged in Shadow Torch first manages to captivate the player for hours thanks to its singular world. Unfortunately, even if we feel that he has been inspired by the best and proposes a global construction that inspires respect, he suffers from certain errors of youth impossible not to sanction.

Review in French | Read full review

7 / 10
Sep 16, 2021

FIST is a by-the-numbers Metroidvania, elevated by its cast of anthro characters and its deep and interesting dieselpunk world. However, this doesn’t distract enough to forgive its unbalanced combat, very standard level design and a lot of back-tracking.

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3.5 / 5.0
Sep 6, 2021

With deep and challenging combat and tight controls, F.I.S.T. often provides a welcome challenge. That’s why it’s such a shame that slow progression and poor design choices hold it back from reaching its full potential. Still, at its best, F.I.S.T. is a memorable Metroidvania with variety and depth. If you’re up for the challenge and willing to deal with these issues, there’s definitely a good time to be had.

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7 / 10.0
Sep 6, 2021

Aside from rigid combat and some visual hiccups, F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch delivers a unique world with an intriguing narrative and tight traversal.

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70 / 100
Jul 21, 2022

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.

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Ken McKown
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Sep 30, 2021

F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch is one of the worst names for a game ever. Still the exploration is second-to-none. I wish the combat was more fluid or the enemy encounters tweaked a bit better. I feel like most people will quickly fall off once the difficulty ramps up. It is not hard due to challenge, but more because of functionality and that sucks. It tarnishes an otherwise incredible experience that could have easily been the next huge series in the genre. Still if you can muster through the challenge this is an experience worth taking.

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GameMAG
Top Critic
7 / 10
Sep 27, 2021

F.I.S.T .: Forged In Shadow Torch combines a beautiful world full of anthropomorphic animals, stunning locations, great music, deep combos and fun exploration, but at the same time shows probmelms with uneven difficulty levels and unbalanced combat system.

Review in Russian | Read full review

7 / 10
Sep 6, 2021

F.I.S.T. offers a rock-solid Metroidvania experience that I enjoyed greatly. Chunky combat, glorious level design and well-hidden secrets are what gets me out of bed in the morning, and F.I.S.T provided all of that and terrifying talking bears too. Unfortunately, I can't overlook the technical issues that plague proceedings. If TiGames sort out the problems with a rapid patch then this would be a game that's much easier to recommend.

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7.5 / 10.0
Sep 16, 2021

In terms of Metroidvania aspects, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch shines, but the gameplay is clumsy and the plot is hard to take seriously.

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7.5 / 10.0
Oct 20, 2021

Action rabbit with robotic hand is dangerous, but sometimes is too hard to resist your enemies.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Sep 6, 2021

Standing out among the Metroidvania crowd is tough, but with satisfying combat, great platforming and a cleverly designed and well thought out world, F.I.S.T. more than manages to stand on its own lucky feet.

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7.7 / 10.0
Sep 6, 2021

A metroidvania full of explorable areas, with a good combat system, but unable to stand out or say its very own.

Review in Italian | Read full review

78 / 100
Sep 6, 2021

With its interesting Dieselpunk world and gameplay that successfully reflects the characteristics of the genre, it is a game that Metroidvania lovers should not miss. Other players can also enjoy this interesting world, if they can ignore some little problems.

Review in Turkish | Read full review

7.9 / 10.0
Oct 13, 2022

Metroidvania fans should be thrilled to have another viable indie contender in the space to enjoy, even if it has some flaws

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8 / 10.0
Jun 27, 2023

A well-made, beautiful action focused Metroidvania.  The combat starts off slow but when it clicks it is excellent.  The traversal and platforming are top-notch, and even though I’m not too much of a furry I grew to enjoy the characters and story quickly.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2023

The detailed combination of levels, the shortcuts that are unlocked by using upgrades and the battles that break the "monotony" of exploration give the game a character that definitely makes it stand out in the metroidvania universe out there.

Review in Greek | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 16, 2022

FIST has come pounding on the door with his big mechanical fist.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

4 / 5.0
Jul 20, 2022

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.

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