FIST: Forged In Shadow Torchis a new console exclusive Metroidvania to thePlayStationfamily. It is also on PC though. The game is set in a cyberpunk city filled with anthropomorphic animals being watched by robot oppressors. Players assume the role of Rayton, a rabbit with a giant mechanical arm.
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Rayton is on a quest to rescue his friend who was taken in for questioning by the robot overlords. It’s more of aMetroidgame than aCastlevaniagame as it has darker tones and not much in terms of RPG elements. How is this PlayStation console exclusive doing in reviews? The game is doing rather well which is great to see for the developers, Shanghai TiGames Network Technology Limited, as this is their first big game. There are some things that could use some fixing inFIST: Forged In Shadow Torchthough.
10Best: The Cyberpunk World
The world inFISTis awe-inspiring at times. It has a cyberpunk look to it with high influences fromFinal Fantasy 7’sdesign philosophy. This is true from the characters to the enemies to the backgrounds. For a smaller game from a first-time studio, this is pretty impressive. There might not be a lot of color to it but the aesthetic should sing to any fan ofthe cyberpunk genre.
9Worst: Story
The story isnot as compellingas the art. The game is front-loaded with a bit of backstory but after that, the narrative is told sporadically. The idea of robots overthrowing a society of anthropomorphic animals is cool, but it doesn’t get the blood pumping.
One can also see where the story is going right from the start of the game so there are no surprises. Not everything is voiced too which is another disappointment.
8Best: Powers
At first, Rayton is armed with a giant arm to pummel foes with. This aesthetically looks cool strapped to his small rabbit back but it is a bit clunky to use. It’s not the best first impression but the second major weapon, the drill arm, makes combat and exploring a bit more engaging.
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It can act as a shield and helicopter for example other than the obvious use of drilling foes. Acquiring that seemingly gets the ball rolling because there are a lot of other cool powers and gadgets from there. This is the wish for any Metroidvania.
7Worst: Combat
While there are neat powers and gadgets to snag after the initial arm, combat is still held back by a lack of fluidity. No weapon or gadget can help make it as satisfying as other action games likeBayonetta.
Citing a game like that sets a high bar, butFISTis in the action genre so it’s not completely unfair. Part of the big problem with combat is a good dodge button. There is a dash but it can’t travel through enemies. Even healing can be frustrating because it is not immediate and can thus be canceled out.
6Best: The Map
The map is pretty useful compared to other Metroidvania games. It is reminiscent of some of the more recent entries in theResident Evilfranchise.Resident Evil 2, for example, will mark down locked doors and what is needed to open them up along with item placement.
FIST’smap is pretty close to that game only gadgets show up as the keys to unlock new pathways. It is still recommended to take manual notes so as not to forget any blocked way.
5Worst: Icon/Text Print
The downside to the map is that the zoom-in option is too limited. The icons and key grid text is very small as well. This is odd considering the text size in dialogue and in the shop are not that distracting. The upgrade menu is small as well though.
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It’s very inconsistent and there is no option in the menu to fix any of this. It would not be a big issue if this game was ona portable systemlike theSwitchwhere games tend to be closer to one’s face.
4Best: Checkpoint Machine
It is standard practicefor a Metroidvaniato include a checkpoint system one can do something at. Sometimes it’s just there as a save like in mostMetroid-like games and other times, like in the case ofFIST, it is more.
Not only can players buy moves from the vending machine but they can heal too. Healing in this game shows an animation of a pair of robot hands polishing and washing Rayton up. It is adorable.
3Worst: Fast Travel
There is a fast travel system in the game but it takes a couple of hours to unlock. Even when it is unlocked it is not set up conveniently for the player. This seems to be standard with a lot of Metroidvanias so it’s not exactly the fault ofFIST.
It’s just copying its genre predecessors. It would be nice if more games, Metroidvania or not, would implement fast travel systems akin to open-world games where travel typically isn’t hindered as much.
2Best: Platforming
The combat may have some issues but the platforming is great. Rayton does not have the agility of a normal rabbit but he is still pretty fast for carrying around a giant cyborg arm. Exploring tends to be half the fun of a Metroidvania and that’s true for First.
There is always a secret around the corner and diligent players will get rewarded. From hidden doors to grates, secrets are all around. The drill arm, again, is just one gadget that heightens that sense of inertia one can get while exploring.
1Worst: Actual Level Design
Platforming and exploringFISTis great and the cyberpunk,Final Fantasy 7-likeaesthetic is wonderful. What holds this game back is the actual level design. It’s a lot of dark colors and poorly lit tunnels and labs. There are a few standout areas like whenever the player gets outside to see the city. There are some late-game surprises as well but overall the levels don’t feel that inspired.
