Fighting Force Collection brings a return to the era when beat 'em up games ruled consoles and PC, and the idea itself was simple: enter the level, smash everything that moves and enjoy the chaos. The collection includes Fighting Force and Fighting Force 2, two titles that tried to bring the arcade spirit to a 3D environment in the late 90s. After several evenings of playing and a total of about 7-8 hours spent in this collection, it is clear that this is primarily a nostalgic trip, but also an interesting insight into the development of action games.
The first Fighting Force is undoubtedly the star of the collection. The game throws you into the streets of a city full of enemies that you can beat with your fists, feet or anything you can get your hands on - from clubs and knives to crates and barrels. You control one of four characters, each with a slightly different fighting style, and the entire game can also be played in co-op mode, which used to be a huge plus. After a few hours of gameplay, the combat system feels simple, but surprisingly fun. Combinations of kicks, throws and the use of the environment give the game a charm that is rare today.
What is especially striking is the feeling of nostalgia. Hitting sounds, slightly clumsy animations and a camera that sometimes doesn't cooperate perfectly - all this brings back the time when such things were not a nuisance, but were part of the game's identity. If you played Fighting Force as a kid, chances are the very first levels will take you right back to the late 90s.
Fighting Force 2 tries to take things a step further, but the results are mixed. The game is more focused on missions, shooters and a slower pace, which makes it quite different from the first part. After a few hours it is clear that it lacks the raw energy of the original. The combat is less intuitive and the levels are often emptier and less exciting. Still, as part of a collection, Fighting Force 2 has its value because it shows how the developers tried to experiment and adapt to the new trends of the time.
Technically speaking, Fighting Force Collection isn't trying to play a modern game. The graphics have been minimally polished, but still clearly show their age. On the other hand, the controls are responsive enough, and the game behaves stably, which is the most important thing. After 6-10 hours of gameplay, it becomes clear that this collection is intended primarily for fans of the original and players who want to feel what 3D beat 'em up games used to look like.
In conclusion, Fighting Force Collection is not a title that will delight everyone, but those looking for a pure dose of nostalgia and simple action have a lot to offer. The first Fighting Force is still fun and addictive, while the second is more interesting as a historical footnote. If you love old games and want to go back in time for a moment - this is a collection that will put a smile on your face.
A copy of the PlayStation 5 version was provided by publisher Limited Run Games for review purposes
