F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a demo game for a 2.5D platformer that incorporates dieselpunk themes. This adventure game from TiGames features difficult platforming challenges, intense battles, and exploration across breathtaking environments. Its simple and run-of-the-mill game mechanics are offset by the visual quality, the story, and the difficulty of the game. 

With the qualities listed above, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is the next must-have for fans of challenging Metroidvania games. It feels like the sidescrolling gameplay in Hollow Knight mixed with design themes from Bioshock Infinite.

Zootopia meets Bionic Commando

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch revolves around the animal-inhabited Torch City, which was colonized by the Machine Legion. In the aftermath of it all, comes Rayton. The former soldier, also a rabbit, fights with a massive mechanical arm. What starts out as a rescue mission soon explodes into a full-blown conspiracy between the oppressors and elements from the underworld.

As a Metroidvania, you will be tasked with exploring a large unified map, divided into interconnecting sections—some you’ll have to revisit more than once. This is great since the sub-areas are visually and thematically different from each other. You have city streets like those from Cyberpunk 2077 as well as industrial areas like those on Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. More importantly, everything uses 3D models for a 2D sidescrolling game.

It may be like a rabbit Bionic Commando, but the game still offers variety in terms of weapons. In fact, you can create combos between the Fist, the Drill, and the Whip—each being ideal for situational battles. However, the demo is only a teaser and doesn’t let you finish the story. Also, like most modern Metroidvania titles, it has a steep learning curve, with emphasis on timing and movement precision.

Not soulslike but just as difficult

With the growing trend of 2D sidescrolling titles adopting the best visual quality possible, paired with severely punishing difficulty, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch definitely comes in as a treat. Its dieselpunk-themed world, plus a surprisingly complex story, make it worth it despite the need for near-perfect timing and efficient use of its different weapons. Great 2.5D game with soulslike-levels of difficulty. Highly recommended.