F.I.S.T. - Forged In Shadow Torch... Reviewed!



Story: F.I.S.T. (Forged In Shadow Torch) is a stunning exploration-based platformer that will have you hooked from the very first moment you pick up the controller. This game takes place in a visually stunning steampunk world where anthropomorphic animals inhabit the cities and are stripped of their freedom by a cruel regime of robotic oppressors. Players take on the role of Rayton, a heroic rabbit with a giant mechanical fist, who is determined to fight back against the powerful machines and save his friends and family.


The plot of F.I.S.T. is brilliantly crafted, with a perfect blend of action, adventure, and a bit of emotion. The story is told through beautifully animated cutscenes, and voice acting that adds depth to the characters based on cleverly written dialog. The themes explored are both relevant and thought-provoking, touching on societal issues such as oppression, revolution, and the two sides of power. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with enough twists and revelations to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire game.

Acting and character design are some of the highlights of F.I.S.T. The main characters are designed with great detail and care, and each one has a distinct personality and a sturdy backstory. The voice acting increases the warmth of the cast, bringing life and nuance to the characters and their motivations. Rayton is a fantastic protagonist, as he transforms from a mild-mannered mechanic into a calm fearless leader of the revolution. This gives the game a different feeling.

Gameplay: The gameplay of F.I.S.T. is addictive and satisfying, with a lot of emphasis on exploration, platforming, and combat. The world of F.I.S.T. is vast and rich with secrets, and every corner of the labyrinthine city is worth exploring. The combat system is especially well done, with various punches, combos like a fighting game, and special moves that Rayton can use to take down enemy machines. The game keeps introducing new enemies, abilities, and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.


Visuals: The art direction of F.I.S.T. is incredible, with each location designed with care and attention to detail. The graphics are eye-catching and create an immersive world that is full of life and character. It's really cute. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a symphonic score that adds to the game's grand and epic feeling.

From the opening scenes, it's clear to me that the developers have invested a great deal of time and energy into creating an immersive world that feels completely seamless. The mix of industrial machinery, steampunk aesthetics, and cyberpunk influences create a world so enthralling that you'll find yourself completely lost in its detail. The interplay of light and dark adds an extra layer of realism to this game that will leave me in awe. The animation receives some criticism due to lag in certain scenes when it comes to the dialog, but it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.



Replay Value: F.I.S.T., can be described as a Metroidvania-style video game with a lot of replay value. I don't believe it is possible for all of the secrets and locations to be explored in one sitting, without challenging my sleep schedule. This works because it makes the investment something we're able to enjoy over time.

In F.I.S.T., there are several factors that contribute to its replay value. Firstly, the game has multiple enemy types that differ in difficulty, so players can try different strategies to proceed through locations. There is also an easy difficulty setting if the challenge is too much.

The game also has a lot of collectibles and hidden areas that players may have missed on their first playthrough. These can be discovered on subsequent playthroughs, giving players a reason to return to the game. Additionally, the game has a lot of different combat and platforming mechanics that players can experiment with, which can make each playthrough feel fresh. This was a hook for me. 

F.I.S.T. has a lot of replay value, and players can derive a lot of enjoyment from playing through the game multiple times to discover all its secrets and different outcomes.

This is a small area of the world where the map has been uncovered.

In conclusion, F.I.S.T. (Forged In Shadow Torch) is an exceptional game that combines excellent storytelling, stunning visuals, exceptional acting, engaging gameplay, and an unforgettable world. It's a fantastic game that should be a part of every 2D platforming fan's collection. It's a must-play for anyone who loves platformers or action-adventure games.

Story 5

Gameplay 5

Visuals 5

Replay Value 5


5 out of 5 Cool Points


Sophima | Guest Contributor

All About Gamescom 2023 + Who's That Protagonist? The Yoga Master: Chapter 1

All About Gamescom 2023!

Take a look at the Gamescom Opening Night Live event, which is being hosted by (the host that's doing game shows the mostest) Geoff Keighley. This event features exciting new content, such as a fresh glimpse of Alan Wake 2, a reveal of campaign gameplay for Modern Warfare 3, the introduction of new characters in Mortal Kombat 1, a sneak peek at the next season of Diablo 4, innovative ways to play in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and a lot more as reported by GameSpot.

Every day of Gamescom can be found below, just come back and tune in.







Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar... Reviewed!

This Blu-ray was provided for review, my opinions are my own.

As someone who watched the Metalocalypse series on and off over the years, I was excited to check out this new film and see what dark adventure we were going to be rocking out to next. Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is dropping two full-length albums. Dethalbum IV will be released alongside the film, and the soundtrack will emerge on August 25th! This is how you take a creative approach to deliver more for your core audience in addition to the exclusive poster.

That's enough to butter me up, but this review is about the film so let's get to it!

Story: The plot revolves around the band Dethklok's journey in a wrap-up to the Metalocalypse series. If you aren't familiar with the show, it follows this Death Metal Rock Band, Dethklok, in a fictional universe where they're the world's most popular and successful group in the genre.

The group consists of Nathan Explosion (lead vocalist), Skwisgaar Skwigeif (lead guitar), Toki Wartooth (rhythm guitar), Pickles (drums), and William Murderface (bass). You get a satirical backstage, on-stage, center stage, and out-of-the-arena experience of the music industry when it comes to Dethklok. You aren't simply getting the death metal that fans crave, but also over-the-top violence (not recommended for kids), the language based on interactions between bandmates, rivals, and others (not recommended for kids), but also the various supernatural entities they encounter.

That brings us to Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar which takes place shortly after the events of The Doomstar Requiem. So, Dethklok is at a press conference to discuss their whereabouts and anticipated comeback after going dark for some time after saving Toki. You can still see the trauma of the previous ordeal which the group expressed only in the way Dethklok could before they (Nathan) announced a world tour that sent the fans into a frenzy.

Cut to the tour kick-off, and Nathan goes down after seeing flashes of horrifying visions by way of an apocalypse. Nathan takes a turn in this film to a certain extent, based on a love interest from season 4 (played by Janeane Garofalo). Not only does this challenge the lead vocalist, but he also finds himself sidetracked by writer's block that couldn't come at a worse time because he needs to write the "Song of Salvation".

The "Song of Salvation" is the only way to stop the Dark God Salacia (played by Mark Hamill) and the Tribunal from bringing about the end of times.

In this film, you will see Nathan fighting with his desire to put down the mic and live a life that doesn't consist of bandmates tagging along, in addition to the die-hard fans stalking them at every turn. This is a great thing to add because a number of fans may not understand that it's hard to live life away from the mic with fans who expect to see you in performance mode all the time.

This film isn't all about Nathan, you will also see William Murderface affected in this film as he almost works on the opposing side against their efforts. The way they were speaking to him didn't really help because no one is going to feel like they are part of the team getting ragged on. You will have to watch the film in order to find out how, and the way it plays out, but it's a worthwhile journey for any Metalocalypse fan and Death Metal fan to enjoy. It's epic and will make things whole after the hellish climb up the mountain.



Visuals: The animations for "Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar" are polished and maintain the look of the characters and the destructive style the franchise is known for. The special effects look great not only because of the destruction but also the supernatural powers displayed in the film by Dethklok, the Dark God Salacia, and others. I always got "King of the Hill" vibes from the art style but for an audience craving dark humor.



Audio: The voice acting is top-notch, drawing the viewer further into the world of Dethklok. The musical numbers had me strumming a back scratcher while rocking out, which doesn't make up the majority of the film, but it's not a musical. The special effects are great, and really the ambiance really brings this film to life as we make our way to the climax and beyond.

The audio is DTA-HD Master Audio and Dolby Digital in 5.1 surround sound.



Price + Extras: Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is available on Digital for $19.99, and Blu-ray + Digital* for $29.98. Canada has a Blu-ray for $39.99 but it doesn't even have a digital version. I don't think that's right, so the least they could do is give Canadians the soundtrack. Overall, this is a great film, and the poster makes it an even better package.

That would've been badass. If it were us, we would've made a collector's edition that includes the movie, the poster, the Official Soundtrack or Dethalbum IV, and a custom Dethklok guitar pick. How badass would that be?! That would be worth $50 in the U.S. with the Blu-ray, and $50 in Canada with both albums included. I just think that would be a great package.




Special Featurette: Behind the Metal Curtain - Dive deep into the making of Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar with interviews with show co-creator Brendon Small and his team of writers, animators, and musicians as they share the inspirations behind turning the hit Adult Swim series into its first feature film. This film is Rated R!

Overall, Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar is a must-watch for fans of the series. Its engaging plot, fantastic music, and stunning visuals come together to create a truly unforgettable experience that's worth adding to your collection. I'd put this right next to 1981's Heavy Metal. That's all I've got for this one without spoiling it, so grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and get ready to rock out with Dethklok.


Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price + Extras 5


5 out of 5 Cool Points
 + Blu 

Support us below!