Iron Fisticle
- September 15, 2014
- Confused Pelican
- 5h median play time
Get on SteamIron Fisticle is a modern take on 80s arcade arena shooters, featuring classic twin-stick gameplay with controller support and achievements. Its randomly generated dungeons provide a fresh experience in each play-through, and the game supports local co-op for two players. With multiple stats upgrades and weapon pick-ups, players can customize their playstyle as they fight through hordes of enemies and challenging boss fights.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Iron Fisticle is an addictive and entertaining twin-stick shooter that combines elements from classic games like Smash TV and Gauntlet, providing a nostalgic experience.
- The game features a solid upgrade system that allows for permanent enhancements, making each run feel rewarding and engaging as players progress.
- With its charming pixel art graphics, catchy soundtrack, and local co-op mode, Iron Fisticle is perfect for quick gaming sessions with friends.
- The game can become repetitive after a few hours, as the core gameplay loop lacks significant variety and depth.
- Some players have reported frustrating RNG elements, particularly with achievements and item drops, which can detract from the overall experience.
- The lack of online multiplayer and the need for a gamepad can limit accessibility for some players, making it less enjoyable for those who prefer keyboard controls.
- graphics41 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are predominantly praised for their charming and well-executed retro pixel art style, which resonates well with the fast-paced gameplay. Many reviews highlight the vibrant colors and detailed enemy designs, contributing to an engaging visual experience, while some note that the graphics, though appealing, may not be groundbreaking. Overall, the combination of nostalgic aesthetics and modern gameplay mechanics creates a visually satisfying experience for fans of the genre.
“The graphics are charming and well-done, the music and sound effects are basic but mesh really well, and the controls are tight and responsive.”
“The graphics are great and gameplay is fast-paced.”
“Beautiful 'retro-ish' graphics (16-bit style sprites, but with 32-bit color) and one of the best scanline filters I've seen (and the option to turn it off if you are weird).”
“Sweet graphics that I can only assume are trying to trick you.”
“Poor retro style graphics, offset with good mechanics.”
“In terms of aesthetics, it is okay but nothing to write home about.”
- gameplay40 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Iron Fisticle is characterized by its enjoyable loot collection mechanics and fast-paced, twin-stick shooter action, reminiscent of classic arcade games. While the game lacks tutorials and can feel repetitive at times, it offers a solid sense of progression through RPG elements and local co-op play, making it engaging for fans of the genre. Overall, players appreciate the charming retro graphics and tight controls, though some desire a faster pace and more depth in gameplay mechanics.
“Iron Fisticle keeps a great tempo the whole way through (it took me 11 hours to reach 100% completion, the last 3 or so being grinding for some RNG loot) and includes multiple mechanics to help you keep pace as the levels keep getting harder.”
“Pure classic arcade gameplay that exercises the player's hand-eye coordination, reflexes/reaction time, and area control, without the distracting, extraneous elements many developers have added to action games in the last 15 years.”
“The controls and the gameplay are fast and tight, the sense of progression is excellent, and the graphics are retrotastic.”
“No gameplay mechanics are explained; there is no tutorial, no tips, no nothing.”
“The gameplay can be difficult because it requires a gamepad or both hands over the keyboard; no mouse support.”
“I wish the gameplay was a little faster or something because as of right now there's plenty of other twin-stick shooters that I enjoy on Steam more than this one.”
- music32 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising its catchy, retro-inspired soundtracks that complement the graphics and gameplay. However, some users noted that the music can be repetitive and lacks variety, making it more suitable as background entertainment rather than a focal point. Overall, while the soundtrack enhances the gaming experience, it may not be memorable enough to stand out on its own.
“The soundtrack is excellent, and the graphics are top-notch pixel art.”
“Packed with nice retro graphics and catchy music, it’s a perfect game for quick 'defeating waves of enemies' sessions!”
“The music and sound effects are all top notch, and blend well together.”
“Music is a bit repetitive and could have used a handful more tracks.”
“The soundtrack is fairly retro dark electronic sounding, which is good, although possibly noticeably repetitive at the start.”
“Not super deep, innovative, or long, and you'll probably mute the music quickly.”
- replayability13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, driven by features like character progression, rogue-like randomness, and a retro leaderboard system. Players appreciate the challenge and depth, which encourage multiple playthroughs, although some note that long-term replay value may vary. The combination of upgrades and perfect controls enhances the sense of achievement, further contributing to its replayability.
“The rogue-like randomness of each room adds good replayability.”
“Great replay value because you can shop upgrades for the next run too.”
“Whatever the case, Iron Fisticle's long-term replay value isn't very high.”
“I love how you continue to improve your character over time; it really adds to the replayability factor.”
“I believe this adds to the replayability and complements the retro point/leaderboard grading system.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is seen as excessive and potentially detrimental, with players noting that while it can extend gameplay, it often leads to tedium, especially when upgrading weapons and seeking RNG loot. Although some mechanics help maintain a good pace, the reliance on grinding for power-ups and upgrades can make early levels feel unbalanced and repetitive. Overall, it serves as a mixed experience, suitable for casual play but potentially frustrating for those seeking a more streamlined progression.
“It's really grindy (may be intentional, but even if it is, in my opinion, it is quite a bad thing), because you can buy 'always start the game with (power-up)' and not only are there 5 of them (but to be honest only 1 really matters), they can also stack, and the amount of times they can stack depends on your level, which also is carried over runs.”
“You can purchase permanent power-ups for all subsequent runs, and the upshot of this is that it makes the game of Iron Fisticle (a) last longer and (b) be even more tedious for the first level, as you’re now overpowered for it.”
“The default weapon has both very low firing speed and range, which makes clearing rooms a chore more than anything else, and the player is expected to upgrade them through grinding.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story is a lighthearted and simplistic narrative that emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, making it suitable for casual play between more complex games. While it features engaging combat and loot mechanics, the backstory is considered trivial and somewhat absurd, focusing on a character's quest to retrieve stolen food.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Everything's in there: fighting your way through massive hordes of enemies in narrow places, nice boss fights, a wide variety of mobs, tons of loot, and a perfectly silly backstory.”
“Everything's in there: fighting your way through massive hordes of enemies in narrow places, nice boss fights, a wide variety of mobs, tons of loot, and a perfectly stupid backstory.”
“Plus there's a story about some dude chasing his stolen food!”
“It's something that's good for playing in between bigger games, when you need a break from storytelling and want something quick and simple.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, though some users have reported a minor issue where the initial splash screen freezes upon loading, requiring a left mouse button click to proceed. Other input methods do not seem to resolve this freeze, but it does not affect the overall gameplay experience.
“The only quirk was that when I load the game, the first splash screen freezes. Pressing the left mouse button lets it continue loading as normal; no other keys or gamepad buttons seemed to work, only the left mouse button.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is predominantly dark, enhanced by appealing pickups and weapon effects that add a touch of brightness to the overall experience.
“The game provides a fairly dark atmosphere, lightened by really nice pickups and weapon effects.”
“The immersive sound design and haunting visuals create an atmosphere that pulls you into the game's world.”
“Every corner of the environment is filled with details that enhance the eerie atmosphere, making exploration both thrilling and unsettling.”
