F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
A metroidvania following a rabbit pilot in Torch City.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a metroidvania title from developer TiGames and publisher Bilibili, first hitting PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on September 7, 2021. A Windows version followed on October 3, 2021, with a Nintendo Switch release in July 2022 and an Xbox Series X/S port in June 2023. Critics generally praised the game for its visuals, world design, and gameplay.
The story follows Rayton, an anthropomorphic rabbit and former pilot who fought against the Machine Legion. Now living in Torch City, he wields a powerful mechanical arm built from his old combat armor, venturing into the city’s heart to battle the Legion and uncover a hidden conspiracy.
On Metacritic, the PlayStation 5, Windows, and Switch versions earned "generally favorable reviews," while the PlayStation 4 version received "mixed or average" scores. Game Informer’s Marcus Stewart gave it an 8.5/10, calling it a strong exploration-focused side-scroller with solid combat and multiple unlockable weapons, though he noted a lack of fast travel points. Push Square’s John Cal McCormick rated it 8/10, praising its "astonishing" graphics and charming characters, but found some translation work "clunky." Hardcore Gamer’s Jeremy Peeples gave it 4/5, deeming it a "must-buy for Metroidvania fans" with a richer story than most and controls that "feel like a dream," comparing the gameplay to *Shatterhand* and the world to *Beyond Good & Evil*.
A prequel, *Zoopunk*, is slated for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.
Quick Facts
- Title
- F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
- Developer
- TiGames
- Publisher
- BilibiliPhysical copies of the game were published by Microids.
- Producer
- Isaac Zhang
- Designer
- Xuedong Song / Chuanjie Lin / Zhongyuan Liu / Kaifeng Yao
- Programmer
- Jerry Yuan / Tuoming Li / Zhongwei Wu / Tak Zhang
- Artist
- Zhuobin Fang / Sam Wu
- Writer
- Chenchen Hu / Jia Hu
- Composer
- Caisheng Bo
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Microsoft Windows · Nintendo Switch · Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5WW · September 7, 2021Microsoft WindowsWW · October 3, 2021Nintendo SwitchEU/NA · July 12, 2022 · JP · July 14, 2022Xbox Series X/SWW · June 27, 2023
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game follows Rayton, an anthropomorphic rabbit and resident of Torch City who served as a pilot in a past conflict against the 'Machine Legion'. Now wielding a powerful mechanical arm fashioned from the remains of his damaged combat armor, he journeys into the heart of the city to battle the Legion and uncover a sinister conspiracy. A prequel titled Zoopunk will be released in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows.
Reader's Guide
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is notable as a well-received metroidvania that earned generally favorable reviews on Metacritic for its PlayStation 5, Windows, and Switch versions, though the PlayStation 4 version received mixed or average reviews. Critics highlighted its graphics, world, and gameplay. Marcus Stewart of Game Informer rated it 8.5/10, praising the combat and multiple unlockable weapons while criticizing the dearth of fast travel points. John Cal McCormick of Push Square rated it 8/10, calling the graphics 'astonishing' and characters charming, but noting some 'clunky' translation. Jeremy Peeples of Hardcore Gamer rated it 4/5, calling it a 'must-buy for Metroidvania fans' with a 'richer storyline than most' and controls that 'feel like a dream', comparing gameplay to Shatterhand and the world to Beyond Good & Evil. The game's legacy includes a planned prequel, Zoopunk, set for 2027.
Did You Know?
- The game was developed by TiGames and published by Bilibili.
- The protagonist Rayton is an anthropomorphic rabbit who wields a mechanical arm from his damaged combat armor.
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