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Forged In Shadow Torch (F.I.S.T.): A Diesel-Punk Adventure with Rayton the Rabbit
Title: Forged In Shadow Torch (F.I.S.T.)
Type of Game: Action-Platformer (Metroidvania)
Developer: TiGames
Publisher: Bilibili
Released: September 2021
Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC Game
Platform Reviewed: PC (Windows)
Level of Maturity: Teen (T)
Article Reading Time: 23 minutes
“F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch” is an action-platformer game that was released in September 2021. Developed by TiGames and published by Bilibili, this game falls into the Metroidvania genre, which is known for its exploration, backtracking, and the gradual acquisition of abilities that allow us to access previously unreachable areas. In “F.I.S.T.,” you take on the role of Rayton, a rabbit armed with a massive mechanical fist, drill, and my favorite the whip called “The Whisker” (acts as a grappling hook also), battling through a dieselpunk world filled with robotic enemies and intricate traps.
A World Forged in Detail
Right off the bat, what I really love and appreciate about F.I.S.T. is its beautifully crafted world. The game is set in Torch City, a place that feels alive with its detailed backgrounds and dynamic environments. The dieselpunk aesthetic is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the game’s atmosphere. The attention to detail in the graphics is impressive. Each area has a unique look and feel, from the dark, oppressive factories to the neon-lit streets, and my ultimate favorite cat’s sanctuary. The lighting effects, in particular, are outstanding, adding depth and a sense of realism to the environment. Check out my Boss Fights compilation video below!
Mastering Mechanics and Combat
The gameplay mechanics in “F.I.S.T.” are a perfect blend of familiar platformer elements and fresh, innovative ideas. The game is about exploration and combat. As Rayton, you navigate through various interconnected areas, fighting enemies, solving puzzles, and collecting upgrades. The game encourages backtracking, as new abilities often open up previously inaccessible paths. This is a hallmark of the genre, and “F.I.S.T.” executes it flawlessly if you ask me. Combat in “F.I.S.T.” is both challenging and rewarding. Rayton’s primary weapon is the mechanical fist at first, which can be upgraded and modified as you progress. There are three main weapons in the game: the Fist, the Drill, and the Whip. Each weapon has its unique moves and abilities, and mastering them is crucial for overcoming the game’s tougher enemies and bosses.
Whip It Good: Combat Highlights
My personal favorite is the Whip, which acts like a grapple hook as well. This weapon allows for fast and fluid combat, letting you zip around the screen and attack enemies from a distance. It adds a layer of strategy to the fights, and once I unlocked it, I only used other weapons if I really had to. The whip is so much fun, it’s a pity you don’t have it from the beginning. The bosses in “F.I.S.T.” are a highlight of the game. Each one has unique mechanics and requires different strategies to defeat.
They are tough, often requiring multiple attempts to learn their patterns and find the best way to take them down. Each defeat feels like a learning experience, and each victory is incredibly satisfying. Few bosses were too easy, like the underwater Bloodsnail, but at the same time very unique, since you fight him underwater. On the other hand, some bosses I was stuck on for quite some time. Which I absolutely loved!
A Symphony of Sound and Story
The game is a single-player game with no multiplayer aspects at all. As you progress, you uncover more about Torch City and the characters that inhabit it. There are also plenty of hidden areas to explore, which slightly adds to the game’s replayability. Sound and music play a significant role in “F.I.S.T.” The soundtrack is atmospheric, fitting perfectly with the game’s dark and industrial theme. The music changes dynamically depending on the situation, ramping up during intense combat and calming down during exploration as you would imagine. The sound effects are decent as well.
Navigating Technical Terrain
One area where I had some issues was with the controls. The game is designed with a controller in mind, and playing with a keyboard felt cramped. My hands were too close together, and it was difficult to perform some of the more complex maneuvers. The game does include a warning about this on the loading screen, but I didn’t realize how much it would affect my experience until I switched to a controller. Once I did, the controls felt much more responsive and intuitive. This made a significant difference and made the game easier, so I naturally switched back to the keyboard and beat the whole game on it!! If you want more challenge, use the keyboard!
Another area that needs improvement in F.I.S.T. is the user interface. It feels clunky and unintuitive. Navigating through the menus is awkward as you can’t use mouse clicks, making the process more tedious. The map is also problematic; you can’t zoom in or out, which makes it difficult to see your surroundings. This becomes especially frustrating when trying to locate specific hidden areas or backtrack to previous locations. A more detailed map with improved navigation options would be highly beneficial.
Smooth Performance, Hidden Depths
Performance-wise, “F.I.S.T.” runs exceptionally well on my system with an Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti. I consistently enjoyed a stable 60 FPS throughout my playthrough. The game loads quickly, and I encountered no crashes or major bugs. Even in heavily detailed areas, there were no noticeable frame drops, providing a smooth and seamless gameplay experience.
“F.I.S.T.” also includes some interesting hidden elements and Easter eggs. Exploring every nook and cranny of Torch City often rewards you with lore, upgrades, or even hidden bosses and skins! Yes, that’s right, there are a couple of skins you can get, my favorite is the pink fist. You get the skins by finding hidden posters and trading them in. These secrets add another layer of depth to the game and make exploration feel more rewarding. One particularly interesting fact is that the game’s world is inspired by both Eastern and Western cultures, blending them to create a unique environment.
A Tale of Progress and Puzzles
Reflecting on my time with “F.I.S.T.,” I can say that it is a standout title in the Platformers genre. The combination of its stunning visuals, challenging combat, and engaging story makes it a must-play for fans of action platformers. The game’s difficulty can be intimidating at first, but with practice and perseverance, it becomes incredibly fun. The variety of weapons and upgrades keeps the gameplay fresh, and the numerous secrets and side quests add to its longevity. For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of “F.I.S.T.” is the sense of progression. As you explore Torch City and defeat enemies, you constantly acquire new abilities and upgrades that make Rayton more powerful. The design of traps, is another standout feature, and it deserves its place in my review big time.
The game includes a variety of traps that challenge your reflexes and problem-solving skills. My favorite traps are found in the mines, where stepping on ropes with bells attached to them triggers a cascade of arrows. This clever design showcases the game’s attention to detail. The way these traps are integrated into the environment enriches the exploration experience, making each area feel more immersive and dangerous. Other memorable traps were in the underwater base, where I was dodging something that reminded me of those WW1 underwater bombs we all saw in the movies, while constantly getting hit by a laser-beaming mechanical octopus or whatever that thing was.
Intricate Puzzles and Engaging Characters
The puzzle design in F.I.S.T. was also pretty good. One of my favorite puzzle segments is found in the Cat’s Sanctuary. Here, you must transport a crucial door-opening device across the map, navigating a series of traps and battling monsters that are intent on destroying it. This puzzle requires careful planning and quick reflexes, as you need to avoid obstacles and fend off enemies while ensuring the device remains intact. This segment is a testament to the game’s ability to combine problem-solving with action, offering an immersive experience. The puzzles are challenging yet not too hard and obnoxious. The game’s story is another strong point.
It unfolds gradually, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged. The characters are well-developed, each with their motivations and backstories. Rayton himself is a compelling protagonist, and his journey from a retired warrior to a hero fighting for his city is pretty cool. One aspect of “F.I.S.T.” that I particularly appreciated is the balance between combat and exploration. The game doesn’t just throw waves of enemies at you; it also encourages you to explore the environment, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets. The game also includes a variety of enemy types, each with their unique attacks and behaviors. This variety keeps the combat interesting and forces you to adapt your strategies. From robotic soldiers to massive mechanical beasts, or mine demons, you got it all.
Conclusion: A Diesel-Punk Delight
“F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch” is a fantastic addition to the Platformers genre. Its stunning visuals, challenging combat, and engaging story make it a must-play for fans of action platformers. The game’s balance of combat and exploration, along with its variety of enemies and bosses, keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. While the keyboard controls can be a bit cramped, switching to a controller solves this issue and makes the game much more enjoyable. The cleaner user interface and accessibility options would be a plus, but it won’t hurt the overall experience that much.
Where to Buy Forged In Shadow Torch (F.I.S.T.)
Steam (PC): Available for $29.99. You can purchase it directly from Steam.
Xbox Store (Xbox One): Available for $29.99. Check it out on the Xbox Store.
PlayStation Store (PS4): Available for $29.99. You can find it on the PlayStation Store.
Nintendo Shop (Switch): Available for $29.99. Purchase it from the Nintendo Shop.
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $29.99. Purchase it from the Epic Games Store.
Official Page: Visit the official Forged In Shadow Torch page for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Forged In Shadow Torch Subreddit.
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