Fighting Force Collection Reviews
Pair of classic 3D beat ’em ups that are definitely showing their age
Fighting Force Collection is a curious title. It seems solely aimed at people who enjoyed these titles back when they were released. Neither of them are particular cult classics and while I was happy enough to play both of them again, not enough has been done to bring in a new crowd . I feel the lack of different versions of the games or much in the way of other bonuses really just makes it feel like a bare bones product just thrown out for the few people craving their next retro fix. If you enjoyed the Fighting Force games back in the day and have a hankering for jumping back in, I would say go for it. But in a market full of retro rereleases, Fighting Force Collection doesn’t even scratch the top dogs of the market. Much like the original releases, there isn’t enough here for it to be a true standout.
In the end the Fighting Force Collection is more of a curiosity than a compilation of classics. Some people have nostalgia for the first game, it was decent. The second game, however, should have remained forgotten. Core Design started strong and ended with a whimper and I would rather remember them for titles like Tomb Raider and Soulstar, and not the travesty that is Fighting Force 2.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. Fighting Force Collection didn't reinvent the wheel here, and I really wish it had. It's the same game. Take that for what it's worth.
Core Design did fantastic work with the Tomb Raider franchise, but largely dropped the ball when developing Fighting Force and Fighting Force 2. And while this new compilation makes them more accessible, it doesn't do much, outside of the addition of save states, to make them more enjoyable.
Is this collection worth it? The first game is still fun, but the sequel remains a bad game with little reason to revisit. '20 for two basic ports with minimal improvements is too much.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Without any significant innovations, additions, or improvements that go beyond the norm, Fighting Force Collection carries with it, without compromise, the qualities, such as setting, simplicity, and objectivity of the purest digital beat 'em up; and the limitations of its time, visually and mechanically speaking, which will certainly bring a nostalgic smile to older players, but will hardly seduce subsequent generations.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Fighting Force Collection is less than the sum of its parts (which aren't amazing on their own). The first game is more appealing and easier to pick up, as its beat 'em up premise, despite being simple, works well, especially when played with a friend. The second title shifts to a secret agent-style adventure, with more weapons and missions that are more complex. Both are entertaining for a while, but their mechanics are practically outdated for current 3D games. That is where the collection could have improved things, with more technical enhancements, interesting materials about the games, and gameplay options. Considering the complete package, it is worth for nostalgia or curiosity reasons, but very little beyond that.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Fighting Force Collection brings two late-1990s games back mostly as they were, with a few modern touches to keep them playable now. The original Fighting Force still has a solid brawler gameplay loop, especially with co-op and a tolerance for its older design quirks. Fighting Force 2 slows things down and never finds the same pull, which makes the difference between the two hard to ignore. This collection makes the most sense if the first game is the main reason you’re here.
The original Fighting Force is the far superior game of the two games, but having both included is a great way for fans to relive a hidden gem and a bad game if they wish, and for newcomers to experience two lesser-known titles from back in the day. Fighting Force Collection may not be the most feature-rich compilation, but it brings back a long-forgotten franchise to modern consoles and some fond memories for longtime fans.
A faithful but uneven collection. Fighting Force 1 remains fun with modern conveniences, while Fighting Force 2 drags everything down. Best suited for nostalgic fans who know exactly what they are getting.
As a remaster, Fighting Force Collection does exactly what it needs to do. Both games run well, look as good as possible, and are presented in a way that respects their original form. There are no game-breaking issues, no lazy emulation shortcuts, and no technical excuses. This is a competent, respectful revival. Where the first Fighting Force remains the clear highlight: still fun, still chaotic, and still best enjoyed with a second player on the couch. It’s proof that good core design can outlast technical limitations. The second game? It’s… fine. Functional. Interesting in a historical sense. But also a strong example of why some games are better remembered than replayed. And that’s okay. Not every classic needs to be reinvented, and not every sequel deserves the same reverence as its predecessor. The Fighting Force Collection succeeds because it lets you experience both and decide for yourself. So, what you get is a solid, enjoyable remaster anchored by a genuinely fun original game, slightly dragged down by a sequel that time hasn’t been kind to. Yes, it’s worth playing, worth remembering, just maybe not worth revisiting everything.
While neither game is necessarily a classic of the beat ’em up genre, there’s plenty of nostalgia and charm to be had revisiting them in the Fighting Force Collection.
Fighting Force Collection is a love letter to a specific slice of gaming history, and while the gameplay is undeniably dated and might struggle to win over a modern audience without those rose-tinted glasses, the nostalgia factor here is certainly strong. If you grew up smashing up these blocky environments, this collection is definitely a fun trip down memory lane.
The only people who will have some kind of enjoyment with Fighting Force Collection are those who grew up with those games and have a borderline die-hard nostalgic attachment towards them. I can’t criticise the folks at Implicit Conversions for their porting skills, as there’s nothing wrong with their remastering efforts. The problem lies at the fact these games have simply aged poorly. In fact, I don’t think they have ever been that good, even for their time.