Take one look at any trailer for F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch on Xbox, and you’ll find out that the protagonist Rayton, is one raucous rabbit, and certainly not to be messed with. It’s a good thing, then, that we are firmly on his side as his adventures come to Xbox and Game Pass!
A War in Torch City
Today is finally the day that us Xbox gamers can play through F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch for ourselves. This is after a 2021 debut onto both PlayStation and PC, followed by a Switch release one year later. And by the looks of the reviews – over 5000 ‘Very Positive’ reviews on Steam, and a score around the 80s on Metacritic – this is a Metroidvania you won’t want to miss, especially if you can get it for free via Game Pass.
F.I.S.T. tells the tragic tale of a corrupt organisation known as the Machine Legion as they invade and colonise Torch City, which was inhabited entirely by animals. This was six years before the story within the game takes place, which sees us take control of bunny rabbit Rayton, and take the fight back to Machine Legion. It’s a lot like the story behind 2021’s Biomutant. Viva la resistance!
Switch Between Weapons on the Fly
As you traverse the dieselpunk x oriental vistas of the eerie Torch City, you’ll be learning to master three distinct weapons that Rayton has in his arsenal. By switching between the Fist, the Drill and the Whip, you’ll be stringing together combos on your enemies before you know it, whipping them up into the sky, before driving them back down to the ground. The combat has a real crunch, and it is up to you whether you go for close-up or long-ranged attacks, suiting best to the situation.
Furthermore, as a Metroidvania world, expect to be seeking out a number of hidden passages throughout the world, as well as partaking in a number of combat, puzzle and platforming challenges within challenge chambers. Success in these will grant you powerful rewards.
The key features are deep
- Seamless Maps Filled with Challenges to Explore – Explore more than a dozen unique areas in a Action Platformer style map. The core combat, puzzle-solving, and platform mechanics are complemented by countless hidden rooms, secret passages, and shortcuts, with all kinds of rewarding challenges for players to complete. Maps are loaded on the fly to avoid frequent transitions, making the massive Torch City feel even more detailed and alive.
- An Arcade Combat System with Seamless Switching between Three Weapons – The Fist, Drill, and Whip are three weapons with completely different fighting styles that offer seamless switching between high combo, high damage, and long range attacks. Pummel the enemy by choosing the most appropriate form of attack for the situation. Players will be challenged by dozens of distinct types of enemies, each with their own weapons and attacks, all working together to bring the player down. Unique bosses with unusual fighting styles provide a new and unique gaming experience.
- Diesel-punk Aesthetics Crafted with Unreal Engine 4 – The game’s diesel-punk aesthetics were inspired by diesel combustion engines that were blended with an Eastern cityscape from a bygone era to give Torch City a signature one-of-a-kind visual feel. The stark contrast between furry animals and sterile mechanical soldiers introduce the theme of conflict in the game story. The realistic 3D visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4 combined with Physically-Based Rendering take the Action Platformer genre to a whole new level of graphics quality.
Play F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch on Xbox Today!
F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch’s library of platforms is bolstered today as the game releases on Xbox Series X|S. Unfortunately, if you’re still rocking an Xbox One, you are not going to be able to play.
To pick up a copy for yourself, the Xbox Store has the game listed for £24.99, or you can download the game for free via Xbox Game Pass.
Alternatively, the game is available on PS5, PS4, Switch and PC.
If you need a review, ours is incoming.
Game Description
After the animals of Torch City were defeated by the invading Robotic Legion in the Resistance War six years ago, former Resistance fighter Rayton the rabbit has kept a low profile. The arrest of a friend meant he had no choice but to put on his giant metal fist and fight against those oppressing him. Little did he know that he would soon be caught up in a maelstrom of conspiracies involving the Legion, the Resistance, and the Rat Gang.
