F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch Review (Winty)
This game is pretty ok! Has moments of genuine coolness mixed in with bits and bobs that could do with an improvement, and a couple small things that are very frustrating to boot.
The story itself is ok. It's not going to win an award by any means but it'll take you on a simple enough journey.
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Pros.
The setting is truly wonderful. The 3D backdrops for this 2D side scroller are gorgeous to look at at times - and the way the lighting is utilised just makes for such immersive scenery. I hit a hanging light by accident and the thing threw itself around - lighting the character and the environment dynamically as it moved. There are enemies that use the 3D space nicely as well, so it's really cool.
The character models and designs are memorable, unique and the main char Rayton is so damn fluffy.
The premise and utility of the fist strapped to your back is really interesting and unique.
The soundtrack by Caisheng Bo does the job well, with a couple of the songs truly slapping. (you'll know the ones)
Once you unlock yourself a couple of abilities, navigating the world starts to genuinely become a fun experience.
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Cons.
Parrying never really felt reliable. Using the joystick you have to tap in the direction of the projectile or attack to parry, rather than just having a dedicated parry button a-la Sekiro. Hold that direction button for too long and you're no longer parrying. Just felt a bit clunky.
There's very little diversity in foes. Expect 5 or 6 robotic mob types, and bosses who are regular enemies with a couple extra moves and a health bar. You'll fight the same baby blue bomb throwing tank at least 4 times in the story, and then you can expect most bosses to have a double boss or a mob rush encounter later into the game.
Localisation. Expect a few incorrect words here and there. Some of the speech is hokey as hell, and when it's not stiff it's very basic. There's a lot of "saying the same thing but from multiple characters" repetition.
Also some pretty strange turns of phrase. There's a bunny collecting seeds who will ask you "Did you find it? The seed in the glass?" Referring to "it" like it's a singular seed, when no, there are loads of them to find in the map.
A few instances of odd 3rd person declarations, particularly from Urso. Sometimes they'll use other character's names as if they aren't in the room - despite talking to said character directly. A paraphrased example: "I should really take Rayton out some day" - Urso, talking directly to Rayton. Just weird and a bit unfortunate, but hey, it's fine. It took me out of taking the characters seriously a little bit, but it's not a deal breaker.
Traversal. There aren't very many fast travel points. Expect a lot of map checking and back tracking.
Plot Twists. They were not handled well. Saturday morning cartoon level "mwahaha"ing threw me thoroughly out of the experience.
A major personal gripe that did bring nothing but annoyance was a dummy training set of challenges. Screw wasting time on that. I have better things to do than grapple with inconsistent controls and unforgiving time windows.
All in all this is a game i want to like, and in some ways do. But not without a robotic fist sized dollop of "could be better." Still, for the first outing, this is a fine experience if you like metroidvanias, moreso you're furry trash like me. :3