Hop into one of this year’s best action games.

You have to love an original game that comes out of left field and knocks you for a loop. By this, I mean the game in its entirety and not only a small part of it where a stage wows you or has a story that hardly fits into the frames of what the controls are supposed to be, but a well-rounded game experience where you cannot help but be amazed! It is especially surprising when it’s a little-known team like TiGames – or, for that matter, the publishers at BiliBili, here we are.

BiliBili created F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch and it an unexpected gem. It could have been just another routine action game, but F.I.S.T takes it up several notches. Thanks to the smoothed-over combat, an original storyline bustling with surprises, some fun boss battles, and an overall aesthetic that makes it stand out from the crowd of other Metroidvania games. It’s one of the year’s biggest surprises, and I’m here for it.

Kill da Wabbit!

The game puts you in control of a character named Rayton Rabbit. Years ago, he was part of a force that tried to keep Torch City from succumbing to the power of Legion, a large, sinister force made up of large robotics. Sadly, his team failed, and he accepted his fate within the city, which soon became more about the industry than thriving on its laurels.
Until, on the day that his best friend gets arrested for something he’s not even familiar with, Ray (his name for short) decides to act. So, with a gigantic robotic fist, he sets forth to battle against Legion once again, unaware of just how full his furry paws are about to be.
What’s great about the story is that it manages to surprise, both with original characters and some notable twists. It’s not the biggest gaming narrative out there, nor does it intend to be, but in this day and age, where the backstory merely sits in place for the game to be framed upon, it’s a neat surprise! It makes you interested in where Rayton is coming from; a rabbit who has been beaten down but hasn’t completely given up.

Superb Gameplay and Great Action

What is great about F.I.S.T., in terms of its side-scrolling gameplay, is just how smoothly it all comes together in every aspect. For instance, the platforming, which could have been a mess in another developer’s hands, feels quite competent here while you make your way to hard-to-reach areas, thanks to upgrades unlocked throughout the game. What is more, the combat is excellent. Being able to beat down enemies with stylish combos and neat little counters is something else; and it continues to evolve with your character so that you earn your upgrades accordingly. The enemies can be cheaply stacked on at times with multiple foes coming at you, but that just prepares you to be a better soldier overall. Keep at it, because the journey is worth it. Furthermore, prepare for a challenge. Along with many enemies, the game tacks on some awesome boss battles. They’re a bit prolonged at times and it can wear you down, but, again, perseverance pays off and you will soon have them crumbling at your feet. It is not every day that a game makes you work like that, so F.I.S.T. totally pays off in that regard.

A Next Gen Treat

On the PlayStation 5, F.I.S.T. is quite the looker. It is remarkable with its character models and city design, akin to what was done years ago with Capcom’s awesome Strider reboot. This game shines in almost every aspect and it runs beautifully; the city really makes you feel like exploring and seeing what secondary characters you can find. It is a beauty, and shows just what the PS5 can do with side-scrolling fare (think 2.5-D). In addition, the sound is excellent. The atmospheric music is on a level of it’s own, making you feel more involved with Torch City. The voice acting is also surprisingly good, though, obviously, not every voice shines as well as it could, but for what it is, it is not bad at all.

Hop On This Little Adventure

While F.I.S.T. may sound like a corny title at first (“you been F.I.S.T.ing yet?”), it’s a remarkable adventure. It comes out of left field and it really shakes you for a loop, forcing you to learn its awesome combat and letting you endure as a result. It also looks and sounds terrific for a current-gen effort. It is sure to please fans of the Metroidvania genre. Do not let this adventure simply hop on by.

RATING: 9/10