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F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
game
•2/16/2026

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

byTiGames
SteamNintendo Switch
8.2
The Verdict
"F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a triumphant entry into the modern Metroidvania canon. It's a game made with a clear passion for the genre, an impeccable eye for artistic detail, and a deep understanding of what makes action-platforming feel good. The combat is top-tier, the world is a joy to explore, and the core gameplay loop is supremely addictive. If you are playing on PC, consider it essential. However, the technical compromises made for the Nintendo Switch version are too significant to ignore, turning a brilliant game into a merely good one. TiGames has forged a title with the heart of a lion and the fist of a titan; just make sure you play it on hardware that can handle the weight."

Gallery

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Key Features

Trifecta of Pain: The core of the combat system is a set of three distinct, switchable weapons. You start with the eponymous Fist, a heavy-hitting brawler perfect for stunning enemies and executing powerful combos. Later, you acquire the Drill, which excels at breaking shields and provides new traversal options, like gliding. Finally, the Whip offers long-range attacks and a grappling hook function, crucial for both combat positioning and navigating Torch City's verticality.
Interconnected Dieselpunk World: Torch City is a classic Metroidvania map, sprawling across more than a dozen unique and visually distinct areas. From the neon-soaked downtown to the grimy sewers and ancient temples, the world seamlessly connects, encouraging exploration and rewarding players who backtrack with new abilities to unlock previously inaccessible secrets.
Arcade-Style Combat: The fighting mechanics are fast, fluid, and surprisingly deep. The ability to switch weapons on the fly allows for extended and creative combos. The system is built on a foundation of juggles, special moves, and executions that feel deeply satisfying to master, evoking the feeling of a classic 2D fighting game.

The Good

Deep and satisfying three-weapon combat system.
A beautifully realized and atmospheric dieselpunk world.
Excellent integration of combat abilities and traversal.
Tight, responsive controls.

The Bad

Significant performance issues on Nintendo Switch.
The story of a resistance is functional but formulaic.
Some difficulty spikes can feel punishing.
Backtracking can feel tedious during longer sessions.

In-Depth Review

Bottom Line: F.I.S.T. is a visually stunning and mechanically dense Metroidvania that lands most of its punches with satisfying impact, but its performance on certain platforms can't keep pace with its ambition.

The Gameplay Loop

F.I.S.T. doesn't reinvent the Metroidvania formula; it polishes it to a mirror sheen. The loop is familiar: you explore, you hit a wall, you fight a boss to get a new weapon or ability, and you use that new tool to smash through that wall and others like it. What makes it compelling is the implementation. The three-weapon system is the engine of this loop, and it's brilliantly executed. The Fist isn't just for punching; its uppercut becomes a key for breaking certain floors. The Drill isn't just for damage; its propeller function allows you to glide across wide gaps. The Whip isn't just for range; it's your grappling hook.

This integration of combat and traversal tools is where F.I.S.T. truly succeeds. It avoids the common pitfall of having one set of tools for fighting and another for exploring. Here, they are one and the same. This creates a cohesive experience where mastering a weapon in combat directly translates to a deeper understanding of how to navigate the world. The pacing is relentless, constantly dangling a new power-up or a tantalizingly out-of-reach secret to pull you forward through its 15-20 hour campaign.

Combat and Controls

The combat is, without a doubt, the game's strongest asset. It's demanding but fair, with a high skill ceiling. Enemies, from basic robotic hounds to towering bosses, have clear attack patterns that must be learned and countered. Simply mashing buttons will lead to a swift death. The game demands that you engage with its systems—learning which weapon is best for a shielded foe, when to parry, and how to use your special meter for powerful EX moves.

When it clicks, a combat encounter feels like a violent ballet. You might launch an enemy with the Fist, juggle them in the air with the Drill, and then slam them back down to the ground, switching between weapons in a single, fluid sequence. The controls are responsive and precise, a non-negotiable for a game that requires this level of execution. It finds a sweet spot between the deliberate pacing of a Hollow Knight and the combo-heavy frenzy of a Guacamelee!.

Editorial Disclaimer

The reviews and scores on this site are based on our editorial team's independent analysis and personal opinions. While we strive for objectivity, gaming experiences can be subjective. We are not compensated by developers for these scores.